Offer the first month of service for free. If they’re not delighted, they don’t pay. If you perform well, they agree to a year’s service in advance. Again, you’re building cash flow.
Start working on renewals three to six months before the service expires. Offer special rates for advance renewals.
Mail special offers to new business start-up (look in the newspaper for DBA’s) and professionals of all kinds in your area.
Ask the local office supply store to send an endorsement letter to their customers, recommending that if anyone needs a good answering service, they should hire you.