Starting a business is exhilarating. But if we’re honest? It’s also a little chaotic, often overwhelming, and filled with more questions than answers. Especially when it comes to that all-important step: getting your first clients.
If you’ve been spinning in planning mode (perfecting your logo, tweaking your website, fiddling with funnels), it’s time for a reality check. None of that matters if you don’t have paying clients. So let’s cut through the noise and get real about how to get clients for a new business in a way that actually works.
The Fastest Path to Clients Is Personal
Forget ads. Forget automation.
When you’re just starting out, the quickest and most effective strategy is personal outreach.
We’re not talking about awkward sales pitches to friends and family. In fact, friends and family often make the worst clients or collaborators.
Instead, reach out to your friends and family, asking them for introductions to your second-degree connections. The people who get to know, like, and trust you through someone else.
Start by sharing your new venture with people in your network and asking a simple question:
“Do you know anyone who’s struggling with [insert problem you solve]?”
Not only is this a powerful ask, but it opens the door for introductions, not referrals.
Why?
Because introductions feel safer. They’re easier for your contact to make, and they take the pressure off both parties.
Why Introductions Beat Referrals
Most people hesitate when asked for a referral. They don’t want to put their name on the line.
But an introduction?
That’s simply connecting two people who might benefit from knowing each other. It’s a low-pressure, high-opportunity play.
This small shift in language (“Could you introduce me to…” instead of “Can you refer me to…”) can dramatically increase your outreach success rate.
Find Your Early Adopters
Your first clients don’t need you to have a polished brand or a client list as long as your arm. They care about one thing: can you solve their problem?
These are your early adopters. They’re not distracted by your lack of testimonials or professional polish. They’re laser-focused on their own goals, and if you can help them move forward, they’ll work with you. And this is how you get clients for a new business – by finding your niche with an urgent need.
And when you deliver results? You’ll earn trust, referrals, and long-term loyalty.
Get Out of Planning Mode
We get it. It’s tempting to hide behind planning.
The logo. The brand colors. The website copy.
But those things don’t get you clients. Action does.
One of our clients (a brilliant lawyer in LA) built a six-figure referral-based business without a website. It wasn’t until much later that she asked us for help with branding.
Why?
Because she focused on delivering value first.
Your website can wait. Your pitch deck can wait.
What can’t wait?
Talking to people who need what you offer.
A Simple 3-Step Framework to Turn Conversations into Conversions
Once you’re in a conversation, here’s how to get a paying client without sounding salesy:
- Start with service
Explore their goals and challenges. Be curious, not pitchy. - Share how you can help
Offer insight into how your solution aligns with their needs. Make it clear, not pushy. - Extend an invitation
Ask: “Would you like help with that?” This gives them a clear next step, without pressure.
Whether they say yes or no, you’ve helped them make a decision. And that’s a service in itself.
Deliver and Overdeliver
Once you land those first clients, your job is simple: deliver incredible value.
Overdeliver if you can. Blow their minds. Because when you do, something magical happens: your clients become your best marketers.
They talk. They share. And suddenly, you’re not chasing clients. They’re coming to you.
Feeling Stuck? It’s Time to Get Clients for a New Business
If you’ve been stalling because your website isn’t ready or your offer isn’t perfect, this is your sign. Start now. Start messy. Start with people.
And if mindset blocks are getting in the way, we’ve got your back. Take our free Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment to identify what might be holding you back from taking action.
Building a business isn’t easy, but finding your first clients doesn’t have to be complicated. Reach out. Start conversations. Offer real value. And the clients will come.
You’ve got this.
