90: How to Start Your Business and Get Your First Paying Clients

About 7 years ago (2017), I graduated from my Masters in Leadership and Management cause I was getting ready to be an Executive Director for a nonprofit.

The day I graduated for some reason I wasn’t happy or excited. It finally dawned on me,

I’ve been listening to what everyone else wants, and not what I want. I’ve been people pleasing doing what others want for me, but what do I want?! And I realize, “I want a business where I can actually serve other women of color AND make a living from it.”

Here’s a graduation pic of me with my two queens, my grandmothers.

I knew I wanted to start a Career Coaching business for women of color cause of my own personal experiences.

A reason why clients love working with me is cause I’ve done ALL the failures, and overcame them.

• Was a director at 22 and learned how to manage 5 people at a young age, while dealing with being so young, a woman and a minority (a trifecta to go through…)
• Got fired, quit and laid off. And each time, I navigated and was able to get a new job.
• Negotiated to get a 20% salary increase
• Switched complete industries successfully and got my first 6-figure salary

I also noticed friends and family members constantly asking me for advice so the day I graduated from my Masters I realized I wanted to do my own thing.

I started my career coaching business one month later and landed my first 3 paying clients.

How did I do it? I used my experience as a former fundraiser in political campaigns and the nonprofit sector and I share all my secrets.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The exact steps on how I got my first paying clients with no website
• The scripts to use to reach out
• How to test and get feedback on your possible services/products

If you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join
Scripts to get your first paying clients: elainelou.com/scripts
Mr. Bear's Budget Bangers

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color