How to win your first paying customers

Many first-time entrepreneurs are super stressed out about how they're going to win their first paying customers. It's hard, especially if you don't have a sales background. Here are a few of my best practices

• As a CEO, Your job is to close the deal, hire team members, and execute the product. The first two years are very hands-on, and you cannot delegate. So, in the beginning, do not expect help. Be involved in every growing step early on.

• You are an entrepreneur; You are exotic. Early customers love it. Show them how important they are to you. Go to their office, invite them to happy hours*, and get to know them. Make sure to follow them on social media to build a personable relationship.

• Just share your story with them about why you are doing what you are doing. What's your motivation? They love to hear something interesting. Remember, they are tired of hearing the same pitches every day. Don't hide your originality.

• Don't worry about having an accent or being from another country. That makes us authentic. How often do they get to be in the same room with an entrepreneur from, i.e., Japan who left their comfort zone and is hustling day and night? Not often. Embrace it.

• Always ask yourself, who's my best ideal customer? Where do they hang out? Who can introduce me to them? Maybe your investor, advisor, or college friend may be connected to the people you are looking for. Check your network.

• No one is born with these skills. You are not alone. Do not hesitate to TRY. For your information, as an immigrant to the states, I closed my first 50 clients at MobileAction with an 80% close rate without any B2B sales experience.

*This post originally shared on Twitter as Tweet Series October 2018. I felt it is worth sharing here as a full post.