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.

Liz Zarins

Although I was freelancing on the side through another agency for a bit before going out on my own (aka when I lost my full-time job), that money did not come through me actually pitching clients and winning business. I consider pitching and winning my first piece of “real” business as when I secured Darin as a client. Read more>>

Jamie Bajgert

I was technically in business for months before I landed my first real client. I had the website, posted on social a few times, and then just… waited for clients to come rushing in. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.  Looking back, I should’ve known better as a marketer that things take time! So I joined the local chamber of commerce to put myself out there and meet fellow business owners. And guess what? When they posted about my business on social, boom—I got my first client! I was so pumped to finally have someone to work with and help them grow their business. I highly recommend joining your local chamber of commerce. It’s a game changer!  Read more>>

Aimee Uchida

The first client that stood out to me was my photography teacher. One day, out of the blue, she reached out to me on Instagram and asked if I could take family photos for her at a nearby park. I was completely caught off guard—especially since I had only just started my photography business. Walking up to the park that day, I was incredibly nervous. I saw her there with her husband and their dog, and it suddenly hit me: this was real. Up until then, I had mostly done street photography and was still learning how to guide people in front of the camera. Read more>>

Chelsea Garcia

I was in Wichita at the time working at one of the local out-patient physical therapy clinics. My boss knew I had just graduated and needed to sit for my ACSM Exercise Physiologist exam to become certified. He knew I was dragging my feet and hadn’t started applying for jobs yet. So, he sat me down in his office and gave me a verbal kick in the butt. He told me that I could stay here forever and help out and I would be welcome to do so, but that he knew I was meant for bigger and better things. He preceded to tell me he would be firing me at the end of September and that it was for my own good. It was late July since I had just walked in May and finished up my internship just a few days prior. I was shocked and pissed off, but mostly because I knew he was right. Immediately I started applying for jobs, I scheduled my exam, and really started studying. Within 2 weeks I had sat for my exam, passed it, and was scheduling phone interviews all over the country. Read more>>

Maricela Lazarit-bonilla

My first client was a wonderful young couple who discovered me through a referral service website. We instantly connected and hit it off. They were so warm and kind. However, just two days before their wedding, my mother passes away. I am completely heartbroken. Overwhelmed with grief, I considered canceling, worried that I wouldn’t be able to provide them with the service they truly deserved and had been eagerly anticipating. Read more>>