How Do I Actually Get My First Customer?

Entrepreneur

May 28

I recently relaunched a business from four years ago and was able to quickly attract new customers in less than 24 hours with just a $5 daily advertising budget. Today, I want to dive deeper into what you can do to attract your first customer, especially if you don’t have a budget for advertising.

Step 1: Leverage Your Existing Network

One of the most overlooked resources when starting a business is your existing network. You already have people around you who believe in you and are willing to support you—friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. The key is to reach out to them in a way that makes it easy for them to help.

The Power of a Personal Request

When I decided to relaunch my business, I sent a personalized email to people who knew me and my dedication as an educator. Here’s how you can do the same:

Identify Your Supporters: Reflect on who in your life has seen your passion and dedication. These are your potential supporters.
Craft a Specific Request: When reaching out, be clear and specific about how they can help. For example, I shared a story about my work with students and asked if they could spread the word about my new venture.

Step 2: Overcoming Self-Doubt

It’s easy to find reasons to stop your success even before it starts. Thoughts like “I don’t have the right connections” or “No one will want to help” can be paralyzing. Challenge yourself to reflect on these limiting beliefs. Remember, you have already impacted many lives positively. Give yourself permission to ask for support.

Action Challenge

This week, I challenge you to take the following actions:

Make a List: Write down at least ten people in your network who have seen your dedication and passion.
Reach Out: Use the email template above to send a personalized request to these ten people.
Reflect: Notice how it feels to ask for support and what responses you receive. Keep track of any positive feedback or connections that come your way.

By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to attracting your first customer without spending a dime on advertising. Remember, the key to success is taking action and leveraging the support around you.

Remember, ready is a decision, not a feeling. Take your business idea and turn it into a profitable business so you can truly enjoy your time and your life exactly how you want. Click here to learn about our services.

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