Every Step I Took to Land One New Client

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💡 This is a true story about all the steps I took just to get one new client — and it shows how much work, patience, and perseverance it can take to land a single client.

But it also taught me an important lesson: it’s much more effective to keep your current clients than to constantly chase new ones. So take care of the ones you already have.

Here’s Exactly What I Did to Land One Client

1. Finding the Right Fit

I found an agency doing work I liked. I thought we’d be a good match. But I only knew one person who worked there.

2. Staying Connected on LinkedIn

I began messaging that person every few months on LinkedIn. I’d say things like, “Hey, here’s a project I just finished,” just to stay in touch.

3. Getting Invited to an Event

One day, my LinkedIn connection invited me to a freelance event their agency was hosting. It was a casual “meet and greet” for freelancers and companies.

4. Showing Up, Even When It Was Hard

I had just gotten over the stomach flu the night of the event. I felt weak, and I didn’t know anyone there except that one person from LinkedIn. But I still showed up.

5. Talking to People at the Event

Even though I felt uncomfortable, I stayed, smiled, and asked people about their work. I made a few new connections at the agency.

6. Following Up Afterwards

After the event, I emailed the new people I had met.

7. A First Opportunity (That I Didn’t Get)

A few weeks later, they asked me to give an estimate for a project. I prepared, joined meetings, and sent my prices—but I didn’t get the job.

8. Getting a Small Job

Later, they offered me a small project again, this time with a really low budget. But I knew it was my one chance to prove myself. So I gave it my best. I delivered more than expected.

9. Building Trust

I went the extra mile because I wanted them to trust me. Even if the next project was small too, they would know I could do great work.

10. Getting Bigger Projects

Finally, that small job changed everything. After that, they gave me more work—bigger and better projects. Now, they hire me all the time!

The Lesson

This story shows how much work, patience, and perseverance it can take to land just one client. It’s a lot of work!

But it also made me realize that if you spent even one-tenth of that effort taking care of your current clients—checking in, staying helpful—you could save a lot of time and keep a lot of clients!

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