If you want to continue to grow inorganically then yes. Consider leveraging your new customers and use social strategies to attract their friends and family. Growing organically is much more profitable in the long run.

Thanks.

@michelfalcon

Make it effortless for your customers to do so. Survey them via email and once they have given you a positive review (use NPS to make it simple through radio buttons) push them to a landing page where they can share their message on the discussion forums you wish to profile their review.

Way too many to list. The usual suspects include: Amazon, Westjet Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Apple etc.

I'm focused on new(ish) tech companies and their approach to customer service such as: Silvercar, Airbnb, ZenPayroll, Oscar.

I agree with what Dan mentioned. Ask for referrals from existing customers, take speaking engagements to position yourself as an expert and blog. I'm going to try the Google Adwords.

Typically, I ask the client near the end of the relationship once I have produced an ROI. However, if you have a good relationship (client likes you) and have produced small wins, I'm sure the client would refer you prior to completion of the engagement.

Also, plant the seed mid way through the engagement/project to let your client know that you have identified other areas to work together which will increase client retention.

@michelfalcon

I agree with Jason. Of course, it's not OK. You provided a service/support and deserve to pay. Only in the situation when an organization, regardless of industry, doesn't deliver on their promises would this be a question.

I'll echo what Jason suggested. Focus on your organic growth and customer acquisition. If you're looking for funding, your potential VC's will be looking for customer/community growth and trajectory.

The infrastructure challenge can be solved by purchasing new systems, hiring employees etc. (whatever the challenge is). Not having enough customers or community is a much more challenging and longer process that a VC is less likely to wait around for.

I hope this helps.