Mike,
I have only had time to briefly scan the thread so I may repeat something someone has already said.

I'm only about 2 years into this, and I had the very same conversation.....I was frustrated, discouraged, tired and wondering why. BUT I kept going...and all of the best marketing came from WORD OF MOUTH. It takes longer, but it is THE BEST referral system you can get.

Also important in marketing is to get involved. This is tough when you have a full time job as well, ( I am also running my upholstery business to pay the bills while American Pacific Awards continues to grow) but at a minimum join your local chamber, if you military obligations ( thank you for seving by the way) do not preclude you from that. Or better yet join a Rotary Club or other service organization.....not only will you meet new people, make new friends, you will serve your community while all the time BUILDING your business.

Another marketing tool is to follow up IMMEDIATELY when someone enquires about your products/services. I am guilty of NOT doing that and it has cost me some contracts and sales.....so I am getting better at that.

Sometimes it seems there are not enough hours in the day, BUT it all seems to come together at the end of the day.

When I got started, I was impatient, hurried, and being a typical American I WANTED IT NOW!!!! Well, it didn't happen, BUT it IS happening now.....and each day it happens a little faster, and a little faster.....and it will happen for you

Oh, one more thing, right behind word of mouth the yellow page ad I have is my biggest contact generator.

Good luck Mike, you WILL succeed, it will just take some time.
Sorry for the long post........

Just my two cents. Want change?