How to Find Your First Client as a Start-Up or Entrepreneur

Struggling to land your first client? Braeden Rhys shares real-world, battle-tested strategies to find your first client as a start-up or entrepreneur and start growing with purpose, Braeden Rhys

No more waiting.

It’s time to get YOU booked.

FIND YOUR FIRST CLIENT AS A START-UP

If you’re staring at an empty inbox, refreshing your DMs, and wondering when the universe is going to send you your first client… I get it. I’ve been there. We all start there. But guess what? Clients don’t magically appear. You have to go get them.

I’m Braeden Rhys, and I’ve helped over 5,000 businesses scale globally, but before the millions, before the media features, before the awards, there was me… hustling, unsure, full of imposter syndrome… and still landing my first client.

Here’s how you find your first client as a start-up - with strategy, confidence, and a splash of rebellious charm.

1. Start with Who You Know

You don’t need a massive following to land a client.

You need a problem you solve, and someone who needs it.

Look at your immediate network:

• Friends who own businesses

• Ex-colleagues

• That person who always asks for your advice

  
  

Send a message.

Make it personal.

Offer value.

Example: When I was just getting started, I offered a free 30-minute strategy session to three people I knew were stuck in their business. Two of them turned into paying clients. One referred me to three more.

That’s momentum.

2. Package Your Genius

Clients don’t buy hours, they buy outcomes.

If you’re saying, “I can do marketing / design / admin / social media / sales / bookkeeping…” you sound like Google, not a specialist.

Create a clear, entry-level offer that solves one specific problem. That’s it.

I don’t care if you’re offering brand photography or building business plans, if it’s confusing, it’s not converting.

3. Show Up Where Your Clients Hang Out

Forget the trending dances and polished reels if your dream client isn’t even on TikTok. Instead:

• Post in relevant Facebook or LinkedIn groups

• Attend a local networking event (yes, even the awkward ones – I’ve survived worse)

• Ask friends to share your offer with their circles

This isn’t about scale.

It’s about starting.

YOU ONLY NEED ONE (1) YES.

4. Give Value First

Don’t come in hot with “Hey, do you need a [insert title]?” Give value first.

• Answer a question in a group.

• Share a tip or trick that solves a real problem.

• Write a killer blog (like this one 😉) and share it with the right people.

The fastest way to build trust?

Be helpful.

No strings.

5. Don’t Undervalue Yourself (Even for the First One)

Listen - I’ve done work for free, and I’ve been burned. Ghosted. Lied to. And worst of all, expected to keep delivering the same level of service after the scope exploded.

You can offer a discounted rate for your first client, but don’t make yourself small.

Respect your work. Respect your time. Respect your energy.

Because when you do? So will your clients.

3 Things You’ll Learn When You Land Your First Client:

1. You’ll realise your business isn’t about “being ready.” It’s about showing up. Now.

2. You’ll learn more in one real client interaction than in 20 online courses.

3. You’ll feel the fire. That “I can actually do this” moment that changes everything.

ARE YOU STUCK IN PERFECTION PARALYSIS? UNSURE WHERE TO BEGIN AND TERRIFIED OF REJECTION? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

But the longer you wait, the further away your dream business stays.

📩 Book a Clarity Call — and Let’s Get to Work

We’ll map out where your first client is hiding and how to start attracting them with confidence, clarity, and unapologetic authenticity.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin!