4 answers
KING LUKE
Student
Abidjan, Lagunes Region, Côte d'Ivoire
1
Question
Asked
600 views
How do you get your very first paying client when starting a new service business?
I recently started a small business offering language services (translation, interpretation, and language training), but I haven't been able to land my first client yet. For experienced entrepreneurs or B2B sales professionals: What is the most effective way to reach decision-makers, build trust quickly, and secure that initial contract when you don't have a long list of past references?
4 answers
Donna Hull
Engineer
118
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
King Luke;
I am by no means an expert in small or independent business practices. I have enjoyed the security of a large corporation for most of my career life.
Just a suggestion, as I can imagine it is hard to build clientele list. I recently read a book which shared a story of a young woman and her path to becoming a public speaker, life coach. Prior to being paid for events, she would speak for free at various venues. In turn she would post pictures from the event and get individuals who attended the event to provide feedback on social media.
She did say it was a struggle to determine when to go from speaking for free to charging clients.
I am by no means an expert in small or independent business practices. I have enjoyed the security of a large corporation for most of my career life.
Just a suggestion, as I can imagine it is hard to build clientele list. I recently read a book which shared a story of a young woman and her path to becoming a public speaker, life coach. Prior to being paid for events, she would speak for free at various venues. In turn she would post pictures from the event and get individuals who attended the event to provide feedback on social media.
She did say it was a struggle to determine when to go from speaking for free to charging clients.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
KING LUKE
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
147
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi King Luke,
Starting a new business is an exciting journey, and it's wonderful to see you offering language services like translation, interpretation, and training. Getting your first paying client might seem tough, but it opens the door to more opportunities.
Here are some ways to reach decision-makers and build trust:
1. Start Locally: Reach out to schools, NGOs, small businesses, or community groups nearby that might need language help. A personal introduction can be more effective than a cold email.
2. Use Your Network: Let friends, family, and professional contacts know about your services. Many first contracts come from referrals.
3. Offer a Sample: Providing a short free translation or a demo class can show potential clients the quality of your work.
4. Present Yourself Clearly: Create a simple one-page profile or brochure detailing your services, pricing, and value. Clarity is appreciated by decision-makers.
5. Build an Online Presence: Even a basic LinkedIn profile or a small website can help establish credibility.
When preparing for client conversations, be ready to explain:
1. Your motivation: Why you started this business and what excites you about language services.
2. Your reliability: Highlight your professionalism, skills, and commitment to deadlines.
3. Your value: Show how your services save time, expand reach, or improve communication.
4. Your flexibility: Demonstrate that you can adapt to different needs.
Next Steps:
Focus on a few industries where language services are needed, like education, tourism, or international trade, and tailor your outreach.
Build a small portfolio, even volunteer projects can showcase your work.
Practice short pitches so you can confidently explain your services quickly.
Keep track of your outreach efforts, persistence often leads to that first breakthrough.
Your determination and curiosity will guide you to success. The first client is often the hardest to secure, but once you prove your value, referrals and word of mouth will follow.
Wishing you confidence and success as you grow your business.
Starting a new business is an exciting journey, and it's wonderful to see you offering language services like translation, interpretation, and training. Getting your first paying client might seem tough, but it opens the door to more opportunities.
Here are some ways to reach decision-makers and build trust:
1. Start Locally: Reach out to schools, NGOs, small businesses, or community groups nearby that might need language help. A personal introduction can be more effective than a cold email.
2. Use Your Network: Let friends, family, and professional contacts know about your services. Many first contracts come from referrals.
3. Offer a Sample: Providing a short free translation or a demo class can show potential clients the quality of your work.
4. Present Yourself Clearly: Create a simple one-page profile or brochure detailing your services, pricing, and value. Clarity is appreciated by decision-makers.
5. Build an Online Presence: Even a basic LinkedIn profile or a small website can help establish credibility.
When preparing for client conversations, be ready to explain:
1. Your motivation: Why you started this business and what excites you about language services.
2. Your reliability: Highlight your professionalism, skills, and commitment to deadlines.
3. Your value: Show how your services save time, expand reach, or improve communication.
4. Your flexibility: Demonstrate that you can adapt to different needs.
Next Steps:
Focus on a few industries where language services are needed, like education, tourism, or international trade, and tailor your outreach.
Build a small portfolio, even volunteer projects can showcase your work.
Practice short pitches so you can confidently explain your services quickly.
Keep track of your outreach efforts, persistence often leads to that first breakthrough.
Your determination and curiosity will guide you to success. The first client is often the hardest to secure, but once you prove your value, referrals and word of mouth will follow.
Wishing you confidence and success as you grow your business.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
KING LUKE
Morgan Reed
Chief Information Officer / Strategic Advisor
5
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
I typically see folks that work for a company that has an established client base break out on their own and bring some of their clients with them. I've seen this with lawyers, consutants, mechanics, hair stylists, you name it. It's hard to go from zero to a client base unless you've been working in an industry and have an established network. My son told me him and his friend wanted to be property managers. My advice to them was before taking on the costs and risks of starting their own company, to go work for a well-known and established company for a few months to learn everything a property manager does, and what they need to be successful.
Is the service you are providing competing with a larger company? What are you doing better than them? Faster service? Lower cost? More secure? More personal touch? Regardless of your offering you'll have to differentiate yourself to get those decision makers to choose you over the other guys, so the better you understand your competitors the more you can be specific about your value proposition.
Is the service you are providing competing with a larger company? What are you doing better than them? Faster service? Lower cost? More secure? More personal touch? Regardless of your offering you'll have to differentiate yourself to get those decision makers to choose you over the other guys, so the better you understand your competitors the more you can be specific about your value proposition.
Kris Cala, MHRM
Director, Healthcare Partnerships & Workforce Solutions
5
Answers
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Kris’s Answer
When I started my service-based business, I found that making it easy for the first few clients to say yes was crucial.
We offered free trials or discounts at the beginning, not because our work was worth less, but to build trust and get feedback. This helped us create a good reputation. After delivering great results, we quickly asked for reviews and referrals. Those first positive testimonials helped attract more clients.
For your business, focus on a small, specific group of potential clients instead of trying to reach everyone. Contact organizations that clearly need language services and explain how you can help them. Offering a short trial or special deal can reduce their risk and give you a chance to show your value.
Your first goal isn't to have a huge client list. It's to let a few people try your service, do an excellent job, and turn those successes into testimonials, referrals, and repeat business.
Be careful with discounts. Use them to reduce risk for clients, but avoid making them expect your work for free.
We offered free trials or discounts at the beginning, not because our work was worth less, but to build trust and get feedback. This helped us create a good reputation. After delivering great results, we quickly asked for reviews and referrals. Those first positive testimonials helped attract more clients.
For your business, focus on a small, specific group of potential clients instead of trying to reach everyone. Contact organizations that clearly need language services and explain how you can help them. Offering a short trial or special deal can reduce their risk and give you a chance to show your value.
Your first goal isn't to have a huge client list. It's to let a few people try your service, do an excellent job, and turn those successes into testimonials, referrals, and repeat business.
Be careful with discounts. Use them to reduce risk for clients, but avoid making them expect your work for free.
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