Direct email and mass email campaigns are essential. Having a strong email list can be make or break for a company during its first year. Generally, any email open/click is followed by a phone call from a salesperson within 24-36 hours of the email blast. Something piqued their curiosity.
I've found that social events/meetups aren't all that useful unless they're directly related to your industry. Actually, I discovered that meetups were places where I never advertised or talked about what I did; instead, I spent more time learning about everyone else.
Because the exchange is open 24 hours a day, a currency speculator can work effectively: at night, when Japan is actively trading; during the day, alongside European market participants; and in the evening, when American traders are active. One thing is certain: you cannot do without a directory of professional services such as how to create an online marketplace or something similar. Really.