Saw the poll about "scariest client acquisition strategy" - cold outreach terrified me too.
Here's what actually worked (warm-ish outreach):
Step 1: Built something real first
- WhatsApp automation for a friend's business
- Got actual results (15 hours/week saved)
- Documented everything with screenshots
Step 2: Asked for intro
- Friend introduced me to someone in his network
- Sent a 2-minute Loom showing the system
- Focused on time saved, not technical features
Step 3: Discovery call booked
- They want similar automation for their team
- Call scheduled for next Tuesday
- Nervous but excited
What I learned:
- Building for free initially = portfolio + confidence
- Results speak louder than credentials
- Warm intros > cold outreach (at least to start)
My question for the group: How do you price discovery calls? Free or paid? And for first clients - do you do fixed price or hourly?
Still figuring this out but documenting the journey.