(+ free workshop, woop!)
2 years ago this week, I was a mix of terrified and excited.
I’d just signed my first client… without a website, without branding, and kept bumping on it without even a business name I felt confident about. (I’d changed it twice already.)
But by the time I “officially launched” in December: $26,977 in revenue. 8 clients signed.
All from conversations with people who knew me.
The launch everyone says you need? I did it backwards.
I didn’t build a website first. I didn’t perfect my brand. I didn’t create a marketing funnel.
I started by “socializing the idea.”
Once I had an offer, I talked to my network.
No cold outreach. Definitely no pitch slapping.
Just real conversations with people who’d been in my world for months or years.
And they bought. Some on the spot.
Someone told me this week: “My first two clients were people who trusted me.”
Of course! People work with people they trust.
And trust doesn’t come from your logo or your website copy.
It comes from showing up consistently long before you ask for anything.
(Want to read more about the “audience-first business model”? Check out this post from last week where I break down how creators like Tim Ferriss, Kim Kardashian, and Darren McKee all built loyal audiences before launching billion-dollar businesses.)
Those 8 clients I signed before “launching”?
Some I’d known for years from previous roles.
Some I’d met at community/networking events.
Some found me through LinkedIn after months of seeing my content.
But all of them had one thing in common: They already trusted me.
When I finally said, “Hey, I’m doing this thing,” they were ready.
That’s the power of playing the long game.
And that’s exactly how my first REALationship Growth Method Cohort SOLD OUT 6 weeks before we even kicked off.
Everyone was someone I’d already been nurturing…through my content, through connections, through strategic relationship-building.
So where do you start?
Most of you already have an established network.
You’ve got clients who love you.
You’ve built relationships through referrals.
You show up at networking events and people know your name.
But LinkedIn? It can feel like a whole different beast.
The reality? It’s not. It’s how you amplify what you’re already doing.
Think about what you normally do IRL to build relationships.
You show up consistently.
You have genuine conversations.
You stay top of mind by being present.
You help people without expecting anything in return.
Create the equivalent of that on LinkedIn.
Comment thoughtfully on posts from people in your network.
Start conversations in DMs that aren’t pitches.
Share your real, lived experiences.
It may feel like a heavy load at first, but a little effort goes a long way…and fast.
Two years ago, I took the leap without a safety net.
Today, I’ve brought in over half a million in business built entirely on relationships.
And it all started with one conversation, one client, and a whole lot of trust.
Until next time,
Natasha
P.S. For my 2-year businessversary, I want to give back to y’all!
Thank you for supporting me, trusting me in your inbox (and many of you, trusting me in your businesses!). I’ve had the most unbelievable 2 years of my life, and I couldn’t have done it without your support.
So for you:
Free Workshop: “What’s Working on LinkedIn Today: How to Be More Visible and Win More Sales” → Wednesday, October 30th at 12:00 PM ET → Register HERE.
AND
For anyone interested in my November cohort of the REALationship Growth Method, I’m offering 2 spots for $500 off.
Reply “REAL” and let’s lock you in!