Before We Dive In…
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My hands were sweaty, my heart pounding out of my chest.
I knew that my family was depending on me. My reputation was hanging in the balance. My bank account was quickly shrinking.
I clicked “Send” and waited with bated breath.
It was up to fait now to determine whether I was going to find my next client, or be left wondering if all this was worth it.
And then… “DING!” A notification rung through my laptop speakers like a long awaited guest.
“I know someone that may be interested. Let me connect you.”
I stared at the message for a few seconds, not realizing I’d held my breath the whole time.
This was actually going to work.
How to get your first client
If you’re just starting out you may not have a rolodex of high-paying clients. And that’s okay.
Everybody starts at zero.
Here is a simple strategy for warm outreach that will certainly guarantee you get your first (or next) client if you follow it closely.
I learned this originally from Alex Hormozi.
First you need to make a list your warm audience. These are people that have given you permission to contact them.
Scrub all your phone contacts, social media followers, newsletter subscribers, email contacts. Now get to work:
Step 1. Reach Out
Pay your social dues. Check the contact’s social media updates. DM, text, email or call and comment on something that’s recently happened to them.
“Saw you just had a baby! Congratulations!”
Step 2. Respond
When they reply, use the A.C.A. framework to respond.
Acknowledge what they said. “Wow! You just had a kid AND you’re starting a business?”
Compliment them on something (bonus points if it’s related to what they just said) “You’re a super mom!”
Ask them a question related to your offer to lead the conversation where you want. “Do you have any time for marketing your business?”
Step 3. Subtle Offer
Ask them if they know anyone that would be interested in what you’re offering. Mention that you’re looking to get some testimonials and can only handle a certain amount of clients right now.
“By the way, do you know anybody who is trying to [DREAM OUTCOME] looking to [PROBLEM TO SOLVE] in [TIMEFRAME]?
I’m taking on five case studies for free, because that’s all I can handle right now. I just want to get some testimonials for my service.
I help them [DREAM OUTCOME] without [PROBLEMS AND ROADBLOCKS THEY MENTIONED]. It works.
I even guarantee people get [DREAM OUTCOME] or I work with them until they do. I just helped [NAME] do [DREAM OUTCOME]. Does anyone you like come to mind?”
That last sentence is what makes this whole approach so beautiful. It’s not pushy or salesy. You’re simply asking if they KNOW anyone that needs your solution to a problem that they have.
Here is my version, feel free to steal it:
“By the way, do you know anybody who is trying to grow their business looking to generate leads with creative video content in 30 days?
I’m taking on five case studies for free, because that’s all I can handle right now. I just want to get some testimonials for my service.
I help them connect with and grow their audience with killer videos without wasting time and money on long shoot days and large film crews. It works.
I even guarantee people get new quality leads from their social media content or I work with them until they do. Does anyone you like come to mind?”
Avoid relying on cold calls or pitching, especially at the beginning. Leverage your existing network and use this warm outreach framework to find your first client.
Putting it into practice
Your job now is simple, but not easy.
To maximize the output you need to leverage the input on warm reach-outs until you get your first (or next) client.
Commit to sending 100 (yes, you read that correctly) texts, emails or DMs in the first four hours of your day. Every day.
Many filmmakers struggle to manage all of this: the client pipeline, invoicing, proposals, production tracking, and outreach.
This is exactly why I created the No BS Filmmaker OS—a system built for filmmakers and content creators to handle everything, from tracking clients and projects to invoicing, proposals, and even warm outreach strategies.
It’s not another course, but an actionable tool in the form of a Notion template to streamline your entire process, making filmmaking sustainable and profitable.
Success in filmmaking isn’t just about the craft—it’s about running your filmmaking like a business.
