10 Ways for Independent Contractors to Navigate Slow Business Periods

As an independent contractor, your workload can change from month to month. Some days, you might be busy with projects and meetings, while others can be completely quiet. Slow periods can happen for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, holidays, shifts in consumer preferences, or gaps in your client pipeline.

To bounce back during slow periods and get business booming again, follow these six tips to make the most of your downtime. Not only can you work on improving your business operations, but you can also build relationships that help you win more clients.

Turning Slow Seasons Into Growth Opportunities: How to Attract New Clients

1. Connect With Past Clients

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I get more clients?” the answer might be right in front of you. When business is slow, a personalized email or phone call can be an effective way to remind clients that you’re available for work.

Send a friendly email or give past clients a call asking how they are doing, if they have any questions on the last project you completed for them, or if they need any new work. They just may surprise you with an opportunity for a new project.

Check Out: 7 Ways Independent Contractors Can Win More Clients

2. Create New Content

If you have some downtime in between projects, try producing content to attract new clients. You might write an e-book or white paper about a relevant topic in your industry and then add it to your website as a free download. Long-form content can help position you as a subject matter expert in your field.

You can use the e-book or white paper download to build your email marketing list. This will help broaden your online audience and build your client base.

3. Volunteer or Offer Pro Bono Work

When business is slow, it’s important to continually grow your professional network and keep your creative juices flowing. Volunteer to do some pro bono work for a nonprofit organization or offer to teach a workshop or course for a local school or business center. You’ll make new connections, show off your talents, and do some good while you’re at it.

Volunteering can help you get your name out there and create new connections. These connections could potentially lead to attracting new clients, as you build relationships while contributing to a cause.

Explore: How to Give Back on a Budget When You’re Self-Employed

4. Expand Your Professional Network

If business slows down during times like the holidays, use this as an opportunity to network. Reach out to friends and colleagues for recommendations on helpful connections in your field. If there’s someone you’ve been meaning to connect with on LinkedIn, see if a mutual contact can make an introduction.

There are many ways to meet people who can support your career. You can also look for local networking events, talks, or meetups to make valuable connections and expand your professional network.

5. Partner With Another Independent Contractor

While your business may be slow, one of your past or current colleagues might be experiencing a busier period. Teaming up with another independent contractor to share business can be a great way to find new clients. Reach out to your network to see if someone needs assistance on an upcoming project or help pass leads back and forth if someone has too much on their plate.

You might also consider partnering with someone whose work complements your own. For example, a writer could collaborate with a graphic designer, allowing both of you to offer a more comprehensive range of services to potential clients.

Take the Next Step: Build Your Independent Business Through Teaming

6. Review Your Business Plan

Building a client base as an independent contractor starts with a great business plan. But when’s the last time you looked at it? A slow period can be a great opportunity to review your business plan and update your goals.

Take a moment to reflect on your values and goals to ensure they align with where your career is headed. Use these questions to guide you as you create your business plan:

• Why did you start your business, and do those reasons still hold true?
• How have your business values evolved over time, and should they be updated?
• What steps can you take to reconnect with your core values?
• Are you on track to meet your short- and long-term business goals?
• If not, what specific actions can you take to achieve them?

Need help making a business plan? We’ve got you covered!

7. Update Your Online Presence

Updating your online presence can be a challenge during busy times, so take advantage of slower periods to refresh your social media profiles, blog, digital portfolio, or personal website.

Pro tip: Plan and schedule content like blog posts or social updates in advance, and ensure your branding is consistent across platforms. A polished and proactive marketing strategy will keep your business visible and help attract potential clients, making this a valuable use of your downtime.

Joining an online talent marketplace like MBO’s can also expand your reach to potential clients. Establishing a presence in job marketplaces gives you an opportunity to promote your skills and experience and showcase your business.

8. Explore New Service Offerings

If business is slow due to a lack of projects or clients, it may be time to explore new service offerings. Start by evaluating your target audience. Are you connecting with them in the right way and through the right channels? If not, you might need to adjust your approach to better align with the services you’re offering.

To win more business, consider supplementing your core services with offerings like online products, training courses, or subscription-based content. You could restructure your services to a recurring model, such as offering monthly retainers or service packages.

You might also think about restructuring your services into a recurring model. Offering clients a monthly retainer or package can help create a steady income stream and build long-term business relationships.

9. Pursue Client Testimonials

A strong client testimonial can boost your business credibility and attract new clients, but it can take time to gather. Use slower periods to reach out to past clients with whom you have good relationships.

You can make it easy for your clients to provide feedback by offering options such as a feedback form, a short video testimonial, or collaborating on a brief case study. This will result in a strong endorsement of your ability to deliver quality work, which can help attract new clients and build your reputation.

Discover: 5 Ways to Get Client Testimonials

10. Learn Something New

A few extra hours in the day can go far. Consider taking a class, pursuing a certification, or learning how to use a new technology. Not only will you be able to add this skill to your resume, but you may also find inspiration in your newfound abilities and generate some ideas to help you start attracting more clients.

Business growth for independent contractors is about thinking outside the box and exploring different opportunities. Trying out something new helps contractors like you attract clients, improve services, and build lasting success.

How to Find Work As an Independent Contractor

The next time your business hits a slow stretch, don’t hit the panic button. Apply a few of these tips, take a step back, and make the most of your downtime.

If you’re struggling with how to find new clients, MBO’s talent marketplace can help you discover opportunities tailored to your skills and expertise. You can explore job matches that align with your experience and professional goals. For more information, check out MBO’s website for the latest opportunities.