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.

Christopher Hoyt

Our first client literally walked through our front door as we were in the final stages of construction of our first coworking space. His name was Manny and he’d recently moved from Florida to Seattle to sell airplanes. He saw our space while out for a walk and asked if he could rent a desk immediately. We scrambled to make it happen even though we weren’t scheduled to open for another two weeks. Read more>>

Nathalie Schlemer

My journey into dog training ignited with a Nextdoor post, a plea for help from neighbors struggling with their powerful Malamute/German Shepherd duo. Those two, a bonded pair, were my introduction to the raw, untamed energy that can exist in dogs – and the sheer responsibility that comes with it. Every lunchtime walk became a lesson in control, in understanding the dynamics of aggression, and in recognizing the desperate need for guidance. Their owners, bless their hearts, were lost, handing me a leash and the well-intentioned but misguided ‘let them sniff’ instruction. But something clicked. I loved it. The challenge, the problem-solving, the connection. As I grew more confident, as I learned to read their signals and manage their energy, I knew I had to share this knowledge. I began helping other dog owners, transforming their stressful walks into moments of joy and connection. Read more>>

Marni Mandell

I got my first client through the power of showing up authentically on LinkedIn. I had just launched Friendraising for Success and knew that if I wanted to reach the people I was meant to serve – first-time fundraisers, founders, and changemakers – I needed to start sharing my voice consistently. Read more>>

Amanda McDougald Scott

A friend of mine who works for the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network reached out and let me know that the ACLU was looking for a child care expert to write an expert testimony for one of their cases. Not only was I excited about a contract, but I also love the ACLU and was excited to write an expert testimony for them with my brand new Ph.D. credentials. Read more>>

Danica Simone

My very first client reached out to me in a state of panic, claiming they’d been pushed down the stairs by an unseen force accompanied by menacing laughter. They were desperate for help, and I felt an immediate, almost magnetic pull to assist them. Read more>>

Mike Tarantino

I have always loved graphic design; I started back when you had to actually cut (with scissors) and paste (with glue) to create designs. In 1995, I opened my only brick-and-mortar business, Creative Corners, a custom picture-framing business. As most new business owners do, I tested many different marketing ideas. Having an art background meant I created my marketing material. Technically, my very first client was my own company. My daughter also runs a filming and photography company, CWC Productions, which she opened in 1998. I helped her with getting the word out to make sure she would also be successful. I quickly realized that marketing was where I belonged, and I sold the frame shop and switched to it full-time in 2008. Read more>>

Brittany Duncan

My 1st client that was a friend or a referral from a friend was my 3rd client. They had come to me as a rental lead, they were moving here from Texas because they were PCSing to Carson. They were a family of 6 and struggled to find a rental with enough bedrooms/amenities they would need for the right price, and when they did, approval was also a struggle. I suggested talking to a lender about purchasing a home. They were approved, and we started their search. We toured many homes virtually when they found a home they liked, their offer was accepted. Read more>>

BraidsbyMarvette

I’ve had the to opportunity work alongside a family member who owns a few salons over the years in my childhood. At the age of 9, I noticed at a very early age that I had a deep connection with the beauty industry. I’ve always admired watching the way clients smile and feel so confident after getting their hair done. I realized that at a very young age and that’s something that I wanted to do, make people feel their best even when it’s hard. Read more>>

Rory Douthard

My first client was someone who found me on a well-known wedding website. I was surprised because at the time, I hadn’t created a website or done any social media marketing or advertising. Read more>>