How did you get your first clients?

I have been photographing for non-profit companies for a while and so my prices are dramatically lower than my competitors. My specialties include event photography, staff head/bust shots and company locations. I really want to branch out as much as possible into commercial photography and photojournalism. I have no idea how to approach companies or even what I would need to charge a typical company. If anyone has any experience in this arena, I would really appreciate tips and/or advice. How did you get started? How did you approach possible clients?

Thanks,
Keri Generalao
www.barmodemedia.com

My thoughts - though bear in mind I'm not full-time and paying all my bills with this yet.

1) Get your portfolio in order, with the best shots of the photography that you want to sell. This doesn't necessarily mean your favorite shots, or the ones that were a fantastic challenge that you overcame .. make your portfolio out of the shots that demonstrate your ability to shoot exactly what you want to sell.

2) Join local networking groups, be excited, enthusiastic, and confident about your skill and product, and sell yourself.

I guess "Word of mouth" should be number one.

I have to have a password to see your visual examples? Really?