One of the most important things an aspiring entrepreneur can do is validate their idea by finding a client. For first time entrepreneurs, this can often feel intimidating and so we’re hoping that by sharing stories of how others before them have found their first client we can make it feel less daunting. Below, you’ll find the stories of some incredibly bright entrepreneurs and business owners sharing how they secured their first client.

Bijoy Shah

My first client that was purely from marketing efforts and not from previous connections was a gentleman who requested a trip to London & Paris to check out the cities as well as do some shopping. After discussing his needs in some depth, I surmised his style along with his ideal comfort and convenience wishes. Read more>>

Sharon Blake

I was working at Seattle Union Gospel Mission and decided that after I had self-published my first book, I wanted to help others publish their books as well. I started to ask some of the case workers if they wanted to share their story via anthology. Most agreed. I started to gather everyone’s story and our first book by Life Chronicles Publishing was published! The title was,I Am Beautiful: The Evolution of Beauty. It was truly a book about what true beauty meant to women as they transitioned through their pain. Read more>>

Taylor Newsome

The First Client I had was a friend, one that believed in me from the very beginning. Supported me, helped spread the word tagged me when people were looking for photographers as everyone knows word of mouth is the best for small businesses. Her photos turned out amazing and I’m so grateful she was my first client seeing my growth from her first photo I took to her photos I take 2 years later is amazing and I’m forever thankful for that. Read more>>

Jennifer Otis

I have been posting my dishes on social media for years. I can honestly say, they didn’t look the most appealing either. I never really took these posts seriously because they were just meals that I prepared for my family or an event that I had. I first started posting maybe one or two food pics every week, nothing consistent. It wasn’t until I really wanted to focus on my plating and presentation that I start to see my views and likes increase because it was now more appealing to the eye because the taste was always there. Read more>>

Colleen Lilley

I moved to St. Petersburg bound and determined to open Music & Me. The year prior to moving here, I’d taught the curriculum we use, Music Together, in Berlin, Germany and when it was time to move back to the States, there was no question in my mind that I wanted to open my own program of classes in my new city. Read more>>

Alexander Ortiz

Our first was actually done on the side of the road mid quarantine! When I made the first batch of pickles I immediately had no idea how one sells pickles and I refused to sell to any of my friends for the first batch made! So I then proceeded to sit on the batch for almost a month. One day while going on a hike down in the springs I noticed on my drive there was a small family selling honey on the side of the road and I thought to myself “Damn, Read more>>

Tiffany Obeng

In the age of social media, I got my first client via social media. Social media connects us all and is nearly limitless. I post on social media about the many books I have published on my own. I also post on social media tips on how to publish, how to save costs, etc., and I guest on podcast shows about the same. In this way, I build credibility while expanding my outreach efforts. After some time of doing this, my first client reached out to me on social media and asked if I could help them publish one of their books. I said, “Of course!” And the rest is history, as they say. Read more>>

Meyakka Sturdivant

During my start up journey I was always labeled as the “go to person” for bouncing ideas and developing a plan. So I had just created my social media and Google profiles during the month of May-June 2019. I figured how else would the people who truly needed me in the public would find me? (Introvert: even though I would Rather that they took their time lol). Read more>>

Joel Mulbah

The easiest way to get something, whether it’s a client or an opportunity, is to add value. It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes doing things for free can lead to exponential growth and success. The idea is to do things so well that people can’t ignore you, and eventually they will want to pay you for your services or products. Read more>>

Hailey Genevieve

Social media plays a vital role in client acquisition and network expansion across industries, including the field of fashion styling. As a fashion stylist, I have experienced its tremendous benefits firsthand. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have provided me with an opportunity to create an appealing portfolio that showcases my styling skills. Read more>>

Zarina Iunusova

I substituted another yoga teacher and get more contacts and clients. Then I started teach yoga in studio and hotel environments. I felt confident and excited! Read more>>

Laura Arderius

My first client was through my Etsy shop on March 2017. It was an Easter wreath with a bunny Read more>>

Katie Garrett

Word of mouth! My business started because one of my family members referred us to someone else. This is how our business constantly grows! It’s all about referrals! Read more>>

Chris Rodway

Starting out nobody wanted to give me a chance, I got so frustrated not being able to get any work at all. So one day I pretty much just said screw it, if nobody else will hire me, I’ll just make my own project & hire myself. That’s exactly what I did, myself and my brother Sean created a comedy rap project, went out & got it funded, then recorded a single in a recording studio & made the music video. Read more>>

Jennifer Doelger

When I was in school, several of my assignments needed people in the image, & thankfully I had access to willing models – the students at the dance studio I worked for back in the day. Then when those students started becoming high school Seniors, they asked me to take them. My response was an absolute yes! That was the easy part. Read more>>