There are so many varied experiences when it comes to starting a business. From what we’ve seen, there is no one, right answer. Some people found success by writing a business plan, spending months or years perfecting the idea and only then approaching their first client while others found their first client before they had even settled on a name for their business. Below, you’ll find the stories of how entrepreneurs from across industries and markets found their first clients.

Liz Rodman

This is so crazy to look back on! I had just graduated college and moved from Cleveland to Austin. I wasn’t passionate about the job I was working at the time(sit down, desk job) but I knew I was passionate about working out, helping people and eating healthy to feel good. So, I took a test to become a personal trainer. As I was doing my research, I saw a lot of people say that it’s hard to make it as a personal trainer so to do it on the side till you can build up enough clients. So while I was working full time I posted on an Austin Facebook group one day (I forget the specific group) and said something along the lines of “hey everyone! Read more>>

Jocelyne De Luna

After completing the necessary steps to officially start my business as an LLC and opening a business bank account, I decided to do something spontaneous to get the word out. I organized a quick, one-hour pop-up event right in our garage to test how everything would function in a real-world setting. To attract attention, I posted in our local city Facebook community group with a simple message: “FREE CHURROS! Today for one hour only, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm” With only 45 minutes to prepare, my husband and I quickly set everything up while our 6-month-old son napped inside. Read more>>

Anastasiia Gaines

The story of how I got my first client:  I had recently moved to America and was sharing pictures that I was taking with my iPhone on Instagram. A lot of my friends were enjoying my work, telling me I had artistic sensibilities, so I felt encouraged to learn about photography, which led to me buying my first Sony camera. Read more>>

Michelle Denio

My husband and I had recently relocated from Syracuse, NY to Sarasota, FL. Being new to the area, we didn’t really know anyone so I started doing quite a bit of networking. From the networking events I was doing a lot of one to one coffee connections. These were in person pre covid. In all of the coffee connections, I always found myself giving strategic advice during these sessions but never thought much of it. We were just chatting business and life and I was happily sharing my thoughts. One day as we were wrapping up our chat, the person said to me “Can I pay you for this? This was so helpful and you just gave me an hour of coaching and advice.” Read more>>

Liz Barbosa Sanchez

I got my first client through my first salon job, and I will forever be thankful to the salon owner for giving me the opportunity to work at her salon as a newly graduated cosmetology hairstylist. I started in July 2021, booking simple haircuts and all-over colors, just in time for the back-to-school rush. Many young girls found me on Instagram and trusted me with the layered haircuts that were becoming super popular. I was so excited because I felt confident doing these cuts, and they didn’t realize they were helping me practice and grow. I wasn’t even focused on the money; I was more invested in building my skills and confidence in a real salon without the supervision of my cosmetology teachers. I will always be grateful for this experience. Read more>>

Katie Gardner

When I started my business I was new to the area and brand new to Real Estate. I had no sphere or community. At the time it seemed crazy but looking back it was a gift. I started by knocking on doors, cold calling and taking to everyone that would engage with me. I learned from day one to put in the work and stay consistent. Here I am 11 years later and I have a habit of not just working in my business but I also work on my business each day. My first client was a “for sale by owner” home owner, I cold called. I cultivated the relationship and got the listing. I had set myself a goal that I would not allow myself to eat lunch out until I had my first closing. Read more>>