What do you think new freelancers and consultants get stuck on that limits their success?
The key is to have people you've worked with who can bring you in to their org and vouch for you.
You have never converted a cold client? Has anyone done this before?
I haven’t needed to yet. Much harder if your reputation doesn’t precede you. Think about applying for a full time job. How much does it help having someone internal who can vouch for you to HR and the hiring manager? Consulting is no different.