How to Get Clients: 8 Unconventional Success Stories From Real Entrepreneurs

Look, we get it. Getting clients can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded. But here's the thing: some of the best client relationships start in the most unexpected places. We're talking Facebook groups, horse races, and yes, even cases of mistaken identity.

We've collected real stories from successful entrepreneurs who found clients in wonderfully weird ways, because, if we are being real, sometimes the best business opportunities happen when you least expect them. Here are some of our favorite stories and what you can learn from them.

The Power of Being Present (and Actually Talking About What You Do)

Remember learning the golden rule as a kid? Turns out, it was actually great business advice. Just ask Benjamin Culbreth, who landed a client simply by opening a door:

"I got a client by opening the door for someone. I was at SOCO (my coworking space) and he was there to meet with someone else. He was from out of town, so he couldn't get in. I opened the door and he asked me what I did while I walked him to his meeting. He said, 'Actually, I may need your help.' We connected after his meeting and ended up working on a few projects together."

Dana Watkins of Snaply Sites shares a similar story of casual conversation turning into cash flow:

"I think my most random client came from someone I met at a horse race! Last year we went to the Caroline Cup for Drew's birthday. I ended up making a friend there who owned a counseling center and she had me re-design their website! Good reminder to always mention what I do because I never know where I'll find our next client!"

When Social Media Actually Does Its Job

Here's a wild one from Natasha Walstra from Nearpoint Strategies:

"I worked with a State Senator because another Senator saw my comment on Tim Ferris's post on X. He then followed my bread crumbs I left to connect with me on LinkedIn (since I don't use X) and reached out. He was going to be in Charleston the following week so we grabbed coffee, and he then introduced me to another Senator who had just written a book and needed help with her personal brand. Was SO random."

Katie Hostasa of KMH Leadership found her sweet spot in unexpected online communities:

"I love when I get clients from support groups like Peloton Moms. It feels like proof that coaching works. My clients are passionate enough to tell or mention it in circles they hold so much reverence for."

The "Happy Accidents" That Led to Happy Clients

Sometimes, the universe has a sense of humor about client acquisition. Take Gabby Dionisio Tremblay of The Coveted Copy Studio's story:

"I emailed about 20 businesses in the area offering discounted copywriting services. A business owner responded, thinking I did copyright work. When I explained that I was a writer, she was totally on board and actually needed those services instead. She has been fabulous to work with!"

Or consider Bill Grant from As Told By Agency, who shares:

"I've had several cases of mistaken identity, they thought they were contacting one of my competitors, and I took the business anyway."

Jade Pruett of HelloSEO has a similar tale of fortunate confusion:

"When I first started my business, someone scheduled a meeting with me out of the blue. When I asked how they found out about me, it turns out they were referring to a different HelloSEO. Since my business came up first in the Google search (shoutout to SEO!), she ended up booking with me instead, and we hit it off!"

The Power of Showing Up (In Random Places)

Devin Lee shares an incredible story about the power of community events:

"My first business was a professional home organizing company. This was also the same time I got REALLY into my neighborhood's Buy Nothing Facebook Group. Someone in the group had a potluck just for all of the BuyNothing members to meet each other. While I was there, I hit it off with a lovely couple who hired me on the spot!"

And let's not forget Jason Adams from Unparallel:

"A couple of years ago, I met up with some friends from high school for Friendsgiving. At one point in our conversations I talked about what I do, and one of my friends said he was looking for help with his company on exactly that! Literally Friendsgiving."

Key Takeaways (Because We Know You're Here for the Strategy)

1. Talk about what you do – everywhere. You never know who's listening or who needs your services.
2. Be genuinely helpful and present in unexpected places. Sometimes opening a door (literally) opens doors (figuratively).
3. Join communities and groups that aren't explicitly about business. Your next client might be hiding in a Peloton Moms group or at a neighborhood potluck.
4. Don't be afraid of "mistaken identity" opportunities – sometimes confusion can lead to conversion.
5. Show up authentically in spaces where you actually enjoy being. Social events, community gatherings, or even horse races could be your next networking goldmine.

The Bottom Line

Getting clients doesn't always mean cold calling or sending endless LinkedIn messages (though those definitely have their place). Sometimes it's about being human, being helpful, and being brave enough to mention what you do – even in the most unexpected places.

Remember: Your next big client could be just a door-opening, horse-race-attending, potluck-hosting moment away. Keep your eyes open, your elevator pitch ready, and maybe, just maybe, sign up for that local community event. You never know what might happen.