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.
Gal Yefet
I was working at a gym and had just finished my TRX Group Fitness certification. A week later, the gym’s best instructor got sick and needed a sub. I spent 60 minutes learning how to run her class. A friend gave me a CD for music, and it went great. Read more>>
Elise Claes
I was following a business owner/spiritual influencer for quite some time and was starting my business as a side hustle as a freelancer in finance. One day this person, Tine, asked in her stories who could figure out the meaning of dreams. Without using internet, because it only said things that weren’t fully truthful. Read more>>
Jennifer Kopp
I ended up a private cook for those with a 2nd home up in the Adirondacks by accident. My husband was asked if he knew someone in the area that was a private chef. We never realized it was something that was needed in this area before he was asked. My husband suggested me. He said my wife cooks but we don’t have people that cook for others as a living. Read more>>
Leslie Martin
Oh, that would be Ray. Back when I was just starting out as a realtor in the Metro Detroit area, I didn’t have any clients, no leads, and definitely no fancy CRM. I had just begun hosting open houses—none of them my own listings, just helping out other agents. I was completely new to the game, armed with nothing but hustle and a whole lot of drive. Read more>>
Kristi Bullock
I made my first dollar during my first week of soft opening at The Hive. And it was exactly a dollar (or $1.08 if you include taxes).
I have worked hard my whole life. One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was a work ethic. I know how to work hard and get the job done. I bought the house that became The Hive at the end of April 2022 and over the next four and a half months, I rushed to convert it to a commercial restaurant. I took sledgehammers to the walls to help tear out a residential kitchen and create a coffee bar. Pulled out shelving and closets from a bedroom to convert it into a commercial kitchen. Read more>>
Brad Trevethan
My wife actually got our first client on the Threads social media app. I had no idea what Threads was until one of my sister in laws mentioned it to us. We checked it out and my wife took on the task of running the account. She began to make posts and gain some local followers and all of the sudden one of them placed an order, it was a great feeling to make that sale. That particular client orders from us frequently and has became on our biggest supporters. Read more>>
John & Rachel Stewart
In the beginning of 2019, John and I were newlyweds focusing on our full-time jobs. In our limited free time, we were crafting our little dream business on the side. We had started the Etsy shop, created shipping profiles, started product photography, and designed a logo. We were open for business. Then for a couple of weeks…crickets. I was excited about our product, and hoped it would strike a chord with customers the way it did for us. In the online space of an ever-changing search algorithm and growing competition, it became clear that we’d have to start advertising. I was determined to wait it out, but John convinced me that putting a small investment forward might just result in the visibility we needed. Read more>>