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.

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.

Jamie Seeker

Seeker Solution’s first client actually signed on before the business officially did! Read more>>

Haley Dagan

Well, The Written World has had two chapters so far. The “before” – when I first started it as a side passion project while working full-time in corporate hospitality marketing, and the “now” – as a full-time copywriting and content creation agency with an incredible team and roster of clients. To answer your question, I’ll share a bit about getting our first client in the latter stage. Read more>>

Kevin Hinton

I once worked for a small mom and pop computer store in DC. I had started there from painting and when they ran out of walls that I could paint, one day I answered the phone in what they considered an astonishing professional voice! The boss was like “What was that?” That voice you used. Read more>>

Kalyn Bell

In late 2021, I established my very own marketing agency. With a strong focus on branding, design, social media management, ads, UGC, and content creation. To spread the word about my services, I utilized social media, created a captivating website, and relied on the support of friends and family. Shortly after launching my agency, I received a phone call from an esthetician I used to visit. This was a turning point for both of us. Read more>>

Rebecca Paciorek

I’m what you would call an “accidental entrepreneur.” I decided to become a Realtor at the WORST TIME EVER, right after the crash in 2010. Having sold housing advertising for years, I thought the grass would be greener on the other side. During that time, other Realtors kept asking me for assistance in doing their flyers and brochures and social media. Read more>>

Dallas Ramos

I (Dallas Ramos) started a clothing brand in May of 2020, which was the beginning for me and my designs. I decide to start out small but simple. Make 50 (black) shorts that would feature a logo patch on one side and embroidered lettering on the other. In order for me as a local artist, I needed to create some buzz….so I decided to release a mixtape “D2W” which paid homage to Lil Wayne. Read more>>

Pukar Pyakurel

When we kicked off our business venture, I made it a point to courageously cold-call pet stores across the country. Picture me on the phone, pitching Yak9 products and how they were like nothing else on the market. I’d chat up on the call, letting everyone in on the scoop about our unique flavor offerings and how they could be a game-changer for their customers and their adorable furry friends. Read more>>

Alex Maier Amy Robin

As we were working on a personal project, a film called Mind, Body, Soul: The Nature of Well-being, we did research on other people who spent a lot of time in nature and why. With that research, we reached out to some of the people to ask them if they were willing to do a personal interview with us. Within those people, we reached out to Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders. Read more>>

Blake Renda

What was your thought process behind starting your own business? I am a native Los Angeleno born in St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, CA, raised in West L.A., grew up surfing south of the pier and playing volleyball with my friends, and graduated from The University of Southern California. I now split my time between Los Angeles, CA, and Naples, FL. Read more>>

Amber Smith

The first time I got a client who was not a friend or family member was last year in one of the summer months because I remember it being warm outside. I checked my email and saw that someone had filled out my quote request form. I read through the request and was so excited because I saw that the client to go on a multi-destination trip to Europe to celebrate his 50th anniversary with his wife. Read more>>

Keeley Ward

I did a complimentary pilot program with someone I knew who was going through grief. After they finished the program they referred a close friend to me who became my very first paid client. Read more>>

Kiara Gray

My first client story wow let’s see it was when I worked at Sephora for a Fenty Beauty event. I was told I was going to be mostly selling products but last min change of plan my boss was like we are going to have Kiara as one of the artist. When I tell y’all I was shaking I mean i county even line my clients lips right but for what ever reason she loved it lol Read more>>

Marcelle Bruck

One of the hardest aspects of starting a business is actually getting started. There are parts of getting started that you can control such as developing a brand, building a website, and creating a social media presence. Then there are the things you cannot completely control. I call it the buy in. Finding that first customer that is willing to trust you is where the work comes in. Read more>>

Angellica Harris

I remember back in 2011 I was working on a call center job and I received my potential service request!! I placed an ad on craigslist two nights before I went into my call center job. The ad was offering a braiding service, I used to do braids when I first started my hair career. I remember getting a call while I was at my job asking me was I available to do the Braids service that was posted on the craigslist ad. Read more>>

Ingrid Wilson

I got my first client through my blog, experimentsinfiction.com. I had published an anthology before I launched my publishing business, so people knew my high standards and attention to detail, they new I could produce a quality product, and were interesting in publishing with me. Once I announced I was going into business as a publisher, my first client came to me very quickly and we had a contract in place within days. The business has really taken off from this point, and I never have to advertise for clients (which is great, as advertising is not my strong point!) Read more>>

$Lim WithThePackk

I moved to Michigan in 2018, with a mindset that I knew I had to start from the bottom with the rap scene in Michigan. For 2 straight years, I grinded out doing free shows and talent showcases around Michigan. Since cannabis is apart of the brand, I would perform at parties called ‘sesh’. Read more>>