I have done everything that you've listed above and come up with very similar results to what you've listed. There are two things that have brought me most of my clientele; referrals (no shocker there), and just being involved in groups/organizations that I would be involved in regardless of my business.
People deal with their friends and people that they like. Networking groups (save for the CP one!!) are not really worth anything these days, and you're right advertising is very expensive and does not produce much in terms of results. I have another approach that we are trying out now...if it generates some good stuff then I'll let you know!
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