If you’ve ever wondered how to actually start a business when you have no clients, no testimonials, and no idea what to offer—this episode is for you.

I’m walking you through the exact steps I took to go from zero to my first paying client. These are the strategies I used to build trust, clarify my offers, and start generating income without a big following or polished website. Whether you're a coach, freelancer, or virtual assistant, this is the process I’d follow again if I were starting from scratch.

In this episode, I’ll teach you how to:

• Lay the groundwork by choosing a simple, professional email, setting up a calendar link, and creating a branded document to showcase your services.
• Identify and engage with your niche audience by choosing two specific online communities to serve and participate in—without spreading yourself too thin.
• Write content that gets noticed by sharing genuine stories, tips, and wins that speak directly to your ideal client’s needs.
• Find your first offer by paying attention to what people ask you for and turning those requests into paid services.
• Shift your mindset from waiting for clarity to taking small, imperfect steps forward—because clarity comes through action.

If you're feeling stuck at the starting line, this episode will help you take your next right step with confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Starting Your Business

07:12 Finding Clients: Strategies and Solutions

12:11 Defining Your Offer: Skills and Packaging

18:26 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Valuing Yourself

Subscribe for Weekly Encouragement

Each episode is created to guide you into launching your own sustainable business

Substack Communities

Stay connected through my Substacks:

• Decision Tree Learning — For homeschool families
• Writing Career Coach — For writers building craft and business
• Learning Resources Online — For entrepreneurs and mentors
• Building The Balanced Life — For small business owners managing life and work

Want to Go Deeper?

Ready to build a business that grows without consuming your life?

Enroll in The Freelancer by Friday System—an on-demand, step-by-step course that shows you how to launch a profitable freelance business in just one week. Whether you're tired of fake job boards or just need a clear roadmap, this course is designed to get you moving fast. For just $47 (normally $200), you’ll get:

• Daily tasks laid out for easy implementation
• Guidance on creating a simple, scalable fee structure
• Marketing strategies to attract regular clients
• Time-saving tactics that give you more freedom
• Access to the same free tools and articles that helped me grow my following
• Ongoing updates with even more proven strategies
• A full business setup you can execute for less than $150 total

If you’re a self-starter ready to stop waiting for someone else to hand you a paycheck, this system is for you.

Enroll now

Apply for my 3-Month Business Coaching Package

$500 for 14 weeks of personalized strategy, accountability, and sustainable growth (Limited to 10 clients per month)

This coaching is designed for the writer, creative, or entrepreneur who has big ideas but needs structure, clarity, and a realistic plan. Whether you're starting something new or trying to simplify what's already in motion, this program meets you where you are.

What’s included:

• One-hour monthly strategy sessions to identify challenges and develop customized, actionable solutions
• Weekly email check-ins with personal feedback and accountability
• Tools and templates created specifically for your business needs
• A 14-week consecutive structure to maintain momentum and build systems
• The option to continue coaching weekly if needed

My coaching style is simple: no fluff, no overwhelming plans—just practical support, focused strategy, and a commitment to helping you build a business that doesn’t consume your life.

Apply today

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who’s ready to

#business #entrepreneur