How to get your first 10 clients · AI Automation Society

How to get your first 10 clients

In my last post, I got over 100 comments — and a common question came up: “How do I get my first clients?”

I’ll share what worked for me, in the most practical way possible.

I understand — but honestly, getting started is simpler than it seems.

Begin with your closest network: friends, your parents’ friends, uncles, anyone who runs a business or can connect you to someone who does. Make a list.

Then reach out to these people — not to pitch a solution, but just to listen. Ask a simple question:

“What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in your business today?”

After listening, ask one more key question:

“If you could solve just one of these problems today, which one would bring the most return — either by cutting costs or increasing revenue?”

At the end of the day, that’s what every business owner truly cares about: lowering expenses or growing revenue.

Talk to at least 3 business owners like this and you’ll start to see your niche take shape — based on real needs, not guesses.

From there, here’s what I recommend:

1. Don’t get stuck in the learning loop.

It’s normal to spend time downloading templates, testing tools like n8n, watching tutorials... but nothing beats doing a real project.

You’ll learn more in one client delivery than in 10 YouTube videos.

2. Don’t worry too much about choosing the “perfect” niche.

Start where you have access or some knowledge — even if it’s basic. Use real conversations to find a common pain. That pain defines your niche.

3. Don’t offer a pre-made solution.

Listen first. Ask the two questions above. Then think: “How can I solve this specific problem with AI or automation?”

4. Don’t try to sell before you’re clear on four things:

* Your niche

* Your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)

* The main pain

* Your solution to that pain

5. Your first project can be free — and that’s ok.

Do it to learn. Deliver. Measure the result. That first delivery gives you confidence and a story to tell.

6. Then, choose one channel — not many.

Figure out where your audience is.

For me, I sell to tech companies that want to generate more leads. They’re on LinkedIn. So I only use LinkedIn.

Trying to use all channels at once is a waste of time.

Once you pick a channel, learn how it works. Understand how to identify potential clients and how to build relationships there.

In my case, I love LinkedIn because I can build targeted lists, control the cadence of my outreach, and scale relationship-building through social selling.

I hope this helps if you're just getting started and trying to land your first 10 clients.

Let me know if you have questions — happy to help.

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