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How to Get Your First 5 Customers

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How to Get Your First 5 Customers: A Simple Guide for One-Person Businesses

Hey there, future business rockstar! 🌟 Are you ready to turn that brilliant idea of yours into a thriving one-person empire? I know, I know, the thought of getting your first customers can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. But here’s the thing: it’s not as tough as you think. In fact, I’m about to show you how to get your first 5 customers in 10 simple steps. And the best part? You can do it all by yourself! 💪

Why Listen to Me?

You might be wondering, “Who’s this person, and why should I trust their advice?” Well, I’ve been in your shoes. Starting a business can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. But here’s the secret: every business, even the big shots, started with just one person and one customer. So, let’s break this down into bite-sized steps that anyone can follow. Ready to dive in? Let’s go! 🏊‍♂️

Step 1: Build Your Super-Mega Contact List 📝

First things first, you need people to talk to. But where do you find them? Here’s the magic: they’re already in your life! Here’s what you do:

  1. Open your email. Write down everyone you’ve ever emailed. That’s list #1. ✅
  2. Go to your social media (Instagram, Facebook, you name it). Write down all your followers. That’s list #2. ✅
  3. Grab your phone. Export all your contacts. Boom! List #3. ✅

Now, add these lists together. What do you get? A goldmine of potential customers! 💎 You’re probably thinking, “Wow, I didn’t know I knew so many people!” Exactly. These aren’t just names; they’re your first potential fans!

Step 2: Choose Your Battleground 🏟️

You’ve got your army (contacts), but where do you fight (reach out)? Pick the place where most of your contacts are. If you’re Instagram royalty, start there. More emails than a politician? Start with email. It’s like picking your favorite game at the arcade – go with what you’re best at!

Step 3: The Art of the Personal Touch 🖌️

Now, you’re thinking, “But what do I say?” Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Just be a human. Take 30 seconds to look at their profile and find something in common. Maybe they just got a new job, or they love the same weird flavor of ice cream as you. Your message could be:

  • “Hey, Sarah! Congrats on the new gig at Acme Co.! 🎉”
  • “Hi, Tom! Rocky road ice cream? A person of culture, I see! 🍦”

See? It’s not rocket science. It’s just being a friendly neighbor in this big ol’ digital neighborhood.

Step 4: The 100-a-Day Challenge 📞

Here’s where the rubber meets the road: message 100 people every single day. I can hear you gasping, “100? Are you bananas? 🍌” But think about it – if you have 3,000 contacts, you can chat with everyone in a month! The first message might take you 20 minutes (gulp!), but the second one? Two minutes, tops! Everything’s hard before it’s easy. Just get over that first hump, and you’ll be cruising.

Step 5: They Replied! Now What? 💬

Great job, champ! They replied. Now, use what I call the ACA method:

  • Acknowledge: “Two kids under 5? Wow!”
  • Compliment: “You’re like SuperMom, juggling work and little ones.”
  • Ask: “How do you find time to eat right and work out?”

Sneaky, right? I just tied my question to my business (let’s say it’s health coaching) without sounding like a used car salesman.

Step 6: Expand Your Circle 🌍

Here’s the cool part. You’re not selling yet! You’re just chatting. Then, you drop this: “By the way, do you know anyone looking to get healthier? I’m opening a few slots to help people do just that.” You’re not asking them to buy; you’re asking for a favor. People love helping friends!

Step 7: They’re Hooked! Now What? 🎣

If they say, “Actually, I’ve been struggling with my diet,” ding ding ding! 🔔 They’ve gone from a “lead” (someone you can contact) to an “engaged lead” (someone interested in what you’re selling). But hold your horses, we’re not bringing out the cash register yet!

Step 8: The Irresistible Offer 🎁

Here’s the secret sauce: make it free. Yep, you heard me. Tell them:

“I’ll do this for free if you promise three things:

  1. Actually use my service
  2. Give me honest feedback
  3. Leave a killer review if you think it’s worth it”

Why free? Because:

  1. You’ll get more practice (practice makes perfect!)
  2. Let’s be real, you’re new at this. Free helps you learn faster.
  3. It’s way easier to get people to try something free.

Remember, they’re giving you their time and feedback. That’s more valuable than gold for a new business!

Step 9: Show Me the Money (Slowly) 💰

Once people start telling their friends about you, that’s your cue to start charging. But don’t go full price right away. Try this:

  1. First 5 customers: 80% off
  2. Next 5: 60% off
  3. Next 5: 40% off
  4. Next 5: 20% off
  5. After that: Full price (or even higher if you’re crushing it!)

Why? Because as you get better (thanks to all that feedback), you can charge more. It’s like leveling up in a video game!

Step 10: Keep the Love Flowing ❤️

Now you’ve got paying customers. Pop the champagne! 🍾 But don’t forget those first free customers. They’re your VIPs. They gave you reviews, told their friends, and some even started paying. So, keep in touch:

  • Send them helpful tips
  • Share your success stories
  • Just say hi!

When you do this, something magical happens. People start coming to you! They’ll see your posts and think, “Hey, I want that too!” And just like that, you’re not chasing customers; they’re chasing you!

The Big Picture 🌄

So, let’s recap our adventure to your first 5 (and more!) customers:

  1. Build your mega contact list 📝
  2. Choose your main platform 🏟️
  3. Personalize your messages 🖌️
  4. Message 100 people daily 📞
  5. Use the ACA method when they reply 💬
  6. Ask if they know anyone who needs your help 🌍
  7. Spot those interested leads 🎣
  8. Offer your service for free (with conditions) 🎁
  9. Start charging bit by bit 💰
  10. Keep giving value to keep getting customers ❤️

And there you have it! From zero to hero, from idea to income. Remember, every big business started small. You’re not just starting a business; you’re starting an adventure. And the best part? You’re doing it all by yourself. You’re the captain, the crew, and soon, the king or queen of your own little business kingdom. 👑

So, what are you waiting for? Your first customer is just a message away. Go get ’em, tiger! 🐯