Getting your first client is an exhilarating experience, but it’s also an experience that far too many aspiring entrepreneurs never experience. Sometimes, the difference between an idea dying in the idea stage or going on to change the world is getting that first customer – the first tiny win that creates the momentum to make an idea real. So, we connected with some of the smartest folks we could and asked them to tell us the stories of how they got their initial clients.

Queen- Valencia Zulu

Where to Begin? The Thrill of Launching WAP! The launch of WAP was an exhilarating mix of excitement, stress, and sheer determination. It’s hard to put into words just how nerve-wracking those first steps were. Imagine this: I was building everything on my own but wanted to keep my identity behind the brand a mystery. To pull it off, I organized a photoshoot with three of my closest girlfriends to make it seem like we were launching WAP together. It was a bold move, but it worked! Securing our first clients was a grassroots effort that relied entirely on connection and hustle. I threw myself into the women’s event circuit, attending as many gatherings as I could to meet like-minded women and personally invite them to our first brunch. On top of that, I spent countless hours sending out DMs and emails, spreading the word wherever possible. The result? A community-driven, word-of-mouth success that brought the vision of WAP to life! Read more>>

Lance Brandauer

 

My first dollar earned for Birdzz happened unexpectedly. In 2020 I was still in the process of getting my business website up and running and trying to formulate an advertisement strategy during Covid restrictions with businesses operating. I was primarily focusing on real estate photography because person-to-person contact wasn’t necessary for me to operate my business and photograph real estate. My girlfriend at that time, Graciee was purging her closet and finding items to sell, one of which of all things was an older Sony DSLR camera. I offered to help her list it for sale on various sites, including Craigslist. A week later I received an inquiry from someone who was browsing Craigslist and saw the listing. We agreed to meet somewhere locally for a possible purchase. That was the day I met my first paying client, Erika. Read more>>

Caren Martinez

I am a content creator that creates UGC videos for brands in the lifestyle space. I eventually knew I wanted to work more in the travel space as it’s my primarily the content I post. I saw an opportunity to create video content for Airbnb/boutique hotels that lacked a social media strategy. I had become familiar with travel UGC space on social media and decided to send a cold DM to an Airbnb host, where I was a guest at three years ago. My pitch was short but just enough to get intrigued to hop on a call about how I could help their social strategy. After a few weeks, we had settled on a deal and 5 months later, I was in Mexico shooting photos and videos for this dreamy Airbnb. Read more>>

Chelsea Mae Shump

So, I teach primarily children. Their parents are technically my clients. I acquired my first clients by hosting drop-in classes at a discount this past summer. Clients were interested as they were looking for a change. Many of them are former clients who wanted to see what I was offering. Read more>>

Maverick Peters

The story of how Maverick Podcasting earned its first dollar is one I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just the start of my business—it was the moment I realized the value of doing things the right way, and that pursuing your passion is great, but you’ve also got to make money. Back in 2019, I was fully immersed in learning everything about podcasting—audio engineering, storytelling, and even graphic design—all to make my own podcast something I’d want to listen to. I didn’t want it to be just another podcast. I wanted it to be meaningful. Read more>>

Jess Curtis

My first client came through a referral from the Women in Entrepreneurship group via a Facebook forum. It was almost two years ago when Brittany Mathes, a local baker, reached out to me for help improving her website appearance and digital brand. This was my first official project that wasn’t through family or friends, and I remember feeling both excited and proud to work with someone who trusted me to help grow their business. Fast forward to today, we’ve recently completed a full website revamp to ensure it continues to grow with her business! It’s incredibly rewarding to watch clients evolve, and knowing I’m a part of that digital journey brings me so much joy. Seeing how far Brittany has come, from that first project to now, truly highlights how far both of our small businesses have grown.  Read more>>

Alex Lynn

The first sale I made was on Etsy selling prints of my art. It wasn’t really the excitement of the moment that got me, as much as it was realizing that someone thought enough of my work to pay for a physical copy! I have given so many people my art for free and for the sake of sharing my talent with others over the years. It was extremely grounding and motivating to want to have more people discover my work! Read more>>

Daryn Mcelroy

I don’t think I would’ve got to where I was without mentorship. I’ve completed programs with Live Nation’s Femme It Forward, the Grammys, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And it was thanks to one of my mentors at the Recording Academy, Christopher A. Daniel, that I got my first freelance job. Read more>>

Lana Markway

When buying horses that are potential prospects and making them winners is something I started back in my youth days. Actually, I was in middle school. I had a horse I did most of everything on my own in 2002. He and I won some world titles that year at the American Paint Horse World Championship Show. That sparked the interest of a potential buyer. My aunt was the agent at that time due to the fact she was my horse trainer, but it all kind of started then. He brought a lot of money for 2002 and I have kind of continued to do the same thing. My aunt is no longer with us so I do all the marketing and communication with potential buyers. It has really been a fun process and I have made friends for life. Read more>>

Caroline Taicher

I got my first client from my “sphere,” as they call it in real estate. It’s this idea that every person you’ve ever known—from family and friends to acquaintances from your past—can be a potential source of business. The key is to reach out to them, share your new venture, and let them know you’re now in real estate. So, I went through my mental Rolodex, dug up every email I could find, and sent out an enthusiastic e-blast announcing that I had officially become licensed in real estate! Read more>>

Chalzea Xu

I was fortunate that my first job was at a fashion company in Shanghai, where I designed a clothing collection for them, including print patterns and promotional illustrations. I was 18 at the time, and no one around me supported my pursuit of art. In that era, and in my hometown, painting was looked down upon. For the first time, I proved my ability to make a living through art, which changed the perception of my environment toward me. Read more>>

 

Kristen Bahls

I found my first guest on Instagram. I had read and loved her books. She posted something about needing help and I created a few Instagram posts for her, and she agreed to be a guest. Once I got once guest, it was easier to approach authors and Bookstagrammers. Now, authors and publicists reach out to me to book themselves on the show. Additionally, through word of mouth recommendations, I’ve found groups of authors who support each other and pass my name on. It’s so fun to be able to help authors get the word out about their books and learn more about their writing process. Read more>>