No Tech Contracts This Summer? Here’s Why — and What to Do Next (Without Stressing Out)
This summer felt… dry.
If you're a tech contractor who didn’t land a new client or project this summer, you're not alone. Whether you’re a UX designer, Salesforce admin, DevOps engineer, or PM — the slowdown was real across industries. And while it's frustrating, it's also fixable.
In this issue, we’ll break down:
✅ Why tech contracts slowed down this summer
✅ What NOT to do right now
✅ How to reposition and bounce back before Q4
✅ What to focus on instead of panicking
Why You Might Be Seeing a Cold Spell
1. Summer = Budget Freeze Season
A lot of tech orgs pause hiring and contracting from late May through August — especially after Q2 budget reviews. If leadership isn't clear on ROI or revenue direction, contract approvals get pushed to fall.
2. “Soft Layoffs” Quietly Took Over
Many companies cut budgets without announcing layoffs publicly. That includes letting contracts lapse, reducing freelance hours, or delaying project timelines — meaning fewer new openings posted.
3. Your Positioning Might Be Misaligned
If you’re still selling the same exact services from 2022 or early 2023, clients may have moved on. Contracting today isn’t just about skill — it’s about offering specific value tied to revenue, automation, AI adoption, or cost savings.
4. You're Applying... Not Pitching
If you're sitting back waiting for roles on job boards or Upwork, you’re already too late. Contractors don’t win in passive systems. They win by solving real-time problems and creating visibility around that.
What NOT to Do Right Now
Don’t overthink or panic-pivot. You don’t need 4 new certifications or a bootcamp in AI.
Don’t ghost your audience. Stay present. Even if you’re not booked, act like the professional you are.
Don’t lower your rates out of fear. Attracting the wrong clients won’t help you scale long term.
Don’t compare your journey. People share the wins, not the dry spells. Stay focused on what’s in your control.
How to Bounce Back Before Q4
1. Repackage Your Offers
Update your service page or Notion portfolio to show 2–3 clear outcomes you help companies achieve. Don’t list “general tech services.” List solutions.
“I help agencies automate client onboarding in Notion.”
“I set up data dashboards for ops teams drowning in spreadsheets.”
2. Make Your Network Remember You Exist
Start showing up again — on LinkedIn, in Slack groups, inside your newsletter. Your next client might already follow you — they just forgot what you do.
3. Follow Up with Past Clients
Send a light-touch check-in:
"Just checking in! I have a few openings this month for fractional [insert role]. Let me know if you need support before Q4 ramps up."
4. Offer a “Q4 Prep” Sprint
Create a seasonal package. Something like:
“Q4 Ops Audit”
“Q4 Design Cleanup”
“End-of-Year Workflow Tune-Up”
Use urgency tied to real business cycles.
5. Remember: Contracting is a long game
The contractors who stay visible and adapt will catch the wave this fall. August/September is when companies start booking vendors again for Q4 launches or planning 2025.
Don’t Let This Season Define You
You’re not behind.
You’re not forgotten.
You’re not washed up.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is stay in motion quietly, upgrade your offers, and be ready when the market wakes back up — because it will.
👉🏽 Need help fast-tracking your next contract?
Enrollment is open for Techpreneurship Academy — where I help tech contractors land better deals, upgrade their positioning, and stop relying on job boards.
50% off ends soon → Enroll here
Join Us for Proven Strategies!
Are you looking to boost your tech contracting career and maximize your earnings? Our program at Techpreneurship Academy is designed to provide you with actionable strategies and insights that can transform your approach and open up new opportunities.