Meaning:
“拓” is short for “拓展” (tuòzhǎn), which means “to expand,” and “客” is short for “客户” (kèhù), which means “clients.” Translated as “to expand one’s client base,” this term is often used in the retail or service industries to refer to sales campaigns that reach out to potential clients or efforts to acquire new clients. The most common strategy is to hire a team to give out pamphlets and sell discounted “experience packages” to potential customers.
Example:
A: 你新开的美发沙龙生意怎么样？
Nǐ xīnkāi de měifà shālóng shēngyì zěnmeyàng？
How’s business at your newly opened hair salon?
B: 一般。你有什么好建议吗？
Yībān。nǐ yǒu shénme hǎo jiànyì ma？
Just so-so. Do you have any suggestions for me?
A: 你可以试试找几个人帮你发传单拓客。
Nǐ kěyǐ shìshi zhǎo jǐgerén bāng nǐ fā chuándān tuòkè。
You can try finding a few guys to help you expand your client base by handing out pamphlets.