[swatcoder]

Do you know what your clients look like? You know the technology you like to work with, but can you characterize the people who would contract out that work to you? Can you describe the kind of projects they pursue?

If you can narrow down your niche by identifying these factors, you can make your cold outreach more effective. You might even be able to market yourself through targeted advertising or by attending community events and conferences centered on your clients' interests.

The other approach is to go back to work but at a contracting/consulting firm or design agency. There, you'll accumulate a network of clients which you can mine for referrals and work later on. You'll also learn more about what it takes to sell and deliver as an independent freelancer.

[AnancyDotWS]

Thanks for the response! esp. for the point about knowing what my clients look like. I have a vague idea, but I think maybe I need to work more on making that image clearer and more focused.