How to Survive Sh!tsville

AKA Client Retention and Acquisition in a Shaky Market

I reckon down markets must resemble the last single person at a swingers party.

You’ve got to work twice as hard to stand out because everyone’s already loved up.

That’s the Wellington market right now—tight budgets, cautious clients and more agencies knocking on doors than a Jehova’s Witness campaign.

But tough markets don’t scare us, right? Right??

They just force us to get creative. So, let’s talk about keeping the clients you’ve got and bringing new ones on board without losing your sanity.

Retaining the Ones Who Already Like You

Ok so client retention is like keeping plants alive. Some are hardy and thrive no matter what, while others need constant love and the right amount of sunlight. And yes, I’m still learning how to keep my houseplants alive.

I suggest approaching the “high-maintenance ferns” in your client roster like so:

Be Proactive

Don’t wait for clients to come to you with concerns. Check in before they have a chance to question the relationship. It doesn’t have to be complicated—a quick email or a coffee catch-up goes a long way. If they’re cutting costs, figure out how to adapt your services to keep them on board.

Show Them the Money

When budgets are tight, clients want to know they’re getting bang for their buck. Highlight your wins. Show them how your placements saved them time, cut training costs, or boosted team performance. Make your value so obvious they’d feel guilty letting you go.