Getting your first client is an exhilarating experience, but it’s also an experience that far too many aspiring entrepreneurs never experience. Sometimes, the difference between an idea dying in the idea stage or going on to change the world is getting that first customer – the first tiny win that creates the momentum to make an idea real. So, we connected with some of the smartest folks we could and asked them to tell us the stories of how they got their initial clients.

Krista Cagg

The COVID Shutdown of 2020 was insane, to say the least. My employment was closed, but my unemployment, and the stimulous check were taking a while to get to me. That didn’t stop the bills, however. I had learned about a freelance site called Upwork, and decided to have a look. That place saved us. I found a lot of work as a Ghostwriter, mainly for cheesy and spicy Romance, but hey. It paid fairly well. I found a few repeat clients, and steady work for the next two years. I was literally writing for a living! Go me! Read more>>

Leanne Silvia

For my dba my first client was the director of a non-profit that I had volunteered with. I had left enough of an impact with them in conversation for them to reach out about hiring me for bookkeeping services. Sometimes we don’t realize how other people see us. Often we can diminish the value of our talents as we become proficient. But if you speak to what you enjoy doing and skills that you are good at, others will remember, especially if it is not there favorite skill. It just reminds me the importance of putting yourself out there and of course talking about what you do. Read more>>

Nikole Richie

I was a first-time mom, raising a baby during a worldwide pandemic, praying I could find a way to buy myself just a little more time at home with her. One day, I decided to make hot cocoa bombs—just for fun—and posted them on Instagram without expecting much. To my surprise, that one post exploded. By the end of the week, I had made over 900 cocoa bombs for people from all over town. Read more>>

Amanda

Gaining clients can sometimes be a struggle when you are new to the field and literally no one knows you exist. Once I started really putting myself out there via social media platforms including facebook, instagram, and TikTok just to name a few I was able to book my first client. After really working & pushing my business out to a wider audience for months when I finally booked my first client I knew all my hard work was finally paying off. From just that 1 client I was able to gain referrals, product sales, and create a community of my dream clients. Read more>>

Chris Beasley

If I were an expert business person like, Forbes cover, TED Talk, wear-a-watch-just-to-check-the-time-on-my-phone level, well then I’d probably say something slick like, “It’s important to align with businesses and clients that reflect your core values.” Read more>>