I used to look at all the big, thriving businesses and think, “What’s The secret to getting clients?”
Social media? Leafleting? DMing? I’d spend hours posting on Instagram, perfecting my website, creating the best program. Maybe it was all about what they said in that initial message to a potential client “Hi, how are you?” Or should I just send my offer straight away? Maybe I needed a lead magnet… I’d heard they were great for getting clients.
And then… nothing.
A few messages but no sign-ups..
It was frustrating, overwhelming, and disheartening.
Sound familiar?
Do you have a big passion for running a business, sharing your love for your subject and still feel stuck with that same question:
How do I actually find clients?
Where’s the magic wand that makes people queue up to work with you?
Maybe this business coach has the answer.
Or that one.
It could be that I just haven’t found the right strategy yet…
After 10 years of running my own business I’ve realised something crucial:
There is no magic wand.
Sometimes I still scroll through Instagram and feel overwhelmed. There are so many coaches, gurus, and marketing experts telling you their way is the way.
And maybe it works… for them.
But that’s not the real question.
The real question is:
“Is this the right way for me?”
Why It’s Not Working
I’ve worked with clients who have tried everything, from content batching to sales funnels to spending hundreds on ads, only to feel like they’re on a hamster wheel going nowhere.
They hated every second of it.
It felt inauthentic, exhausting, and like a huge waste of time, energy, and money.
They kept doing more, more, more, hoping something would finally “click.”
But the more they pushed, the more disheartened they became.
They started to forget why they started in the first place.
So I’ll ask you the same questions I ask them:
- Why are you trying to find clients that way?
- How would you like to find clients?
- What’s worked in the past (and felt good doing it)?
- Why keep doing something that you hate?
Let’s Look at Some Options
Here’s a quick list of ways people can (and do!) find clients. It’s not exhaustive. These are just 10 ideas that popped into my head:
- Connect with people on social media
- Ask for referrals
- Create a lead magnet
- Send a regular newsletter
- DM past or potential clients
- Leafleting locally
- Post in Facebook groups
- Attend networking events
- Run a free workshop
- Partner with local businesses
Don’t tell anyone… but they all work.
But here’s the catch: they all work better if you enjoy them and do them consistently.
The Truth About Client Attraction
Here’s what I tell my clients (and what I’ve had to learn the hard way myself):
Everything you’re doing can work, if you do it consistently and if you’re willing to get better at it.
The problem is that most people give up too soon. They feel discouraged, like it’s “not working,” and quit just before it could have.
Let’s take social media as an example. We’ve become convinced that it’s the only way to grow a business. That is not true.
To be honest: most of us aren’t trying to become influencers.
We just want a few more clients.
Have more impact.
Earn more money.
And to build something sustainable and meaningful.
Social media is great for showcasing what you do and reaching people you may not have reached without it, but it’s not THE THING that gets you clients.
What I’ve noticed is this:
The people who have thriving, sustainable businesses tend to have a few things in common:
- Confidence in what they offer and how they deliver
- Passionate about helping people, building something, or creating freedom
- Persistent and they keep showing up
- And most importantly…
They’re willing to talk to people.
And this is where most people trip up.
We’ve become so focused on systems, content, and strategy that we’ve forgotten the most powerful tool in business:
Conversations.
DMs are great… but only if they lead to actual conversations.
Funnels are great… but only if they build connections.
Lead magnets are great… but only if they start a dialogue.
At the core of every single client acquisition strategy is one key skill:
the ability to talk to someone, understand what they want, and share how you can help.
That Jim Rohn Quote
There’s a quote often attributed to Jim Rohn that goes something like this:
“Talk to 10 people, you’ll get 1 client. Practice, and you’ll get 2. Get better, and you’ll get 3.”
I couldn’t find the exact original quote, but the point still stands:
Getting clients is a numbers game and a skill game.
The more conversations you have, and the better you get at them, the more clients you’ll bring in.
So if you want to grow your business, start here:
Learn how to have better conversations.
You Don’t Need a Script
You don’t need the perfect caption or reel or sales page.
What you do need is:
- Authenticity
- Consistency
- Patience
- And the ability to connect, listen, and respond like a real human being
Think about a conversation that led to a client, what did it feel like?
What was the tone? What did you say? What energy were you in?
I know for myself, when I’m in “desperate energy,” it doesn’t work.
But when I’m grounded, living in alignment with my values and energy… that’s when the conversations flow, and the clients follow.
Try this…
Here’s my invitation to you:
Start talking to everyone who will listen about what you’re up to.
And then… talk to even more people.
If you think you’ve said it enough… you haven’t.
I used to imagine this scenario:
What if someone I knew went and hired someone else for exactly what I do…
simply because they didn’t know I offered it?
That still motivates me today.
So… who could you message?
Start a conversation.
Ask them how they are.
Tell them what you’re working on.
Remember to do it in YOUR way.
Getting clients doesn’t have to be complicated.
You don’t need to do what Joanne down the road is doing.
Just have conversations, and choose the ways of getting there that feel good to you.
Ask yourself:
- What small action could I take today to start a conversation?
- What type of client do I want to talk to?
- What way of reaching them feels natural and energising?
I’m off to book a networking call. (I’m introverted, so I avoid the big events where people sell to each other. I prefer smaller groups that are child-friendly for Harry.) So… how will you start a conversation today?
As always, I’m here if you want a sounding board…
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