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.

Jimmy Contrini

It wasn’t anything too dramatic, honestly. After moving on from my role at Acquisition.com, I immediately launched my social media consulting business the next day. I updated my LinkedIn profile right away, and within the first 48 hours, four people reached out to me. And three of those conversations turned into clients on the spot. I believe they contacted me because I had real evidence that backed up my expertise—proof that I don’t just talk about what I do but that I deliver real results. Read more>>

Steven Pope

Just 48 hours after launching My Amazon Guy, I knew I had to land my first real client to prove the business could work. I dove into networking, reaching out to Amazon sellers, and soon enough, a beauty brand struggling with visibility responded to one of my posts. They agreed to a call, and I came prepared, offering tailored solutions based on my e-commerce experience. By the end of the call, they were convinced and signed a full-service contract. That first client wasn’t just about the revenue—it validated my vision. Within 90 days, the agency was bringing in $30,000 in monthly recurring revenue, and My Amazon Guy was on its way to success. Read more>>

Alex Nurrae

I received my first client from email cold pitching. At the time, I’ve only interacted with other professionals from a networking standpoint, and I did not know the right approach to “pitch” myself for potential business and client opportunities. As nervous and anxious as I was, I made up my mind that I was more than capable of representing someone as a publicist, so I started to do my research on what my ideal first client would look like and how I can add value to their brand. Once I got my excel sheet together with my potential clients and their contact information, I started sending out customize pitches to each person, mentioning their specific needs and detailing how I can assist them achieve their goals. I don’t recall the exact number of people I reached out to but I’m confident that it was over 200 people and/or businesses. Read more>>

Shawn Perkins

The year was 2013, and my good friend and roommate, Reggie, just moved out of our apartment to Austin, TX. Since our lease was ending and I couldn’t afford to renew it by myself, I asked my close friends, Jacques and Mike, if I could crash on their couch for a couple months to get back on my feet. What was supposed to be just a few months ended up turning into over a year. With the combination of cost of living in DC and my inconsistent income as a waiter surviving off tips, I struggled to save enough to secure my own place. My life felt stagnant, and I knew if I didn’t make some type of change things would continue to be the same. So, I started painting in our living room when I would get home from work. Read more>>

Thaddeus Williams

My first client was iOctane (Jamaican Reggae Artist). I did a free advert for an event and he was a featured artist on the event after the event they asked the promoter for my number, reached out, for a moment I thought I was being pranked. We were in communication and I was asked if I was available for tour and do a few artworks. I said Yes! I mean you’re my first paying client of course am available! Lol ! Even to this day I can remember that feeling when that direct deposit hit my bank account! That lead me to working for Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Alkaline and Jahmeil and many more. Read more>>

Charliese Lewis

I remember when I got the idea to compile and edit an anthology, I really had no real plan after that. I had reached out to a few women I knew to talk about their faith journey. As I was going through the process, I started to learn the craft of editing and formatting manuscripts. I have an English degree and Journalism degree so I have taught as an adjunct professor for many years. I instructed students on how to write and often corrected their work. But editing is a different craft. I gathered all of the women’s stories and began to weave them together. I wanted them to still maintain their authentic voices, but to sound like one voice. After I released my anthology, one of my friends asked me to help her with her book. I had to sit down and think about my own process and how I could make it work for someone else. Read more>>

Tierra Pitchford

I got my first client through word of mouth. I was at work in the classroom and the instructional coach at the time remembered I did event planning. She let me know at her meeting one of the other instructional coach was looking for someone to be the day of coordinator for her daughter’s wedding and she asked was it ok for her to give the lady my number. I said absolutely, I spoke with the lady over the phone and let her know how I can assist and what the Day of Coordinator does. She mentioned that’s exactly what she needed someone that can deal with vendors and ensure decorations were done. Read more>>

Hongzhou Wan

My first official client is a filmmaker, I reached out to him as he was looking for designers in a student group chat. This goes back to 2022, the first year I got to go to graduate school in person during the pandemic, I realized that was the right moment to take the initiative as things slowly recovered. We met in the editing room at school after I showed him the portfolio, and then we went through the whole film quickly. I felt fresh to everything – from the dark editing room to the experimental narrative film he was working on. After that, the story went quite straightforward – I designed the title, credits, and poster for his film and he loved it. The collaboration opened the door to many more opportunities, as he referred me to other filmmakers. This experience was a pivotal moment that I appreciate. Read more>>

Charles Eddington

I remember being extremely nervous when I got a call from someone saying, “Hey, I referred you to someone on my job. They mentioned needing to sell their dad’s house.” This was a personal referral to someone I’ve never met. Without hesitation, I asked them to share my contact information. A few days later I got a call from my new client. We talked about their situation and needing to sell their home. I could only tell them about my experience as a real estate investor, my experience working with people, and listening to understand the needs of others. Read more>>