Get Your First 10 Customers

How to Get Your First 10 Paying Customers Using Your Personal Network: Strategies for First-Time Entrepreneurs & Bootstrappers 

Starting a business from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to landing your first paying customers. 

The good news? 

You don’t need a huge budget or a big sales team to start. In fact, your most valuable asset isn’t your marketing budget — it’s your network.

The people you already know can be your biggest allies in getting your business off the ground. With a smart networking strategy and a little creativity, you can turn your connections into paying customers and get your business moving in the right direction. 

Sure, bootstrapping customer acquisition can feel intimidating, but once you take that first step, you’ll see results sooner than you think.

In this article, we’ll show how to tap into your network to find your first customers, share practical tips for reaching out, and provide a ready-to-use outreach template to help you connect without feeling pushy or sales-y. 

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Make Sure Your Idea Doesn’t Suck

Before attempting to sell anything, it’s crucial to validate your product or service idea. 

Why? 

Because if you’re not solving a real problem, it will be difficult to attract paying customers. Worse, you risk wasting time, losing trust, and blowing your chance with early customers (even if they are friends and family). 

Proper validation ensures you’re on the right track and sets you up for success when you begin customer outreach.

But don’t worry. Validating your idea doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. 

You can use an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) — the simplest version of your product that still solves the core problem — or even a simple presentation, demo, or video.

The goal is to ensure there’s a real need for your offering before investing too much time or money into it. 

Once you’ve validated your business idea, you’ll be ready to find your first paying customers.

How To Validate Your Idea

Here are three actionable steps to validate your idea before reaching out to your network:

Step #1: Confirm You’re Solving A Problem

The first step in validation is making sure you’re solving a real problem. Interview potential customers, run surveys, or join relevant online communities to listen and learn. 

Ask open-ended questions like:

  • What’s your biggest challenge related to [your product area]?
  • How do you currently solve this problem?
  • What would an ideal solution look like?

This will help you understand if your idea truly addresses a need.

Step #2: Create A Minimum Viable Product

Your minimum viable product (MVP) is the simplest version of your product that still delivers value. The idea is to test with a basic prototype or demo, rather than building a full-fledged product. For example:

  • A simple landing page or website outlining your solution.
  • A demo video showcasing how it would work.
  • A basic version of the product with core features.

For instance, Dropbox created a demo video before its product was ready, which resulted in 75,000 beta signups overnight — proof that there was demand for its solution. 

But your business doen’t have to be in tech to create a minimum viable product. 

Here are some MVP ideas for local businesses: 

  • Pop-Up Shops or Markets: Test retail or food business demand by setting up a temporary stall at local events or markets.
  • Pre-Selling Services: Offer discounted service packages (e.g., personal training, photography) to validate interest before a full launch.
  • Workshops or Classes: Host a one-time event (e.g., yoga class, cooking class) to gather feedback and build relationships.
  • Catering Samples: Offer food samples at community events or to local businesses to gauge interest before launching a full menu.
  • Service Pilot Program: Provide a free or discounted trial for service-based businesses (e.g., lawn care, pet grooming) to get early feedback.
  • Pop-Up Fitness Classes: Offer fitness classes at parks or community centers to test formats and build interest before investing in a gym.
  • Sample Menus: Provide small-scale catering for friends or local events to test new menus for food businesses.
  • Free Consultations: For consultants, offer free or discounted consultations to refine your services based on customer feedback.
  • Social Media Promotions: Run limited promotions for new services or products to test customer interest.
  • Product Sampling: Place product samples in complementary businesses (e.g., candles in a coffee shop) to test retail demand.
Step #3: Test & Gather Feedback

Once you have your MVP, it’s time to put it in front of real users. Reach out to people who match your target audience and ask them to try it out. The goal here isn’t just to get positive feedback, but also to understand what doesn’t work so you can improve. Encourage users to be honest by asking:

  • What do you like/dislike about the product?
  • How does it compare to current solutions?
  • What would make you more likely to use it?

This feedback is invaluable as it helps you refine your offering before a broader launch.

Why Validation Matters

Validation is important because it prevents you from burning bridges with your early network. If your product isn’t ready or doesn’t solve a real problem, reaching out too early can result in:

  • Wasted time and resources trying to fix things later.
  • Damaging your reputation with potential customers who may not give you a second chance.
  • Losing opportunities for valuable feedback that could shape your product.

By validating first, you’ll ensure that when you do start asking for support from your network, you’re offering a product that genuinely solves a problem and is ready to go to market. 

2. Turn Your Contacts Into Customers

Your network isn’t just a list of contacts — it’s your secret weapon for landing those critical first customers. The people in your network already know and trust you, making them far more receptive to your ideas compared to strangers or cold leads. 

This built-in familiarity gives you an edge, allowing you to unlock new opportunities, partnerships, and even paying customers faster than you could through traditional outreach.

But simply knowing people isn’t enough. What really matters is how you approach your network to fuel your business growth.

How To Approach Your Network

Here are 5 steps to help you turn those relationships into business opportunities:

Step #1: Identify All Contacts

Reaching out to your network is delicate — you don’t want to come off as sales-y or burn relationships. But the truth is, most of your first customers are already sitting in your contacts list, waiting to be unlocked. You just need a plan.

That plan starts with mapping your network. You don’t need a fancy CRM right now — just a simple spreadsheet will do. This is your roadmap to those first 10 paying customers.

Even if you don’t realize it, you’ve already got a network. Your family, friends, colleagues, mentors — everyone you know is a potential connection to your first customers.

Pull contacts from your phone, LinkedIn, Facebook, or email accounts. Dump them all into a spreadsheet — this is your starting point.

Ask yourself: 

  • Who do you already know? 
  • How do you know them? 
  • How strong is your relationship with them? 

Organizing this information will help you stay strategic and avoid awkward pitches.

Start by capturing just the essentials: names, emails, industry, and how you know them. Keep it simple.

Step #2: Categorize Your Contacts

Now, let’s get smart about it. Not every contact will be a direct customer, but some may be great referral sources or potential partners. To make your outreach more effective, organize your contacts into categories, like:

  • Direct Prospects: These are the people who could directly benefit from your product or service. They’re likely to have a need that your offering can solve and might become your first paying customers. Think of friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who could use your product right away.
  • Referral Opportunities: These are contacts who may not need your product themselves but can introduce you to others who do. They could be well-connected individuals in your industry or adjacent fields, making them valuable as sources of potential leads.
  • Industry Experts: These are influential people in your industry or field. While they may not become customers, their insights, advice, or even a simple endorsement could be invaluable. Building relationships with industry experts can also open doors for partnerships or collaborations down the road.

By categorizing your contacts in this way, you can prioritize your outreach and focus on the contacts most likely to drive your business forward. This will also help you craft more relevant, personalized messages for each group.

Step #3: Make A List

You don’t need to overcomplicate things. Start with a simple spreadsheet and just a few key columns:

  • Category (Direct Prospects, Referral Opportunites, & Industry Experts)
  • Name
  • Email
  • Company/Industry
  • Connection Strength (1-10)

Feel free to adjust this list as needed, but keep it simple. Don’t bog yourself down with too much data — you’re here to land those first customers.

Step #4: Choose The Right Channel

Now that you’ve organized and categorized your contacts, it’s time to reach out. But be careful — this is where many entrepreneurs misstep. 

A generic, impersonal message can easily be ignored or worse, damage valuable relationships. Thoughtful and personalized outreach is key to turning your contacts into customers.

Not all contacts are the same, and neither are the platforms they prefer. Tailor your message for each group based on your relationship with them and the best way to reach them. 

For example, your college buddy might be more active on Instagram than LinkedIn, while a former coworker may prefer email. The goal is to use the platform they’re most comfortable with, so your message feels natural, not out of place.

Pro Tip: Adapt your outreach for different channels. An email might require a formal tone, while a direct message on social media can be more casual. Avoid copy-pasting the same message across platforms. Instead, adjust your approach based on the person and the channel.

Step #5: Craft a Personal Message & Reach Out 

Once you’ve selected the best way to reach each contact, the next step is to craft a thoughtful, personalized message. Your outreach should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. 

Use what you know about the person — whether it’s a shared experience, a previous conversation, or specific needs they’ve mentioned — to make your message relevant

Remember, not all contacts are the same, so each group in your network will need a different approach. 

Whether you’re reaching out to direct prospects who could become paying customers, seeking referrals from well-connected contacts, or asking industry experts for advice and insights, the right message can make all the difference.

Below, we’ll show you exactly how to craft personalized outreach messages for each type of contact and provide you with handy outreach templates to help you get started.

1. Direct Prospects: How To Reach Out

Direct prospects are people in your network who might be interested in your product or service right now. These could be friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who could benefit from what you’re offering. 

When reaching out to direct prospects, your goal isn’t to pressure them into buying but to ask for their honest feedback. 

By keeping the conversation open and collaborative, you build trust while also gaining valuable insights that can improve your product. 

Be clear about how your solution could help, but focus more on starting a dialogue rather than making a sale.

Outreach Template

Subject: Could I get your feedback?

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share something I’ve been working on that might be up your alley. I’ve recently launched [Your Product/Service], which is designed to [briefly describe the problem it solves], and I’m still in the process of fine-tuning it.

I know you’ve got a lot of experience with this kind of thing, so I’d really appreciate your honest feedback. I want to know if it sounds useful or if there’s anything you think I could improve.

Let me know if you’ve got a few minutes to check it out. I’d greatly appreciate your input.

Thanks a ton,
[Your Name]

If they respond with feedback, here’s how you can take action:

  • Positive feedback? Thank them for their insights and offer to set up a demo or provide more information if they’re interested in learning more.
  • Critical feedback? Acknowledge their points, thank them for their honesty, and let them know you’ll consider their suggestions in future iterations.
  • No response? Send a polite follow-up after a week, thanking them again and asking if they had a chance to look it over.

By responding thoughtfully, you’ll show that you value their input, keeping the relationship intact while paving the way for potential future engagement.

2. Referral Opportunities: How To Reach Out

Referral opportunities are people who may not need your product directly but might know someone who does. These could be friends, colleagues, or acquaintances with broad networks or connections in adjacent industries. 

The key here is to ask for a referral in a non-salesy, helpful way—one that doesn’t feel like you’re pushing them into a favor. 

The focus should be on making it easy and pressure-free for them to connect you with anyone who could benefit.

Outreach Template

Subject: [Their Name], could you help me out with something?

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve recently launched [Your Product/Service], which is designed to help with [problem your product solves]. I know it might not be something you need personally, but I thought you might know someone in your network who could benefit from it.

If anyone comes to mind, I’d really appreciate an introduction. No pressure, of course — just thought I’d reach out and see if you know anyone who could use it.

And if you’re curious about what I’m working on, I’d be happy to share more details.

Thanks a ton for your help!

[Your Name]

If you get a response, here’s how to handle it:

  • They provide a referral: Be sure to thank them immediately and ask if they’d be willing to make the introduction via email or social media. Make it as easy as possible for them to connect you.
  • They’re unsure or don’t provide a referral: Thank them for their consideration, and let them know you appreciate them taking the time to think about it.
  • They’re interested themselves: If they mention interest in learning more, offer to share additional details or set up a quick chat, but keep it low-pressure.

The key to working with referrals is to be patient and show gratitude, no matter the outcome. You’re not just asking for a favor — you’re building trust for the long term.

3. Industry Experts: How To Reach Out To

Industry experts are people who might not become your customers, but they can offer valuable advice, insights, or even open doors for future partnerships. 

When reaching out to them, the goal is not just to pitch your product but to establish a genuine relationship. 

The ask here is about getting honest feedback and potentially building a long-term connection. Approach them with curiosity and respect for their expertise.

Outreach Template

Subject: [Their Name], would love to get your thoughts on this

Hi [Name],

I’ve been following your work for a while and really appreciate your insights on [specific topic]. I recently launched [Your Product/Service], which aims to [briefly describe the problem it solves], and I’m still in the process of refining it.

Since you have a lot of experience in this area, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’m curious to know if you think this could be valuable in the market or if there’s anything you’d suggest improving.

If you have a few minutes, I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether via email or a quick chat—whatever works for you.

Thanks so much,

[Your Name]

If you get a response, here’s how to handle it:

  • They provide feedback: Thank them sincerely for their insights, and show you value their input by asking follow-up questions if appropriate. Let them know how you plan to incorporate their feedback, and keep the door open for future conversations.
  • They offer to connect you with others: Be sure to thank them and make it as easy as possible for them to introduce you. Follow up with the person they connect you with and keep the expert in the loop if this leads to any developments.
  • No response? Give it a week or two, then send a polite follow-up. Keep it light—thank them for their time and let them know you’d still love to hear their thoughts when they have a moment.

Building relationships with experts takes time, but if you show genuine interest in their feedback and respect their time, you can turn these connections into valuable assets for your business.

3. Expand Your Network

Once you’ve tapped into your existing contacts, the next step is to grow your network and unlock even more opportunities for your business. 

Expanding your network isn’t just about increasing the number of people you know — it’s about connecting with the right people who can help you grow, offer valuable insights, and open doors to new customers or partnerships.

By joining local networking groups, attending industry conferences, and partnering with complementary businesses, you can expand your reach and create meaningful, lasting connections. 

The more you connect with your community and industry, the more chances you’ll have to meet potential customers and collaborators.

How To Expand Your Network

Here are three actionable steps to expand your network beyond colleagues, friends, and family:

Step #1: Join Local Networking Groups

One of the most effective ways to expand your network is by joining local or national business networking groups. These organizations offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs, share ideas, and generate referrals. 

Many of these groups host regular events, either in-person or virtually, giving you the chance to grow your business network and find potential customers.

Networking Groups To Join:
  • Chamber of Commerce: Local chambers of commerce are great for building connections in your community. They offer networking events, business expos, and seminars that bring together local business owners and professionals. By joining, you’ll also gain access to resources and support for growing your business.
  • SCORE: SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides free mentoring and education to small business owners. Through SCORE, you can connect with experienced business mentors, attend workshops, and network with other entrepreneurs. This group is perfect for gaining advice while building your network.
  • Business Network International (BNI): BNI is one of the largest networking organizations globally, with local chapters that meet regularly. BNI operates on a referral-based system, helping members generate leads through the group’s extensive network. It’s especially beneficial if you’re looking for consistent referrals from trusted contacts.
  • Rotary Club International: Rotary is a global organization that focuses on community service and business networking. Members work together to address local and international challenges while building professional relationships. Rotary clubs often attract well-established professionals and can help you expand your influence.
  • Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO): EO is a global community for entrepreneurs, offering peer-to-peer learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities. If you’re looking to connect with ambitious business owners who are focused on growth, EO offers a supportive and growth-driven environment.
  • Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC): YEC is an invite-only community for young entrepreneurs (typically under 40) who are leaders in their fields. The group offers access to exclusive networking events, mentorship opportunities, and online resources to help you grow your business alongside other like-minded entrepreneurs.
  • National Small Business Association (NSBA): The NSBA is a national organization that advocates for small business interests and provides networking opportunities across industries. It’s a great resource for finding industry-specific connections, as well as staying updated on legislation that impacts small businesses.
  • American Marketing Association (AMA): The AMA is a professional association for marketers, but it’s also a valuable networking resource for business owners looking to enhance their marketing efforts. The organization offers educational events, conferences, and networking opportunities with professionals in marketing and advertising.
  • Network After Work: Network After Work is a community of professionals and entrepreneurs focused on building relationships to grow their businesses. They offer virtual and in-person events across the United States, providing a casual environment to meet new contacts and explore potential collaborations.
  • The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE): NASE offers resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for self-employed business owners. This group is ideal for solo entrepreneurs who want to connect with others facing similar challenges, while also benefiting from business advice and resources.
  • Meetup: Meetup is an online platform that allows you to search for local business networking groups and events based on your interests and location. From small business owner meetups to industry-specific groups, Meetup makes it easy to find networking events that align with your goals.
  • Eventbrite: Eventbrite is another platform for finding and attending local events, including business networking sessions, conferences, and seminars. It’s a great way to meet new people in your area or industry and expand your network through diverse activities.
Step #2: Attend Industry Conferences

Attending industry conferences is one of the best ways to expand your network, stay informed on the latest trends, and connect with potential clients or partners. 

Conferences allow you to meet key players in your field, build relationships, and gain insights that can help you grow your To Find Conferences

The best tool for finding relevant trade shows is the ExpoMarketing Trade Show Calendar. It allows you to search by show name, industry, city, state, and country, making it easy to find trade shows that align with your business goals. 

With over 3,500 exhibitions held worldwide, this tool helps you stay up to date on industry events and provides direct links to trade show websites for sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities.

Conference Tips:
  • Set Clear Goals: Before attending a conference, be clear on what you want to achieve — whether it’s building partnerships, meeting potential clients, or learning from industry experts. Having a focus will help you make the most of your time.
  • Do Your Research: Research the speakers, sessions, and attendees ahead of time. Knowing who will be there allows you to plan your schedule and identify key people you want to meet. If possible, reach out to attendees beforehand to introduce yourself.
  • Bring Business Cards & an Elevator Pitch: Have a stack of business cards ready, as well as a short 30-60 second elevator pitch. Be prepared to introduce yourself and your business in a clear, concise way that highlights how you help others.
  • Network During Breaks: Some of the best connections happen during informal moments, like coffee breaks or networking mixers. Don’t hesitate to start conversations with other attendees. Ask them about their business and explore ways you might be able to help each other.
  • Follow Up Immediately: Within 24-48 hours after the conference, follow up with the people you met. A quick email or LinkedIn connection request referencing your conversation will help solidify the relationship and keep you on their radar for future opportunities.
  • Attend Post-Conference Events: Many conferences host casual post-event gatherings, like dinners or networking mixers. These events offer a more relaxed environment for building deeper connections with the people you met earlier.
  • Take Notes: Conferences are packed with valuable insights, so take notes during sessions and conversations. This will help you remember key takeaways and follow up on action items after the event.
Step #3: Partner With Complementary Businesses

Partnering with businesses that offer complementary products or services can be a powerful way to expand your network and reach new customers. 

A complementary business is one that serves the same target audience but doesn’t directly compete with your offerings. 

By forming mutually beneficial partnerships, you can cross-promote each other’s products, share leads, and create new opportunities for growth.

How To Identify Partners:
  • Think About Your Customers’ Needs: Consider what other products or services your customers might need alongside yours. For example, if you run a web design agency, complementary businesses might include branding agencies, digital marketing firms, or IT support companies. These businesses already serve the same customer base and can introduce you to potential clients.
  • Leverage Your Existing Network: Reach out to business owners you already know or have worked with in the past. If they offer services or products that complement yours, explore the idea of forming a partnership. Sometimes, the best opportunities are already within your existing network.
  • Attend Networking Events and Conferences: Industry events and local networking groups are ideal places to meet potential partners. Use these opportunities to connect with other business owners and explore ways you can collaborate for mutual benefit. Be open to sharing referrals and creating joint offers.
How To Build Partnerships:
  • Offer Value First: Like networking, partnerships work best when both parties feel they’re gaining something valuable. Start by offering to refer customers or share insights, and be proactive in helping your partner’s business succeed. This builds trust and creates a foundation for long-term collaboration.
  • Create Joint Offers or Promotions: One of the best ways to maximize a partnership is by creating joint offers. You can bundle your products or services together and offer a special discount for customers who purchase from both businesses. This creates a win-win situation where both businesses benefit from increased visibility and customer loyalty.
  • Share Leads and Referrals: Regularly share customer leads with your partner, and encourage them to do the same. By referring clients to one another, you both expand your customer base without spending extra on marketing. Just make sure to keep open communication about the quality and fit of the referrals you send.
  • Collaborate on Content and Marketing: Joint marketing efforts, such as co-hosted webinars, blog posts, or social media campaigns, can help both businesses reach new audiences. This collaboration also strengthens the partnership and offers more visibility for each brand. Be strategic about choosing the right channels for your joint efforts.
  • Keep the Partnership Mutually Beneficial: For a partnership to be successful, both businesses need to benefit equally. Be transparent about what you’re looking to achieve and regularly check in with your partner to ensure both sides are happy with the arrangement. A strong partnership should help you both grow without one party feeling like they’re giving more than they’re getting.

4. Improve Your Networking Skills

Networking is a skill that can be learned and improved over time. While expanding your network is important, it’s equally crucial to make sure you’re building relationships in a way that’s effective, genuine, and sustainable. 

Mastering the art of networking will help you form meaningful connections, earn trust, and ultimately convert contacts into customers.

How To Improve Your Skills

Here are seven actionable steps you can take to keep your networking skills sharp:

Step #1: Have Your Elevator Pitch Ready

Your elevator pitch is a brief 30-60 second introduction to who you are and what your business does. It’s essential for face-to-face networking. Whether you’re at a formal networking event or striking up a conversation in a more casual setting, having a concise and engaging pitch ready will make you memorable and help you communicate your value quickly.

Pro Tip: Focus on how your product or service solves a problem. Your pitch should highlight the benefits to potential customers, not just what you do.

Step #2: Always Carry Business Cards

Even in today’s digital world, business cards still play an important role in networking. They provide a tangible reminder of your connection and make it easy for people to follow up. 

Having professionally printed business cards shows you take your business seriously. Don’t wait for someone to ask — give them out whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Pro Tip: After exchanging business cards, jot down a quick note about how you met or what you discussed. This will help you personalize your follow-up.

Step #3: Be Generous & Make It a Two-Way Conversation 

Networking is a two-way street. Don’t focus solely on what you can get from others — be ready to offer help, insights, or referrals to the people you meet. Ask about their business, what they’re looking for, and how you might assist them. 

Building goodwill within your network increases the chances that people will want to reciprocate when opportunities arise.

Pro Tip: Approach networking with a mindset of giving rather than getting. The more you offer value to others, the more likely you are to see results down the road.

Step #4: Follow Up Within 24 Hours

Following up is a crucial yet often overlooked part of networking. After meeting someone, send them a quick email or a LinkedIn connection request within 24 hours. Mention where you met and briefly reference your conversation. 

This shows professionalism and keeps the connection fresh in their mind, laying the groundwork for future engagement.

Pro Tip: Be specific in your follow-up — reference a point from your conversation or offer a resource or suggestion based on what you discussed.

Step #5: Stay Consistent

Consistency is key in networking. Attending one event or meeting new people occasionally won’t yield long-term results. The more frequently you put yourself out there, the more people will remember you. 

Even small, consistent actions — like sending an email or attending a meetup — keep you on people’s minds and build momentum over time.

Pro Tip: Schedule networking activities into your routine. This could be attending a monthly event, grabbing coffee with someone in your network, or sending a helpful article to a contact.

Step #6: Be Kind & Grateful

Networking isn’t just about gaining business — it’s about building relationships with real people. Being kind, appreciative, and genuine goes a long way in fostering lasting connections. 

Expressing gratitude for the people who support your business makes them feel valued and more inclined to help you in the future.

Pro Tip: Take the time to thank people who have referred clients to you, provided feedback, or offered advice. A quick thank-you note or shout-out can go a long way.

Step #7: Join Networking Groups & Attend Events Regularly

Being active in networking groups and attending industry events is a great way to continually improve your skills. 

Practice makes perfect, and the more you engage with different people, the more comfortable and skilled you’ll become at initiating and building relationships.

Pro Tip: Consider rotating through different types of events — from local networking groups to industry-specific conferences — to broaden your experience and connections.

5. All You Need Is One Truly Happy Customer

Getting your first paying customer is a huge milestone, but the real magic happens when that customer isn’t just satisfied — they’re thrilled with your product or service. That’s the kind of customer who doesn’t just come back but tells their friends and colleagues about you without even being asked.

The key isn’t just having a bunch of “sort of happy” customers. You could have 100 moderately satisfied customers and still struggle to grow. 

But with one truly happy customer — someone who feels you’ve nailed exactly what they need — you can start a chain reaction. 

They’ll refer others naturally, helping you grow from 1 customer to 2, 3, and beyond.

A Truly Happy Customer Means Product-Market Fit

Product-market fit starts with that first super-happy customer. When you’ve hit the mark, they’ll spread the word for you. But if you haven’t quite reached that level, growth will stall no matter how many people you have using your product. 

That’s why it’s essential to go above and beyond for your first customers. 

Do things that don’t scale — whether it’s offering personalized support, extra perks, or just listening closely to their needs.

You Can Measure Happiness With One Question

One way to measure this level of happiness is through the Net Promoter Score (NPS). The NPS asks a simple question: “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend this product to a friend or colleague?” 

Those who score a 9 or 10 are your “promoters”— the ones who will sing your praises. Anything less, and you’re not quite there yet. 

Your first goal should be to turn your early customers into promoters because those are the people who will bring in the next round of business.

Ask For A Referral At The Right Time

Once your customer reaches that level of satisfaction, ask for a referral at the right time. Timing is everything. 

The best moment to ask is when a customer is happy with your product or service — right after they’ve complimented your work, given positive feedback, or completed a successful project. 

When the relationship is strong and the customer is satisfied, don’t hesitate to ask.

Pro Tip: Keep the ask casual and low-pressure, like: “I’m so glad you’ve had a great experience! If you know anyone else who might find this helpful, I’d love for you to spread the word.”

All It Takes Is One Happy Customer

Focus on that first truly happy customer. Give them every reason to love what you’re offering. Once you’ve won them over, their referrals will do the heavy lifting in growing your business.

As they naturally spread the word, each new customer you gain will bring you closer to your growth goals — without needing to push hard for referrals.

Keep Going — You’ve Got This

Building your first customer base can feel like an uphill climb, but don’t give up. Remember, every big business started with just one paying customer. 

With the strategies we’ve covered — validating your idea, leveraging your personal network, expanding your reach, and using referrals — you’ve got the tools you need to get those first 10 customers and beyond.

It’s all about taking small, consistent steps, building genuine relationships, and keeping your momentum. Sure, it might take a little time, but each customer you gain brings you closer to your goals.

So keep pushing forward, stay patient, and trust the process. 

You’ve got this!