My First 6 months in Business: What a Slow Start Looks Like

Let’s go back to the beginning—because the start of a business rarely looks like the highlight reel we see online.

In my first 6 months, I was still working full-time as a management consultant. I had a newborn at home. And I was tired in a way I didn’t even know was possible. But I had this quiet little nudge in me that said: start something. So I did.

Here’s what that actually looked like:

No Clients. Just Crickets.

I joined Upwork. I joined Facebook bookkeeping groups. I applied to every job that remotely fit. I rewrote my profile five times. I created a Canva logo. I told a few people I was freelancing now.

And… nothing happened.

No leads. No clients. Just me, wondering if I was doing something wrong or if I was just being too impatient.

Spoiler: it was mostly impatience.

Doubts? Oh, Absolutely.

It’s easy to say "believe in yourself" in hindsight. But back then? I didn’t know if I was cut out for this. I wasn’t making even a third of my corporate salary. I was waking up early to send pitches before work and staying up late to research how to build a business.

I second-guessed everything.

Then, Around Month 5...

I got my first client.🎉

It wasn’t glamorous or high-paying. But it was REAL. And from that one client, I got another. Then another.

Now, 90% of my business comes from referrals.

And I’m grateful every single day that I didn’t quit during that slow start.

So If You’re In Your First Year...

Please know that a slow start doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re building.

Every business has a beginning that nobody talks about. One where the website has no traffic, the inbox is empty, and you’re constantly wondering if it’s worth it.

It is worth it! You're laying the foundation. You’re learning. You’re putting yourself out there.

And you never know which email, application, or post will lead to your first client—or the one after that.

Keep going. Even if it feels quiet. Especially if it feels quiet.

You might just be in the best part of your story and not even know it yet.