Every business needs to ensure that they are keeping the wolves from the door with a successful sales acquisition strategy. But how can smaller business compete with the big boys and their bigger marketing and advertising budgets? Any business can get a leg up on the competition - with a little effort.

Here are three best ways to land a client.

1. Make sure you're reaching out personally.

Glad-handing is the name of the game these days. It's more important than ever not to leave it to subordinates to secure a corporate client. Face time is how businesses of all sizes demonstrate that an account is more than just a name and does in fact have true value to a business. Businesses should never under estimate the value of the personal touch, after all behind very business are human beings. Showing 'skin in the game' adds value, sincerity and demonstrates a high level of commitment. 

2. Partner with complementary businesses.

The idea of a co-operative of small businesses is one that has been around for a while, however if executed well it can be a highly effective method for competing with much larger companies.

For example, four small businesses got together to form a one-stop shop for corporate clients looking to fit out and build retail shops. The driving force behind this was the director of the company which provides the materials to build a retail store. He made sure he partnered with firms that he could trust and could provide a crucial contribution, such as architectural drawing, general contracting and custom carpentry. Each firm drew up lists of prized clients and shared them with each other. As a group, they present a united front to corporate clients, who are typically used to dealing with 20 or so different vendors and provide them with a viable one-stop shop alternative.

3. Hire well-connected talent.

As a result of downsizing, some small businesses are able to hire former employees of competitors who were leading and managing valuable vendor accounts. Whenever the ecosystem is disrupted, there's always an opportunity for the companies that are smarter, nimbler and more opportunistic. This provides businesses with a great insight into potential new clients, the industry at large and can sometimes lead to businesses taking off in new directions.