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.

Juliet Mitchell

My Response: My very first client outside of friends and family came through a personal referral. I was connected with a colleague who was approached about providing etiquette training for men housed in a local jail. She didn’t have that skillset or interest, but she said, “I don’t do this — but I know someone who does.” That introduction opened the door for me. Read More>>

Dionne Ford

I still remember the day because nothing about it was planned. Up until that point, every face I’d touched belonged to someone who already trusted me, friends, family, or someone connected to them. I was grateful for that support, but deep down I knew the real test would be when a stranger chose me purely because of my work. That day came quietly. Read More>>

Amy Taylor

My first client saw me speak at a summit and said she found me to be very relatable. Then saw my ad for coaching in a business friend’s e-mail and said because she remembered me from the summit and thought I was so relatable, she decided to try out my inbox (e-mail) coaching. Read More>>