This has always worked for me.

Most of my best new clients have been referrals who were behind schedule at the time and had a freelancer that who had been unable to get the job done so far. I all cases, I either met their current deadline or missed it by a week, and earned a longterm client who always gives me his projects. In fact I will have to hire someone this year and probably use the services of a freelancer.

Last year I officially decided to cease actively seeking clients.