We’ve all had those moments when business gets slow. You may be exhausted after a flood of clients, but you know you have to network your butt off to get more clients to meet your monthly quota. We’ve all been there.
Recently, I created a training course and turned away new projects as I got closer to my launch date. It was a big mistake because that project didn’t make as much money as I would have liked. After the launch, I had to come up with a game plan.
If there’s one thing I can take away from my recent experience, it’s this: you have to find time to look for new projects and clients, and revisit your existing client list to make sure you have a consistent stream of income.
Let’s face it, although we do what we do because we love it, we also have to run a business…and that requires income.
Here are 15 ways to generate income when business is slow so you can get out of that slump.
- Contact your past clients and talk to them about new products or services you can provide.
- Reach out to friends and family for referrals.
- Reach out to subcontractors you have worked with to see if they need help on their projects.
- Run a referral or affiliate program.
- Reach out to your newsletter list (as a group or individually).
- Network and see where you can help others with advice or a free offer.
- Ramp up your social media outreach.
- Guest post on blogs where your potential clients would hang out.
- Use sites like Elance, Odesk or blur Group.
- Teach a free class locally.
- Host a webinar.
- Let your colleagues and online connections know you’re looking for work so they can be on the lookout for new opportunities for you.
- Reach out to those who you really want to work with, including past consultations.
- Run a special offer or discount your current services and products.
- Talk to business coaches or local facilities.
Here’s a bonus: Email or visit local businesses!
Now it’s your turn! Have you ever been in a slump where business was really slow? If so, how did you get out of it?