3 Proven Strategies to Get More Clients During Slow Times (Small Business Edition)
Every business goes through slow periods. Your regular customers get busy with life, referrals stop coming in, and suddenly, your revenue starts dipping. But the good news is, you don’t have to stay stuck. There are proven strategies you can use to attract new clients and reconnect with old ones to keep your business growing.
In this post, I’ll share three powerful ways to get out of a slow season and take your business to the next level.
1. Get Out and Network
One of the best ways to generate new business is by meeting new people—but not in a salesy way. Building genuine relationships can open up opportunities you never expected.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
Attend local business meetups. Platforms like Eventbrite and local Facebook groups list networking events where you can meet other business owners.
Go with an open mindset. The key is to connect first and sell later. People are more likely to trust you when they don’t feel like they’re being pitched to right away.
Bring business cards. After a natural conversation, most people will ask for your card or social media handle. This makes future connections effortless.
Example: I work with small business owners, so when business slows down, I start attending local networking events where I know my ideal clients will be. I don’t go there to sell—I go to introduce myself, learn about others, and build relationships. 99% of the time, people ask for my business card and want to work together later.
2. Reconnect with Old Clients
Most businesses make the mistake of only reaching out to past customers when they want to sell something. But if you want your clients to care about you, you need to care about them first.
Ways to reconnect with past clients:
Send a friendly message. A simple “Hey, how have you been?” can go a long way.
Celebrate milestones. Send a birthday card or acknowledge important moments in their lives.
Show genuine interest. Check in without expecting anything in return. People appreciate authenticity, and when they need your service again, you’ll be the first person they think of.
Example: A photographer might reach out to past wedding clients just to check in on how they’re doing, ask about their family, or see if they need updated photos. This small effort keeps the relationship alive and increases the chances of future bookings or referrals.
3. Host a Free Event
A free event is a fantastic way to attract new leads while also offering value. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be fancy.
How to create a valuable free event:
Choose a topic that helps your audience. If you’re a social media manager, host a free workshop on “How to Create Engaging Instagram Reels.”
Keep it simple. A small workshop, a live Q&A, or a free consultation session can be enough to build trust and start new conversations.
Engage with attendees. People who show up are already interested in what you offer. Use this time to connect and build relationships rather than focusing on selling.
Example: A fitness coach could host a free community workout at a local park. The goal isn’t to sell personal training packages—it’s to introduce people to your expertise, create trust, and generate high-quality leads naturally.
Final Thoughts
Slow seasons are part of business, but they don’t have to stop your growth. By networking with new people, reconnecting with past clients, and offering free value, you can keep the momentum going and continue expanding your business.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite way to find new clients and bring back old ones? Drop a comment below and let’s share ideas!
