Where did you find your first few clients?

[seolman]

My first clients were long term business contacts. The rest are all either web inquiries or word of mouth.

[billbenson]

An online business is a little different than most of the replies here, but I got mine from Adwords

[dojo]

For me the first clients were some friends, but then I decided to go further and expand. Right now my clients are from all over the world and not so many from the local businesses.

[GoingLocal]

There is common thread here that I'm also in on.

Almost all people hot their first client from an existing relationship before the business even started. My first client was a restaurant owner where I was a regular customer for about a year before I started up. From there is has been word of mouth and now more online and social media is bringing in new prospects.

And on that note, if you don't have a strong existing relationship your business can help, social media it's probably the best place to focus (facebook - 500 million users, 250 Million visits a day lasting ~30mins each on average!). Many of my peers (me included) are finding that Craigslist is becoming harder find clients and make sales from. Maybe that's just us though. (??)

[bkemp100]

There are a number of ways to get your first client, one good way is networking by atending events where your prospective clients congregate. Much depends upon your area of expertise. There is a good book on the subject of finding clients titled: How To Make $100,0000 A Year As A Successful Consultant In Your Own Field. It is written by Jeffrey Lant, if you do an internet search you can find information on this book. I had a copy that I read so many time it fell apart but I found it to be a very valuable help in finding consulting clients.

[janemerino]

I've always heard to start local and think globally. One customer contact or other marketing opportunity can lead to the other.

I will definitely be watching for future suggestions.

[wattzy]

Mostly through referrals from friends and ex-work colleagues. Then the clients would refer me to other people they new needed services.