In most decent sized cities there seem to be numerous networking and small business events that are usually free or have only a modest fee to attend. I recommend checking the local chamber of commerce as well as using Google to locate them. Sites like http://www.networkingphoenix.com/ in Phoenix have a lot of events where you can get out and meet small and large business owners.
If that isn’t your style there are numerous websites advertising the need for talent to do one off projects. The issue with many of these sites is they want a lot for a little. But if you need experience, want to build your portfolio and or don’t mind working cheap then this might be a good route to start.
From there it is up to you. Also remember as you start getting clients, make sure you give them the best possible service as over time they can become your best source of business. Referral business often generates the best possible customers.
Thank you for great advice so far, looking forward to more!
If you are going to post work for hire, make it clear it was work for hire and done to a clients specifications. If you are going to post projects from class work, just make clear the purpoes of the project.
I also think it is a good idea to post projects you did for yourself to display your level of talent and creativity, espcially when you haven't done a lot of work for hire. Just always be honest about how and why you did the projects.
Check out this site for portfolio ideas: http://alexmeraz.com/
Just get out there and try and meet people who might be interested in your services, figure out what works for you, are you great at meeting at social events? could you walk into a business and talk the owner into re-doing their website? can you cold call and close sales? try, learn, improve, test, fail, fail, fail, succeed :)