Running a service-based business with ADHD can feel like a rollercoaster (said by a fellow ADHD entrepreneur who has been there). Between getting distracted by new ideas and managing the day-to-day grind, figuring out how to bring in (and keep) clients can sometimes feel overwhelming. The key is making the process as ADHD-friendly as possible and finding what works for you. Think simple steps, repeatable strategies, and a focus on building lasting relationships.

Today, I’m going to show you practical ways to find new clients, keep your current ones happy, and even bring back some past clients who haven’t worked with you in a while. Let’s break it down into bite-sized, actionable steps.

Step 1: Tap Into Your Network

Your network is a goldmine for finding clients, especially if you’re starting out, but this can also benefit seasoned entrepreneurs. I’m not just talking about close friends and family—think bigger—because your loved ones, while they may want to support you, they likely don’t really get it. Reach out to people you’ve worked with in your business in the past, and other connections you’ve made through your business. Chances are good that current and past clients know others who can benefit from working with you. They can also be the best referral source because they know exactly what it’s like working with you!

Here’s how to get started:

• Make a list: Think about who you want to reach out to. Start by brainstorming for 10-15 minutes, and write down every name you can think of. It can also be helpful to look through any systems you have, like any booking software or CRM tools you use. Your phone contacts could also be a good place to look for inspiration.

• Craft a message starting point: You don’t want to copy and paste to everyone, but you also don’t want to start from zero with each message. Create a short, casual message to let people know what you do. Don’t overthink it—something like “Hey! I wanted to let you know that I’m offering [service] now. If you or anyone you know could use help with this, I’d love to chat.”

• Reconnect: Take time to nurture your existing relationships. A quick catch-up coffee or Zoom call goes a long way to help keep you in mind with others. By continually working to lay the groundwork with your connections, you will be top of mind when they (or someone they know) need your services.

ADHD Tip: Use a CRM tool or a simple spreadsheet to track who you’ve reached out to and follow up regularly without letting it slip through the cracks. If you have an online booking tool like Acuity, you may even be able to use automation to have a spreadsheet automatically update when someone books a new meeting with you. Zapier is a great tool to use for automation like this.

Step 2: Create a Client-Referral System

Referrals are one of the easiest ways to bring in new clients without a ton of extra effort. When someone refers a friend or other connection to you, they’re already halfway convinced that you’re the right fit. Having a referral system can help encourage others to share about you to their networks.

Here’s how:

• Offer referral incentives: You can encourage clients and friends to refer people your way by offering a discount or bonus service for any referrals they send. This can turn referrals into a win-win situation. You get a new client, and the person who referred you gets a little something, too.

• Share about your referral program: Sometimes, people just need a nudge. When reaching out to ask for referrals or at the end of a successful project or service, let people know when they can gain by referring people to you.

• Be clear: It’s important to be clear about when someone can earn a referral bonus. Is it if someone they refer reaches out to you, or only if someone signs up to work with you?

ADHD Tip: Set a reminder to ask for referrals at the end of every project or service. To make it easier, create an email template that you copy and paste so it’s easy.

Step 3: Leverage Social Media (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new clients, but it’s easy to get lost in doom scrolling. Instead of spending hours keeping up with every platform, pick one or two you enjoy using and where your potential clients hang out.

Here’s how to do it:

• Share valuable content: Instead of constantly promoting your services, share tips, behind-the-scenes stories, or personal experiences. This builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.

• Don’t forget to promote: Yes, sharing value and building trust is important, but you also need to share about what you do, the results someone can expect from working with you, and what someone should do if they are interested in what you offer. ADHD can often mean that we worry about sharing how awesome we are, but think about it this way: if someone needs what you do, and you never talk about it, they might stay stuck!

• Show up consistently: Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean you have to post every day. Consistency is different for everyone! Pick a schedule that works for you and try to stick with it.

ADHD Tip: Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to batch your social media content ahead of time. This way, you can stay consistent without feeling glued to your phone. And don’t be afraid to repeat what has worked in the past. By checking your social media insights, you can see what has worked and make a few tweaks and have a whole new post!

Step 4: Collaborate With your peers

Finding new clients doesn’t always mean you have to do it alone. Partnering with other service providers who complement your expertise can open the door to more opportunities.

Here’s how to do it:

• Find complementary businesses: Think about businesses that serve the same audience but don’t compete with your services. For example, as a financial coach, a few businesses I could partner with are business consultants, bookkeepers, and financial advisors.

• Reach out for collaborations: Propose co-hosting a webinar, creating a joint resource, or even offering package deals where both of you provide your services to the same client.

• Other collaboration opportunities: Guesting on podcasts, writing articles for a peers blog, or offering to create some tips for an upcoming email can also be great ways to get your name out there to more potential clients.

ADHD Tip: Set a quarterly goal to reach out to at least two new potential collaborators. This helps build momentum without feeling overwhelming.

Step 5: Nurture Your Existing Clients

It’s easy to focus all your energy on getting new clients, but nurturing the ones you already have and thinking of new ways you can support them is just as important. Happy clients are not only more likely to stay with you, but they’re also more likely to refer you to others.

Here’s how to do it:

• Check-in regularly: If your work is project-based, set reminders to follow up with clients every few months after finishing a project. Ask how they’re doing and if there’s anything else you can help with.

• Offer ongoing support: If your service can be done on a recurring basis, offer maintenance packages or subscription services. This will keep clients coming back and create consistent income for you, but it will also help your clients be more likely to succeed because they have ongoing support.

ADHD Tip: Set calendar reminders or automate follow-up emails to check in with clients. Systems like this take the pressure off your brain to remember everything.

Step 6: Attend Networking Events (In-Person or Online)

As much as we ADHDers can dread networking events, they can be a great way to meet new clients. The trick is finding events that align with your interests and don’t feel like a chore to attend.

Here’s how to do it:

• Look for niche events: Whether it’s a local business meetup or an online webinar, find events that speak to your industry or client base.

• Follow up after meeting people: Meeting people is just the first step—sending a follow-up message within 24-48 hours is key. Even a simple, “It was great meeting you at [event], would love to stay in touch!” can go a long way.

ADHD Tip: Set a limit on how many events you attend each month or each quarter so you don’t get overwhelmed. One or two high-quality events are often better than a ton of random ones.

Step 7: Offer Free or Low-Cost Workshops

If you’re struggling to find clients, offering free or low-cost workshops can be a great way to showcase your expertise and build trust with potential clients.

Here’s how to do it:

• Pick a topic that solves a problem: Offer a workshop that tackles a common issue your clients face. For example, if you’re a virtual assistant, you could offer a workshop on time management tools for entrepreneurs.

• Use the workshop as a gateway: At the end of the workshop, mention that you’re available for more in-depth services if they found the content helpful.

ADHD Tip: Record your workshop and reuse it as a lead magnet later. This will save you time and give potential clients something to engage with.

Step 8: Make It Easy for People to Contact You

Sometimes, getting clients can be as simple as making it easy for them to reach you. If your website or social media profiles don’t have clear contact information, you might miss out on potential clients. I know personally that I am much more inclined to reach out to book with someone if I can do it on my own using a scheduling tool. I do not want to have to message back and forth about a time that works, especially if we are in two different time zones!

Here’s how to do it:

• Add a call to action everywhere: Whether on your website, social media, or email signature, make sure people can easily reach out.

• Streamline the booking process: Use tools like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling to let clients book consultations directly without a lot of back-and-forth emails.

• Provide as much clarity as you can: While not necessarily related to making it easy to contact you, I love to get an idea of the services offered and the pricing from a website before I take the next steps. If there isn't alignment on services or pricing, this can help save both the potential client and the business time.

ADHD Tip: Keep your contact info and booking link handy so you can drop it into messages quickly without searching for it.

Getting clients doesn’t have to be complicated—especially for ADHDers, simplicity and finding what works for you are key. By building relationships, leveraging referrals, and finding tools to help you be consistent, you can keep your service-based business growing without getting overwhelmed.

Take it one step at a time, and remember: it’s all about progress, not perfection. Keep nurturing those relationships, and the clients will come!