Local clubs and professional organizations are a great place to advertise your business. Recently I was asked to speak on a local radio show. This led to speaking in front a woman’s business organization, etc. Get yourself out there and promote your business. Helping local charities is also a good way to get out and meet people, help the community, and give a presentation at events. You may not get as many leads at charity functions as you would at trade shows and conventions, but you will create a positive image for your business in the community. People are recommended because they are local or because they are involved with a charity. Charities make it in the local press which can mean good PR for your business. I also recommend this article from Lean Frog on using Lean to get PR.

The point of all this is to get out in the community and make yourself, and your business, visible. The more people see and hear you the more they are likely to want to hear you speak. I’m assuming you have something interesting to say.