I read a wonder post on Freelance Folder on gaining and keeping clients during a recession. The job losses over the last two years are staggering and competition amongst freelancers and small business owners is fierce. When prospects have the opportunity to choose from many businesses offering the same services, it becomes harder to stand out in the crowd. Excellent customer service is a great at helping businesses retain customers, but how do we gain customers.
You can read the post Retention During The Recession: 20 Ways to Get And Keep More Clients from freelance folder.
To this I want to add the benefit of volunteering.
Volunteering: Volunteering your time and services is a great way to gain new clients and benefit the community at the same time. As a volunteer, you will come to know people that are outside of your normal circle of associates. Even if they are unable to utilize your services, they may know of others who can. Another benefit is that people recommend people they know and like and although they may know personally of the services you offer, many will recommend you because they have had a good experience volunteering alongside you and appreciate the job you have done volunteering.
What techniques are you using to gain new customers?
What are you doing to retain the customers you currently have?
