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.

Venus Blu

My first client came sooner than I expected. I got the booth on a Thursday and I booked my first gig that Saturday. I was so nervous because I didn’t think my first gig would be so soon. I thought for sure I would have time to study my product more before I started doing events. Read more>>

DErica Pride-Squire

My first client was actually my mom. I had been making lipglosses of all colors for months and labeling trying to figure out names to incorporate with “Goddesses” and once we finally launched she bought one of each color to help promote the business “grand opening”. Read more>>

Amber Cronin

When I first started Moody Blue Events, I was part owner of my family bakery. I was already meeting with wedding clients about their desserts, and I just really clicked with one of those clients. After spending hours at our tasting talking about everything weddings, she mentioned she was still looking for a day of coordinator so I jumped on that and mentioned I had just started my own wedding planning business and was looking to start booking clients. Read more>>

Shanine Young

Wow! Time flies when you are having fun. I’m thinking back to when I first started my business and started setting myself up to attract the right clients and customers. I was networking my butt off. I was connecting with other authors and entrepreneurs in Facebook groups and at conferences and events. I enjoy meeting new people and connecting with likeminded individuals so it was work but I didn’t mind. Read more>>

 Jhanai Williams

I spent a few months just freelancing and doing free work for people until a friend of mine decided that she wanted to support me. My first logo I ever created was done for just $20 or $25 dollars i believe. It felt good to finally make money for something I enjoyed doing. Read more>>

Robin Wilson

Three years ago, I was contacted by a longtime friend and colleague about writing articles and recording videos for a youth development series. I was contracted to complete the work. Read more>>

Leesa Epperson

As a realtor majority of your leads/clients will come from your sphere of influence. The people you know in the area friends, family, co-workers etc… This can be easier for some than others but for someone like me who is a transplant to the area with little to no friends at the time I turned to cold calling. I would contact people trying to sell their home on their own and share my services and expertise. Read more>>

Ellis Vener

My first client who wasn’t a friend or a family member, and who paid me a fee for my photography, was a small magazine in called “Texas Business.” This was 1981 and I had recently graduated from UT with B.A. in liberal arts. The assignment the art director hired me for was a story about business travel hiring small, privately owned aircraft, instead of relying on an airline to get you where you wanted to go. Read more>>