Don’t Let Seasonal Work Leave You Broke — Keep Going with One Simple Move
Don’t let your industry slow season drain your business—reach out to past customers with smart, low-pressure offers that fill your schedule and keep cash flowing.
KickStart: Reach out to past clients with this phone script to jump start work in the slow season.
Let’s be honest here: there are few things worse than staring down a slow winter with no work and no money coming in. (My PTSD is kicking in just reflecting on my days “down in the trenches”!) And then that old voice started creeping in:
“I could’ve landed more regular customers…”
“I should’ve pushed those maintenance plans harder…”
“I would’ve done things differently if I’d known how dead January would be…”
Hey — we’ve all been there. But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to fix it!
To make it real- today let’s put you in the work boots of a window washing company to explore my favorite way to jump start work when you’re dead in the water!
The #1 Most Overlooked Winter Work Strategy?
Reach out to your past clients.
No, it’s not pushy. Nor do you need to sound desperate. (“Desperate” is always the kiss of death for a home service business!)
Instead, it is all about staying top of mind and offering something they actually want — without coming across like a telemarketer.
🗝️ NOTE: Think of this friendly, no-pressure call as a “friendly check-in with a bonus!”
Let me walk you through exactly what to say with this simple but powerful 4-Step Winter Call Script. You can use it over the phone, by text, or even in person if you’re in the neighborhood.
The 4-Step “Get More Winter Work” Script! (Example: Window Washing Company)
Step 1: Friendly Introduction
Keep it warm, light and personal while speaking slowly and clearly.
“Hi Mrs. Jones, this is Sally with ClearView Window Washing. We cleaned your windows last [insert month] — I’m just calling to check in. Did I catch you at a good time?”
You’re not diving into a pitch here. You’re just being polite and opening a conversation.
Step 2: Offer a Free Touch-Up or Bonus Product
This part gives you a reason to call. No one ever gets mad about free stuff. 😁
Option A – Free Spot Touch-Up:
“We always call our loyal client this time of year, Mrs. Jones, to offer a free ‘thank-you service’. We’d be delighted to swing by and clean your three windows with the most noticeable streaks, smudges, or spots — totally free. It’s just our way of saying thanks for choosing us!”
Option B – Refill Product Reminder:
“Remember that free bottle of our streak-free window spray we left with you last July? It is a white bottle and has a blue and red label with our contact info on it? If you're running low, Mrs. Jones, we’ll be happy to drop off a refill for free.”
💡 ProTIP: Address the client by name just before the most important part of your statement. This causes them to focus on and remember this part. (I’ll give you a moment to review the two options above and analyze where I call the client by name.)
Give your client a moment to respond. Everyone will be surprised and pleased — and they’ll remember your name next time their windows need to be cleaned.
Step 3: Gauge Their Needs
Now that you’ve opened the door, ease into a conversation.
“How are your windows looking now, Mrs. Jones? How are the hard water stains on those beautiful upper-story bay windows since we last cleaned them in September?”
💡ProTIP: Always review the customer’s last job before you call them to “customize” your conversation.
You're starting a casual consultation here while displaying personal interest. You’re the expert, so act like one — ask the right questions and listen carefully.
Step 4: Make a Low-Risk, High-Value Offer
Based on what their answers are, this is where you gently introduce a quick service with real value.
“You know, Mrs. Jones, now that you mention it, we’re running a ‘Winter Touch-Up Special’ — we’ll re-clean the main exterior windows we did last time for half price. So, for you... let me see here (pause for “calculating time”) with our 50% off special that will be only $143.20, and the light will stream in to your home again! I’ve got a truck in your area next Tuesday, Mrs. Jones… want me to put you on the schedule?”
💡ProTIP: Let your voice trail off a bit at the end — it invites a response naturally.
Bonus Tips That Make a Difference
Use a friendly voice — not a sales voice. If you sound like you’re just checking in, not pushing a sale, people respond way better.
Have someone else make the call. A tech’s spouse, office manager, or even another team member calling makes it feel more natural — and less “Hey, I’m begging for work.”
Use text messages if calls aren’t your thing. This exact script works great via text too. Shorten it a bit, make it casual, and hit send!
Have their past invoice ready. Know what they paid last time so you can quote their “half-off” price without fumbling.
Follow up. If they don’t answer leave a warm, scripted voicemail (never just hang up) follow up the next day. You’re not being pushy — you’re being professional. (This topic deserves its very own KickStart!) 😁
Why This “Reaching Out Strategy” Works
Because most of your competitors are sitting around all winter doing NOTHING! 😱
But you? You’re staying visible, helpful, and professional.
Even if only a handful of your customers bite, that’s dozens of hours of work you wouldn’t have had otherwise! (And potentially $1,000.00’s in “bonus cash flow”!)
🗝️ NOTE: At the very worst even if you don’t close a 50% off special you are “priming the pump” for those repeat jobs that keep coming back every spring, summer, and fall!
The KickStart Line
Winter (or whenever your incoming calls slow down) doesn’t have to be dead for your business. Instead...
Be ready. 1) Make a list of your past clients. 2) Pick up the phone (or start texting). 3) Offer something helpful. 4) Stay in front of them to stay booked up!
And most importantly — don’t let “coulda, shoulda, woulda” become your winter anthem this year.🎶
 | A guest post by
|