Offer old clients new ideas. If you've had people book you before. Contact them every six months. See if they have need of your services again. If not, see if they know anyone.
Chances are they do.
If it's a choice between missing a deadline or handing in shoddy work, miss the deadline-but let the client know in advance. Think press kits here. Tell the client when you will have it. The sooner you get it out the better. Don't let your fears get in the way.