First time broker / Asking Advice

I spent years on the carrier and dispatcher side, built solid relationships with several mega brokers, and now I've made the full jump to brokerage. Shop is set up and I'm ready to move freight.

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Beyond cold calling and emailing shippers, what methods have actually worked for you to land shipper business? Referrals, LinkedIn, load boards, trade shows, reverse prospecting; what's actually moved the needle for you?

I'm also planning to specialize early in flatbed, hazmat, and reefer. My logic is that going deep in niche modes builds credibility faster than being a generalist from day one.

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Honest question: Smart move for a first-timer, or am I biting off too much across three specialized modes at once? Should I pick one and master it first?

Thick skin, no sugarcoating needed. Drop your wisdom below.