Your first couple of clients are worth much more than the fees they generate.
- Landing your first clients can give you a massive emotional and moral boost. You move from being an aspiring entrepreneur to a paid professional. The joy that comes from making it over that first hump can be contagious. You’ll feel much more confident and far less desperate, and it will show.
- In a business built on trust, they can provide invaluable testimonials and references. Even one glowing review can make attracting your next clients much easier.
- You get to start doing the actual work, instead of dwelling on what that work will really be like. Something amazing happens when you just dive in and do something. The less you obsess over how it will look and what it might feel like, the more open you are to simply paying attention to what works and adapting to fit your clients’ real needs.
- You’ll be out walking dogs, meeting other dog owners and handing out lots of business cards. Much better than sitting at home.
My first client originally hired me for a full day/evening dog sit. She was bringing her dog to day care 3 times a week but neither of them really liked it. She wanted to find an alternative, preferably one where her dog could hang out at home and go out for lots of fun walks. Since I was just getting started, I offered to take care of him throughout the day, in between other walks, for the same rate as the day care. That gave me my first testimonial and reference, and walking her King Charles Spaniel has helped me meet new clients. Everyone’s happy!
So be flexible. It can help you create the strong foundation you need to get your business off the ground quickly.
