How to Book Your First Client: 35 Female Business Owners Share Tips for Starting a New Business

The prospect of launching your own business is a thrilling adventure. You imagine the glory you will feel as you waltz into your spacious office and all of your employees greet you with respect and admiration. But how do you get from IDEA to FRUITION?

It’s easy to register for a LLC or apply for a business license. Creating a website is pretty simple and paying for ads is a no-brainer. But, you can still do all of that and NOT have any real business leads. The lack of interest in your business may lead you to second guess your idea or dismiss your passion and we don’t want that.

The Feisty News for Women has compiled 35 awesome stories from real business women who shared how they booked their first client. STUDY! Take action. Grow.

How to Book Your First Client: 35 Female Business Owners Share Their Stories

My blog focuses on egg-free baking, and I was able to showcase my unique expertise to attract clients confidently. To begin, I started sharing detailed recipes of egg-free baked goods on various food and health forums, as well as social media platforms. I also tried to connect with people in my local community by participating in gatherings where I could highlight my niche understanding of egg-free baking. As I received positive responses and people started trying out my recipes and appreciating them, I began showcasing these success stories on my blog. This helped to build credibility and attract more followers. Advertising opportunities soon started coming my way as more people became aware of my expertise in eggless and vegan baking.

~ Madhuram Prabhakar, Eggless Cooking

I embarked on this journey eight years ago, dedicating myself to creating quality, valuable content about my travel experiences. This led me to become a relatable travel guide for wanderlust-stricken individuals globally, and it is through this content that I first attracted the attention of various tourism agencies. One particular article I wrote gained significant traction, catching the eye of a company that later approached me for a collaboration. This marked a pivotal moment in my career as it became the catalyst for securing my first client.

~ Yulia Saf, Miss Tourist

We showcased our product at a local Home & Garden show where potential customers could touch and feel our high-quality covers, immediately realizing their worth over the run-of-the-mill ones they had used before. This direct interaction with potential customers played a pivotal role in attracting our first client. This hands-on approach proved to be quite effective in securing more clients, as people tend to value in-person demonstrations and the assurance of a real person standing behind the product, ready to assist with any concerns.

~ Wendy Wang, FJ-Outdoors

My first client actually found me. I was a part of a business community that I was active in, and she asked to work with me because she admired the way I showed up — fully and as myself. My tip for any other women in business would be two-fold: – Join business communities with other women. – Don’t just sign up and think that’s it. Being active, providing your knowledge, and showing up as yourself gives the women a taste of what it’s like to work with you. Your energy speaks volumes. And your clients can’t find you if you aren’t putting yourself out there to be found. My business is going well. I wrote a book this year, went on a 6-city non-traditional book tour hosting women’s circles, and I have a retreat coming up next April.

~ Victoria Nielsen, Victoria Margaux Nielsen

My first client was acquired by leveraging my wide network built through blogging. Initially, seven years ago, my blog offered free promotional posts to small businesses. One was so impressed with the traffic increase, they requested to hire my services officially. Since then, consistent client acquisition methods work best:

– Emphasizing personal relationships
– Delivering value before discussing contracts
– Showcasing successful case studies on social media

The business has grown 400% annually, establishing it as a prominent content marketing agency.

~ Olivia Kensington, Tuned Crystals

I secured my first client through an unexpected channel: a parents’ meetup at my kid’s school. Sounds strange, right? Authenticity is your power card. While I was discussing parenting tips, the conversation naturally led to my business venture. This chance meeting taught me that potential clients are everywhere, even in the most unsuspected places. Be genuine, be yourself. While social media and online marketing are all the rage, word-of-mouth referrals have given me a higher conversion rate. A Harvard study highlighted that word-of-mouth can drive up to 20% of consumer sales. However, going against popular opinion, I believe that in this digital age, real human connection beats any algorithm. Today, almost a decade since that first interaction, Amy&Rose has flourished, providing chic parenting essentials. The journey wasn’t linear, with sleepless nights often fueled by my little ones and business challenges. Yet, the passion remained undeterred. Remember, business is as much about grit and authenticity as strategy.

~ Amy Smith, Amy&Rose

As a woman in the tech industry, I faced many challenges when I was first starting out. One of the biggest challenges was finding clients. I was new to the industry and didn’t have a lot of connections. I reached out to potential clients through cold emailing, networking, and attending industry events. One of the most effective ways I found clients was through cold emailing. I created a personalized email template that I sent to potential clients. My email was short and to the point, and it explained the benefits of working with me. I also included a link to my website and portfolio. I also networked with people in the tech industry. I attended industry events and reached out to people on LinkedIn. I also joined online communities for women in tech.

Finally, I secured my first client through a word-of-mouth referral for my startup NAMO PADMAVATI. One of my connections recommended me to a client who was looking for a web developer. I met with the client and pitched my services. The client was impressed with my work and decided to hire me. Here are some tips for women who are looking to secure their first client:

-Be persistent. It may take some time to find your first client, but don’t give up. Keep reaching out to potential clients and networking with people in the industry.
-Be confident. Believe in yourself and your abilities. When you’re confident, it shows. Potential clients are more likely to hire someone who believes in themselves.
-Be professional. Make sure your website, portfolio, and communications are professional. This will show potential clients that you’re serious about your business.
-Be prepared to pitch your services. When you meet with a potential client, be prepared to pitch your services. Explain the benefits of working with you and why you’re the best person for the job.

~ Venkyb, NAMO PADMAVATI

I acquired my initial clients after hosting a free workshop. I understood the importance of building trust with people before making any offers. The online world can be quite overwhelming and noisy, and the most effective way to stand out is by offering genuine value. However, not just any value would suffice. In my situation, I conducted a free legal workshop that not only highlighted the issues my audience faced but also provided solutions to those problems and demonstrated how I could assist in resolving them.

~ Vena Verga-Danemar, Legally She Can

I got my first client by sharing what I was doing during a walk. I thought about a few people who might be good clients and asked them for a walk. During the walk, most people discuss what is happening in their lives and what obstacles they are facing. If it was appropriate, I asked them if they knew much about coaching and how it worked. Once I described it and tied it to something they wanted to address, she asked me if I would take her on as a client. I was so appreciative that she asked me because it gave me the confidence to have more walks with people I know vaguely. It has been a great way to build my joyriders (the word I use for my clients) and get some cardio into my day. I hope that helps other people to think outside the box.

~ Christine Kutnick, Mudita Coaching

Thirty years ago, I decided to start a public relations company. The first thing I did was get an article about myself in the local newspaper. I got my first five clients from the article and two stayed with me for 25+ years. In fact, one is STILL with me, although he is retired but maintains a part time business.

~ Joanne Levine, Lekas & Levine Public Relations

I got my first client through my personal network. It was a friend of a friend, that I spoke to at a social gathering. She told me her story and about a current situation she was in that needed solving, and I briefly asked her some questions that made her think about her situation from a different perspective. After the event, she contacted me and asked if I would be willing to take her on as a coaching client. I did not have to “sell” at all. I launched my brand new coaching business in August, and this was in September. Since that, I have got a second client as well, also via my network. Don’t underestimate the power of showing your skills in any situation you are in!

~ Hege Jacobsen, The World By Hege

I started a global branding and digital marketing firm 22 years ago and my first client came from a talk I gave to a professional networking group. Someone from the audience came up to me after and made an introduction which resulted in my first project a few weeks later. It was a 1 year agreement for a 6 figure engagement which felt great that my talk was so well received and generated meetings and referrals as follow up, I knew I had a real business. I still give lots of talks and it is a great way to generate leads and business. I think having a good reputation is incredibly important to building a strong B2B business. Here are the lessons that experience taught me:

* Do great work that people will talk about
* Give lots of talks even virtually and use examples from your experience, I do a lot of public speaking online and offline when not social distancing, host podcasts and webinars which leads to people talking about me online, tweeting, etc.
* Join networking groups to meet people who are the multipliers in your industry, they talk to everybody and know everyone, they have large followings so you need to connect with them online too
* Be active on social media so you can share your talks and content and your followers can help spread the word
* Generate lots of fresh content that will push down any potential bad comments online
* Monitor your online data to shut down trolls and misinformation, there are several online tools to alert you of potential problems (some are free others are for a fee)

~ Paige Arnof-Fenn, Mavens & Moguls

We’ve built a strong reputation in residential cleaning services, as evidenced by our 160+ Google Reviews: Getting that first commercial client was a blend of preparation meeting opportunity. I didn’t sit around waiting for the phone to ring. I hustled. I went door-to-door to local businesses, offering a free trial cleaning service. That hands-on approach caught the attention of my very first commercial client. They were so impressed by the initial free cleaning that they signed on for regular services. For aspiring business owners, my tip is: don’t underestimate the power of a free trial or demonstration. It not only shows confidence in your services but also gives the client a risk-free way to evaluate your work. Plus, it’s a direct way to showcase your commitment to quality, something that word-of-mouth alone can’t fully convey. Fast forward to today, and my business is thriving, with a team of dedicated professionals. We’ve expanded our services and focus not just on cleaning, but on providing a full experience that adds value to our clients’ lives.

~ Lina DaSilva, Toronto Shine Cleaning

I was so excited when I landed my first client five years ago. It came about after months of networking and providing value to other women in my industry online and at in-person events. I introduced myself to my first client by just asking questions about her business, and it paid off. A few months later when she needed help scaling her company, she messaged me and told me I was the first person who came to mind when she decided to grow her business. Our genuine connection led to her becoming my very first client – I was absolutely thrilled! For me, relationships are everything. Networking and adding value have proven to be the most powerful ways for me to secure long-term clients. It perfectly complements our strengths as connectors and relationship builders. Fast forward, and my business has taken off beyond my wildest dreams. That pivotal first client proved my model could work. Now I’m running a thriving business consulting practice helping female entrepreneurs to charge more because they are worth more so they can scale their businesses into consistent multiple six or seven figures and beyond. Looking back, the experience with my first client played a crucial role in shaping my business’s success, and I’m deeply thankful for it and her.

~ Kai Confidante, themilliondollarsheeos

I’m the CEO of Herb & Root – a natural fragrance brand sold in stores, online, and directly to consumers. Start your business by turning your family and friends into paying customers. When we first established Herb & Root in 2013, I found it easiest to work within my network first, allowing them to try samples of my products for free – and many of them came back to buy full-size versions. Fast-forward to today, and we have a thriving eCommerce store with a loyal customer base – but our personal networks helped us get our start, and they continue to spread the word about what we do.

~ Julia Kahlig-Garuba, Herb & Root

When I first got my career started as an esthetician, I was telling everyone about my business – even people I met at the grocery store. If you introduce yourself via email to new people every day and hand out your business card consistently, you will eventually land your first client. The most critical factor in pitching new clients is consistency.

~ Shelley Hancock, HANCOCK EQUIPMENT & CONSULTING

As a female entrepreneur, the journey of securing my first client was predominantly driven by proactive networking within my immediate community. My strategy was simple yet effective, I identified a potential client who could benefit from my services and proposed a simplified contract, which was low cost initially. We exchanged our services, and this relationship not only gave me a firm grounding but also confidence in the value I had to offer. In the subsequent weeks, I expanded my reach within my personal network, adopting a more personalized approach through direct phone calls and tailored text messages. This paved the way for the establishment of my Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and the launch of my website. Rather than inundating my network with endless promotional messages, I chose to demonstrate the potential of my business model before initiating a more aggressive campaign. This strategy was first implemented in 2010 and has proven to be quite effective.

Since then, my firm, Cinqe Matchmaking, has grown to become a premier matchmaking service with an international clientele spanning the US, Canada, UK, and Dubai. Our team has grown to include seven dedicated women, who each bring their unique skills and dedication to our clientele.

~ Erica Arrechea, Cinqe Matchmaking

I exited a successful corporate career spanning nearly 2 decades. As I entered my career as a speaker, what I did that I found to be most beneficial was to begin networking with clients from my previous industry to see where I could make connections and leverage references from solid relationships that I had built over the years. As I began sourcing and booking speaking engagements, I discovered a some key components to success in the process:

– Customize every pitch. Especially if you don’t know the person, take a few extra minutes to find a way to connect with them personally. One of the best examples I have of this is a woman I reached out to had a photo of herself with a horse. I mentioned her horse in my initial email to her. She sent back a beautiful response about how she’s had the horse for over 23 years and we had an instant connection over animals. Do not send mass emails that aren’t personal and do not just copy and paste the same generic message and blast it out to any and everyone.
– Leverage your current relationships. But don’t make it about you! You have to make it about them and how they could benefit from partnering with you. This is exactly how I landed my first client — I provided value. I made it personal and solved a need for them. When you’ve cultivated meaningful relationships in business, they are going to want to support you as well.
– Follow up and make it easy to do business with you. People are busy! You have to make sure that you are accessible and a breeze and pleasure to do business with. You want to make sure that your client has a great experience so that they can provide a positive reference or testimonial for you which will lead to the 2nd, 3rd, and many more clients.

~ Ginny Priem, GINNY PRIEM

My initial client came on board thanks to a blend of proactive outreach and immediately demonstrating value. It all started when I stumbled upon a business website that wasn’t functioning properly on my mobile. Sensing an opportunity, I sent the owner a warm, engaging email highlighting the issue. They quickly saw the potential in what I offered, leading to not just a quick fix but an ongoing professional relationship that was established within just a few days.

~ Laura Spawn, LeDetailWP

While most people wanted basic skincare advice, I went above and beyond by not only sharing beauty routine but the cosmetic science behind why certain products worked. You see, I married my love of skincare with my background in chemistry to create entertaining and educational content that people loved. Then, I started turning my longform newsletter posts into twitter tweets. By doing so, I have amassed 17,000 followers on Twitter in under two years. By showcasing not only my knowledge of skincare but also cosmetic science, I eventually had my first brand owner contact me directly through Twitter in May 2022 asking if he could hire me to consult on his formulations. Thus, my consulting agency, Skincare Stacy, was born. Flash forward 18 months, Skincare Stacy is booming with brand deals, consulting clients, and more!

~ Fawn Bowe, Skincare Stacy

I actually secured my first client as a result of managing and marketing the political campaign of former Park City, Utah Mayor Dana Williams in 2009. I volunteered to do so, and it was a high-profile role in this this small, but rapidly growing ski town. Thanks to this visibility and the success of the campaign, local businesses sought me out to manage their social media and public relations. Social media was an emerging facet of marketing and not many business owners knew how to tackle it. As a result of working on the mayor’s campaign and being laid off from my ad agency job at the height of the Great Recession, Redhead Marketing & PR was born in 2010. We offer personalized marketing and public relations to a wide variety of businesses in Utah and beyond. And all my associates are women, which was never a conscious decision. I just wanted to be supported by the best talent, and all women is what it has worked out to be! I’m pleased to report that Redhead has grown its business year over year since our scrappy, spontaneous, and organic start.

~ Hilary Reiter, Red Head Marketing & PR

I wasn’t exactly an aspiring career coach, but I embarked on my journey of living as a digital nomad by building an online brand and network that showcased my experience and expertise. I began by consistently sharing valuable tips and insights through my blog, social media, and podcast, positioning myself as an authority in the field. My dedication to doing what I want and helping others achieve their professional goals resonated with mu growing audience, and it wasn’t long before I caught the eye of potential clients. My first client came through my growing online presence and was from someone who was interested in following the path that I had taken. After getting this message and beginning to work with this client, I realized that there was a genuine demand for my expertise, not just in career coaching but also in guiding others to replicate my own journey. Fueled by my desire to empower others, I have turned my experiences into an online business that can reach a wider audience, and provide practical insights and strategies for those looking to build their personal brand and
career coaching business.

~ Danielle Hu, The Wander Lover

My first client came through a networking event. Back then, fresh as a budding immigration service firm, my personal connections were everything. I found them being authentic, listening more than talking, and genuinely providing helpful advice worked miracles. That first client was 5 years ago. Since then, Global Residence Index has taken a more digital approach in securing clients, with a strong focus on offering personalized guidance and comprehensive immigration services. We’ve grown significantly, thanks to strategies that build trust and relationships, and we’re expanding into new markets while enhancing customer satisfaction.

These days, I oversee our strategy, ensuring a smooth process for those seeking to live and work in foreign lands. Our mission? Making the dream of immigration a reality for our clients. It’s fulfilling to watch dreams come true on a daily basis.

~ Julie Anderson, GLOBAL RESIDENCE INDEX

I started working as a freelance copywriter back in October of 2017. At the time, I had just made the decision to leave behind my full-time agency-side role and become my own boss. I was operating as a sole proprietor while I was figuring out how exactly to form a business entity (which I later did with the help of LegalZoom, in March of 2018. I am now the proud owner of Green Wagon Media, LLC, going on six years strong!)

Believe it or not, I got my first writing client the same week I left my job, all thanks to a simple update of my LinkedIn profile header. I didn’t even have my website or portfolio finished yet—I’d been planning to build my online presence after my last day at work (I had little to no “free time” outside of my work day and commute).But, before I even got “up and running,” I had this prospect who wanted to hire me. We weren’t even connected on LinkedIn, but he found me through the search function, and we worked together for several months.
So, this may sound obvious, but it’s important: don’t overlook the power of social media when you’re launching a new business!

~ Noelle Hartt, COPYWRITER

I booked my first bride for Limelight Photography on Valentine’s Day in 2006. Securing that first client was a result of my ‘drip, drip, drip’ marketing strategy. I invested in print and online advertisements, wrote blog posts, fostered relationships with hotels and venues, and signed up to showcase in bridal shows. This particular bride came across my ad online and then recognized my business logo when she saw me at a local Publix wedding bridal show where I was participating. Limelight Photography has since grown into a thriving wedding photography business, boasting four teams of photographers, an in-house editing production team, a social media manager, an album designer, a bookkeeper, and a studio manager. We now capture the magic of around 120 weddings annually and have exciting plans for international expansion on the horizon.

~ Rebecca Zoumberos, Limelight Photography

I didn’t set out to start my own business. I was traveling a lot and away from my family. It was at a point when I realized I was traveling for nearly a third of the year that I knew I had to do something. I quit my job as a director at a marketing agency and decided to start my own consultancy. It was terrifying to figure out how to get new clients. I knew I needed to get myself into the business community and network. Even though I was completely comfortable speaking on stages (something I had done often), networking and pitching myself was enough to make me want to hide in my house. I pushed anyway. Here’s what happened:

– I forced myself to attend business events in my area.
– I reached out to all my contacts to let them know what I was up to.
– I spoke at events I might have turned down before.

The outcome? I built partnerships with other agencies that started sending me their clients immediately. In the beginning days of my business, the bulk of my clients were from these strategic alliances. Going on my own was by far the most risky move I’ve ever made, but by pushing myself out of my comfort zone and networking, I was able to gain clients, grow a business and achieve the results I was looking for. One of the most nerve-racking experiences was pushing myself to speak at my first industry conference. I spent about 10 hours preparing a 20-minute talk. I decided to take the approach I felt most comfortable with and that is sharing specific tactics that have worked for me and at the companies I have worked for. It went over beautifully!

Over the years, I have continuously been invited to speak at events and even though these are events I can get clients from by making marketing tactics too hard for them to do alone, I focus on teaching them everything I know. In other words, I “give away the farm.” This approach has still led to many new projects, but also lasting relationships with clients and people within the marketing industry.

~ Mindy Weinstein, MARKET MINDSHIFT

I’m a psychic and wasn’t sure how I would get my first client. Although, as a psychic, you would think seeing my future could be easy- it’s easier to see someone’s else’s future than your own. I started telling everyone I knew that I was a psychic and that I was looking to give psychic readings to people. A friend who I was in a online group with and who I Whatsapp chatted with weekly messaged me asking for a session. I had not been pitching her and wasn’t trying to get her to come on as a client. When I asked what made her decide to make the move and work with me, she replied that she had been around me a lot and trusted me first. Secondly, she had seen my share my intuitive insight and psychic gifts without being asked and not doing it to impress anyone or sell myself. That made her realize that I could help her.

This is my second year working as a psychic, but first year doing it full-time. Word of mouth, connecting with people in person at events, and people reaching out to me from google are the 3 biggest ways that clients come to me. My business is as a psychic life coach, manifesting teacher, and Author of Talk to the Trees. I offer in person and virtual sessions and offer small group events and workshops.

~ Rachel Strivelli, PSYCHIC COACH

As a certified life coach, I secured my first client about over a year ago through a unique partnership with neighborhood businesses catering to women’s health and beauty. I realized that clients frequenting these establishments were often seeking self-improvement and had the financial means to invest in their personal growth. I collaborated with these businesses to offer their clients a special discount on my coaching services. The response was fantastic, and it helped me build a strong client base. Word of mouth quickly spread, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Women love to support other women-owned businesses, and since I specialize in helping women navigate life’s challenges, it was a perfect fit. Since my first client, my business has been steadily progressing, I am now certified, and this strategy has continued to be a successful way to secure more and more new clients.

~ Diane Bruno, Life Coach

What started as a wedding gift company shifted to focus on corporate gifts after our founder, Torrance Hart,
received a request from Microsoft for employee gifts. Turns out a bride that had ordered bridesmaid’s gifts six months ago, came back with a request for 1,000 corporate gifts. Crazy, right?! Not for Torrance! She didn’t even bat an eye, even though this was the largest order up until that point; she just immediately said yes and thought “we’ll figure it out later!” And the rest is history. Her philosophy remains the same today—be open to opportunities as they present themselves, even when it’s not what you expected. Now, almost a decade later, Teak and Twine has grown to a multi-million dollar business with almost 75 amazing employees, and was built on a “say yes” attitude!”

~ Jennifer Broderick, TEAK & TWINE

I secured my first client back in 2019 through my podcast, where I established myself as an expert by consistently offering valuable advice and sharing my personal transformation journey. My private mental health coaching practice has been progressing well, and I’ve continued to acquire clients through this method.

~ Arielle Wozniak, ARIELLE

I had my first client less than a month after I made the decision to become a business owner as a publicist. I made a list of just 10 people for the industries I wanted to serve. I research each one and I look at what they
have been doing right and what they have been doing wrong. I sent out an email highlighting only the “Right” and I mentioned How I can take that to the next level. I didn’t mention the “wrong” because that was my secret sauce. During the meeting, I come ready with a few key things that I plan to do to fix the “ wrong”. They were amazed at the fact that I had a solution yet never mentioned that it was an issue. They agreed with my rate on the spot and signed the contract. That first client was 14 years ago. I still continue using that blueprint until today. My business is progressing well now. I was able to get more clients over the years and clients with a higher budget using that same system.

~ Nephtalie Hyacinthe, Talie Strategies

I started my branding & marketing company in 2001. The first thing I did after turning in my two-week notice was email every single person on my contact list. I had spent a lot of time volunteering and serving on boards of local organizations, so fortunately I had a great network. Within the hour, I had enough business to hit the ground running.

My very first client was a friend who owned a PR firm; he hired me to complete several websites for his agency. Two decades later, he’s still a client – I recently finished another website concept for him. Knowing who your ideal clients are, developing a marketing message tailored to that specific group of people, and finding a way to stay in front of them are the keys to finding clients. Ideally, having an email list is a great way to do this, but like anything else in marketing, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every small business owners has different capabilities and resources: you work with what you have.

~ Leslie Smith, Heron Design

When I started my company, I was still working full time at a law firm. When I provided my 30-day notice to the law firm, they inquired what I was leaving to go and do. When I told them that I was starting my own business to coach and consult attorneys, they saw it as an opportunity to continue working together. My first client in my business was my prior employer and they engaged me to work with 3 attorneys initially, and eventually many more.

~ Sarah M. Tetlow, FIRM FOCUS

It was five years ago I had my first client (after helping my daughter release her autoimmune disease)
I rented a room in a local wellness centre and offered half price sessions for a month with a clause that they had to provide a written testimonial. Then I used those testimonials to attract future clients and the wellness centre was also happy to promote me with their existing clients. I’m now helping clients around the world working with them 1-1 and in a group setting too.

~ Rachel Claire Farnsworth, Wellness with Rachel