Q&A: Downturns and pro bono work

- [Lauren] Hi, I'm Lauren Bacon…and welcome to this week's edition of the Web Career Clinic,…where I explore how to build a career you love…making good stuff on the web.…It's time for another member question.…Today's question is, how do you promote and grow…your business in slow times?…Well, this may sound obvious but I recommend…focusing first on whatever has gained you…the most customers in the past.…So if you generally have a lot of repeat business,…reach out to your existing clients…and find out if there are ways that you can support them.…

If your email list has been a valuable source of leads,…then focus there and make sure…that you're writing the best possible emails you can.…If you get a lot of referrals from other freelancers,…set up some coffee dates or phone calls…with the people who sent you clients…and let them know that you're available.…The second piece of advice I have is…be genuine and be generous.…What that means in practical terms is work on stuff…that interests you and share it with people.…