It sounds fun to start a side business, but then you have to get your first customer, which is scary. A lot of individuals stop right here because they assume they need a website, a logo, paid ads, or a lot of people to see their stuff before they can make any money.
But what if I told you that you could get your first sale right now without having to leave your contact list?
Chris Guillebeau makes a strong point in both The $100 Startup and Side Hustle: most successful hustles start with individuals you already know. Not people you don’t know. Not people who follow. But individuals you know and trust, including friends, relatives, neighbors, and former coworkers.
This post will show you exactly how to make your first sale without spending any money, having any tech skills, or waiting.
Why Your Personal Network Is Your Best Tool
When you start a side business, the hardest part isn’t the product or service; it’s getting people to pay attention and trust you. People you already know and like are more inclined to listen to you than a stranger on the internet.
Benefits of starting with your network:
- Speed — no need to get people to follow you first
- Trust — You already have a good reputation
- Referrals — They can readily connect you with other people
- Support — They are frequently more willing to assist you grow
A lot of individuals don’t realize how powerful their own circle is. But Chris explains in The $100 Startup that early revenues often come from people you already know, and those tiny wins build momentum.
Step 1: Clearly state what you’re offering
Make sure you know what you’re offering and who it’s for before you send a message.
Your offer should answer these three questions:
- What issue are you fixing?
- Who is the best customer?
- What will they gain out of it?
For example:
“I’m helping busy parents make weekly meal plans that save them time, cut down on food waste, and make shopping for groceries easier.”
That is straightforward, specific, and solves a real problem.
Keep in mind that your network can’t support you if they don’t know what you do or who it’s for.
Step 2: Write down 15–20 contacts in a simple list
Now, get a notebook or open your phone’s contacts. Make a list of 15 to 20 persons who potentially fit into one of these groups:
- Could be a possible customer
- Could know someone who could use your help
- Has a large or active network
- Has helped you before or believes in what you do
This isn’t about sending junk mail to everyone you know. It’s about reaching out to those who might benefit from your offer or know someone who would.
Tip: Don’t just think about your close buddies. Add:
- People who used to work with you
- Old friends or clients
- People you know who own businesses in your area
- People you have helped in the past
Step 3: Write a message that is friendly and real
You don’t need to sell anything. You need to send them a message that is genuine and polite and tells them what you’re doing and how they might help.
Here’s a message you can use:
Hey [Name]! I hope you're doing okay. I just started giving [your service], and I'm hoping to help some folks who [explain the problem you solve].
I'd welcome an introduction if you know someone who might be interested. If you'd want to test it out yourself, I can give you a discounted pricing for being an early client.
No pressure, I just wanted to share! Thanks no matter what :)
This works because it is:
- Individual
- Particular
- Not pushy
- Simple to answer
Send this by SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, email, or any other way that seems natural to that person.
Step 4: Share with the public (but be honest)
After you’ve contacted them personally, put something on your own social media for everyone to see.
Don’t use terminology that sounds too polished or businesslike. Be authentic and human instead.
For example:
“I just created a new side enterprise to help small businesses make their Instagram profiles better. It’s really easy, cheap, and quick. Send them my way if you know someone who owns a business and wants to look more professional online! The first three people get a free audit!”
If it helps, add a picture (Canva is fantastic for that), and be sure to include a clear call to action like “DM me” or “Leave a comment.”
You are sowing seeds, and visibility develops trust, even if you don’t receive purchases right away.
Step 5: Give Value First (If You Have To)
Your network could be interested, but they might not want to pay. That’s fine; at first, you can give a sample, a test run, or a cheaper version to get things going.
Thoughts:
- Consultation for 15 minutes for free
- First design, lesson, or report is 50% off
- “Beta tester” version in exchange for comments
Make it apparent that the deal is only good for a short period. This will get people to act without feeling like they’re doing you a favor.
Chris Guillebeau says a lot that your aim is to go from concept to action as rapidly as possible. The greatest way to do that is to make it easy for someone to say “yes.”
Step 6: How to Ask for Referrals
Someone might not need your service, but they might know someone who does. But instead of stating, “Let me know if you hear of anyone,” be more specific.
Give it a shot:
- “Is there someone in your life who could need aid with [issue you solve]?”
- “Do you know anyone who owns a small business and has trouble with [particular issue]?”
Specific questions lead to specific referrals.
And don’t forget to check back in. People get busy, so it’s fine (and frequently appreciated) to send them a pleasant reminder a few days later.
Step 7: Make Your First Yes Proof
Make the most of your first client from your network.
- Give a lot of value
- Get feedback
- Ask for a short review
- Inform them to inform someone else
This makes things worse and worse. Your network becomes a launchpad, and each new client gets you one step closer to making money all the time.
Chris calls this stage the “feedback loop” in Side Hustle. This is when action leads to proof, which leads to further possibilities.
You’re Not as Far Away as You Think
You don’t have to “go viral” or pay for advertisements to make your first transaction.
All you need is:
- A clear offer
- A short list of contacts
- A desire to reach out
- A concentration on finding solutions
Your first consumer is already in touch with you; they just don’t know what you’re selling yet.
So don’t put it off. Start talking to people today. That first “yes” could be just one message away, and when it arrives, everything will be different.