The easiest path is sometimes the most effective one. Your close ones may be your first clients. After all, they know you. By buying products or services from you, they risk less because they have direct contact with you. They may also be your first testers and give you valuable feedback.

Of course, in this case, the question arises: should you give away your products/services to your friends? Or, should you give them at least a discount?

Some of your friends will probably demand that from you! But try to resist the temptation. You may offer some free samples and discounts to people who are close to you and have always supported your goals but be careful about giving them to too many people. Otherwise, you may be pressured to give away even more.

Charging your friends for your services may be a bit uncomfortable, but remember that your time and knowledge are precious, and you should be rewarded for your hard work. And your best friends will probably pay you without being asked for it.

Some of my friends were among the first people who bought my book—they purchased it almost immediately after it went to bookstores. I loved the fact that they showed they believed in me, and I know they can count on me in their projects.

One more thing. Never, ever charge your mom for anything.

If you choose to establish a company in a similar business you’ve been involved with before (for example, you leave a big legal company to establish your own legal practice—or you leave IT department to set up an IT firm), you may ask your clients to continue to work with you in your new business.

Of course, you need to make sure that you’re on solid legal ground, and you don’t violate any agreements with your previous employer. If you have a green light, then your existing business contacts may give powerful boost to your company at early stages.

And what if you’re establishing a business in a completely different industry? Then don’t cross out your previous contacts just yet! Instead, find ways to create an appealing offer to them. You’ve just quit working for a big finance corporation or marketing firm to become a travel agent? Prepare an offer for incentive trips for your previous employer or companies that were their business partners or contractors.

Making business is always personal, and if you know the person you send your offer to, then you’re already one step ahead of your competitors.

Social media and different online communities are perfect places to find first clients.

First, having an interesting profile on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. is already a good marketing tool. If you’re a make-up artist, show some make-up ideas on Instagram. If you’re a business consultant, write a series of thorough analyses on LinkedIn. Show your skills to a proper audience.

Second, be active in Facebook groups. They create great opportunities to share your knowledge on a certain topic and position yourself as an expert. Depending on your business, you may choose local groups or worldwide ones, revolving around wide or specific topics. As a member of the group, give advice, answer questions—but don’t spam and promote your business directly if you’re not asked for it. You may also create a whole new group if you think there’s need for a new, inspiring community online.

As for social media, remember that you don’t need to be everywhere. Sometimes it’s good to focus on 1-2 channels and run your profiles really well. You need to be wherever your potential clients are. If you’ve made it at least to STEP 3 of this free guide, then you already should have an idea of who your clients are and where to search for them.

… on someone else’s blog, podcast or YouTube channel.

If you’re just a beginner in your niche, reach out to people who already have an audience and offer creating content for them in return for some publicity. Be ready to hear a lot of noes before someone says yes. After all, you’re not known yet.

Whenever you’re asking for being featured on someone else’s blog/channel, prepare to do some extra work. Offer a specific topic you could cover and outline your concept—be sure to give a valid value proposal, not just vague idea. Whoever agrees to give you space and time on their media, they need to know that you offer value to their communities and readers/viewers.

Sites like Upwork, Freelancer.com or Fiverr have multiple jobs you can bid on. You can put your profile there and search through freelancing jobs.

The main advantage of these sites is creating an opportunity to reach clients you would never hear from any other way. Nevertheless, they also have many drawbacks: not only you compete for jobs with people from all over the world (who often will work for a lot less than you would ever accept), but you’re also charged with some fees.

Freelancing sites probably offer many jobs that aren’t worth your time, but you still should consider checking them out. First, specialists are paid well and if you’re good at your work, you still may get long-term clients. Second, even if you bid low at the beginning, you get testimonials you could use later.

This may sound ridiculous but going to parties or taking on a new sport may benefit your business. Getting to know new people usually involves some standard questions, like “What do you do for a living?” —and this is when you may attract others’ attention to your new business.

As a general rule, people prefer doing business with someone they know. Even if they don’t need your products or services now, they may need them later or recommend you to their friends. A coincidental cup of coffee sometimes turns into a new contract.

Important note: Don’t treat people like piggy banks. Don’t make your attitude depend on whether they become your clients or not. Desperation shows. The best networking starts when you don’t try to sell anything, but you just enjoy the moment.

Nowadays, meetups and conferences for entrepreneurs are common. Show up, meet new people, or even become a speaker and share your knowledge and experiences. Moreover, attending events in your industry gives you opportunities to learn from others who may have achieved success you crave for.

Nevertheless, be aware of the fact that most conferences aren’t worth your time, especially when they’re free. Although a high-ticket conference doesn’t guarantee that you’ll find clients, it usually gives a higher chance that it will attract more determined entrepreneurs and it will provide high quality workshops with lots of useful advice.

You may also hold your own event if you have a good idea for it. Sometimes even presenting an interesting topic in a local café or a coworking space may attract potential clients—and such an event doesn’t require much organization or costs. If you aim for a bigger event, you need to have a thorough plan: think of a proper venue, financing (tickets or sponsors?), attractive speakers, and even catering. This may be a lot to handle for a beginning entrepreneur, so it might be better to start small in this case.