Turning Dreams Into Dollars: How to Land Your First Paying Client in Care

Welcome back to Care to CEO, the go-to podcast for people dreaming of building real businesses in the care industry. In today’s episode, Crystal Smith takes us on the journey from securing a license to landing that all-important first paying client. Crystal shares the unfiltered story behind her entrepreneurial beginnings: the mistakes, the setbacks, the hustle, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.

She digs into why trust, reputation, and word-of-mouth matter far more than flashy ads when you’re just starting out, and offers real-world strategies for getting your name out there, even if you’re feeling intimidated or uncertain. Whether you’re frozen by fear, stuck after becoming licensed, or needing a nudge to get moving, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement that proves you don’t have to be perfect; just present, prepared, and persistent.

So if you’re ready to turn your care business dreams into dollars, tune in and let Crystal show you how she did it and how you can too.

Timestamps:

00:00 Starting a Residential Care Business

06:34 Relationships Drive Client Acquisition

09:38 Trust as Marketability

13:13 Embrace Learning and Consistency

16:14 "Emphasize In-Person Networking"

20:34 Networking with Ohio's County MRDD Boards

22:31 "Fully-Furnished Rentals Appeal"

26:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Politics

31:17 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

32:26 "Unexpected Business Growth Journey"

37:45 "Sporty Business Attire Evolution"

39:12 "Overcome Fear: Lead with Action"

41:58 "Get Clients: Be Present, Persist"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/