Hey there, small business owners! I know how running a business can be especially tough business is slow. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this article, you’re going to get five ways to find new clients when your business is running slow. And, as a bonus, we promise not to tell you to just “show up on social media” – we know you’re tired of hearing that. So, let’s get started!
Leverage Existing Networks
Do you know what Rihanna and Beyoncé have in common (other than being absolute queens)? They both have massive networks of friends and colleagues that they’ve built up over the years. And guess what? You probably do too! Don’t be afraid to tap into these networks to find new clients. Send some personalized emails, make a few phone calls, or schedule some virtual coffee chats. And remember, building genuine relationships and providing value is key.
Attend Conferences and Networking Events
We know what you’re thinking: “Ugh, another Zoom call?” But hear us out! Attending online conferences and networking events can be a great way to meet potential clients and get your business out there. Just like watching the latest Netflix series (Anyone else watching Luther?), attending virtual events has become the new norm. So, dust off your elevator pitch, grab your business cards, and get ready to make some new connections.
Utilize Referral Programs
Do you have small kids at home? They probably know a thing or two about word-of-mouth marketing. It’s amazing how they tell each other about the latest toys they using, or the highest score they recently achieved on Mario Kart. Even if you don’t have a little human or fur baby, definitely, take a page out of their book and start a referral program! Incentivize your existing clients to refer their friends and family by offering discounts or exclusive access to new products or services. You’ll be surprised at how effective this strategy can be. Especially because it’s a win-win for everyone: they get a little cash to burn on Doordash, and you get some cash flowing through your biz. Everyone is happy!
Collaborate with Other Businesses
Are you an introvert who prefers to stay behind the scenes? No problem! If you’re anything like me, you truly enjoy working solo and it’s probably been a while since you’ve rubbed elbows with actual people. Collaborating with other businesses in your industry or complementary fields can be a great way to find new clients without having to put yourself out there too much. Whether it’s a joint webinar, co-branded product or service, or cross-promotion, there are plenty of opportunities to team up with other businesses and reach new audiences.
Offer a Free Trial or Sample
Do you enjoy reading a juicy murder mystery in your free time? If so, you’ve probably hopped on those free trials that Audible offers to hook you in and ultimately you ended up subscribing to their monthly service. Why not use the same strategy in your biz? Offering a free trial or sample of your product or service can be a great way to attract new clients. Just like a good romance novel, you’ll want to structure the sample period to keep potential clients engaged and interested. And, of course, don’t forget to follow up afterward to turn those freebies into paying clients.
Summary
In summary, running a small business can be challenging, especially when business is slow. However, there are several ways to find new clients without relying on social media. One strategy is to leverage your existing network of friends and colleagues. Another strategy is to attend virtual conferences and networking events to meet potential clients. You can also implement referral programs, collaborate with other businesses, or offer a free trial or sample to attract new clients. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of finding new clients and growing your business.
And there you have it – five ways to find new clients when your business is running slow. We hope these strategies have given you some inspiration and motivation to keep pushing forward. And, as always, remember to stay true to yourself and your business – because there’s no one quite like you!
