Let's say you have done the basic steps to create your own business. You have the basic necessities, the legal forms, the business plan, the working environment and, of course, a source of financing to get you going. Now it's time to start working - but this means to find somebody that will trust your new business enough to give you something to work on.

Establishing a base of clients can be the most time-consuming, frustrating and challenging part of your business. This may be the "make it or break it" step of your business, which will clearly define and outline its course for a longer period of time.

There are various ways of getting new clients, and there is no "fool proof" method of doing it. You need to find the method that suits your skills best, by learning from the methods used successful businessmen, and adapting them in ways you can use. Usually, it's a good idea to start on various levels and to do "a little bit of everything" in the beginning. That means avoid focusing on one single issue or client, no matter how important it may seem.

For new businesses, networking is essential. You have no idea how many people you got to know in your lifetime, and how many useful contacts they may have. So, start by telling everybody you know about your new business, with some of the most significant and attractive details for it. Try not to get too annoying when talking about it - or the effect may be just the opposite of what you desire. You fill find that people are usually tolerant and supportive in the beginning, particularly if they are already under the impression that you are reliable and trustworthy person.

Make sure your first clients are satisfied with your services. Of course, this is a general business rule that will always remain valid - but it's more difficult to accomplish in the beginning, when you are not exactly sure what your clients expect from you. Do your best for them, even if this means investing more time and resources than necessary - these investments will decrease in time, being compensated by the experience gained. Satisfied clients talk, and bring in more clients - in fact, this is a common trend for all successful new businesses - attracting clients by the "word of the mouth".

You can also start advertising. Depending on your line of business, this can be very expensive, or can be done easily and cheaply. Local newspapers and magazines and the Internet are really cost-effective means of advertising - and you can see the results quickly, if you've chosen the right target audience. Make sure you mention everything important in you advertisement - start with what you do, what you have to offer, and where people can contact you. Put up a web page of your own as well - it's a good and constant source of attracting new clients.

Another method of promoting your business is called "cold calling". This means calling up people out of the blue, and asking them if they're not interested in your services. It doesn’t always work, and sometimes it can be annoying - it just depends how it's done. "Warm calling", on the other hand, calling up on someone who has expressed a potential interest in your business, can show good results, and is a sound method of keeping in touch with potential customers.