If you're a freelancer of any stripe, getting new business is an ongoing battle. Freelancers are usually too busy doing the work to take on the business development task. Not to mention that most freelancers aren't born salespeople.

Since most new business comes from word-of-mouth, you need to set aside a certain amount of time each week to network and build relationships.

Short-Term Jobs

No problem taking lower-paying gigs that aren’t your bread and butter. Just don't make that your standard type of work or you'll burn out quickly. Yes, you sometimes need to accept a quick project, especially when just starting out. Over time, aim at building that deep network of relationships that provides a more predictable level of work.

Online Resources

You can find many resources on the Web to solve both problems: short-term projects and long-term networking.

Short-Term Projects

It doesn’t hurt to register on these sites and post your resume or skill set. Some do require a fee for certain levels of service or higher paying jobs. You decide what you're willing to do. Go for the free service first and if you like the site, you can consider the paid option.

eLance

Craigslist

Guru.com

FreelanceSwitch

JobFox

Writers Row

Sologig

FreelanceJobs.org

DesignQuote.net

Coroflot.com

Management, Marketing, and Business Consultants

For management, marketing, and other business consultants, check out consulting companies who often look for independent consultants:

Crimson Consulting

eWork Markets

Cambridge Consulting

Mainstream Job Boards

Some of the mainstream job boards post contract work in addition to permanent positions.

Monster.com

Dice.com

HotJobs

Building Relationships

For longer-term success, work on your networking skills and relationship building. There’s really no substitute for having a good network of trusted associates. Online, the place to start is with the social networking sites. Specifically, try:

LinkedIn

FaceBook

Another way to build up relationships is to develop your credibility as an expert in your field of expertise. This is a longer process, but many freelancers have found this worthwhile. Get involved in article marketing, or just sign up to be an expert on some sites like:

HubPages

Yahoo! Answers

Kasamba

AllExperts