Ask HN: How would you go about landing your first client?

2 pointsalxndr_20002 comments

I've been interested in running an IT services business for a long time. I've not been able to work out how to get clients besides running online adverts. I've also tried asking friends and family but nothing has come of it. I'm in my 20s if that is relevant. Thanks

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Walk the neighborhood at different times of the day. It will give you an idea of the busiest businesses (ie the ones with cash to spare). Make a list and keep updating it. Then print a bunch of official looking visiting cards and walk in and talk to the managers. The key is not to expect to sign a contract but to let them know you are around, how to contact you, collect info on their problems, and who they call, what they pay, how you can do it cheaper etc etc. With time you get a sense of how many callbacks you get after N visits and whether its viable or not in your neighborhood.

IT services is a very broad term. You need to be more specific about what you are able to do and deliver. Once you can clearly express what you do and what value you deliver, then just go and door knock local small businesses.

I'm not surprised online adverts don't work. My inbox gets a couple of unsolicited offers to do IT work every week. If I needed IT work done, which I don't, I would reach out to my professional network and not take chances with random strangers on the internet.

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