Okay, so I have everything lined out and ready to go. I have my plan, my license, prices, everything that I need (minus a website, that is in process) but I am having the hardest time actually getting a client. I am a chamber member, I am located on the small business associations list, employee network listings.
Is there something else I should be doing. (i.e. mass mailings) I don't know if I am missing a step here or not.

Hi Jennya,

What kind of advertising are you doing? Are you participating in networking on other boards? You have to get out there and get you name and reputation known. Things don't happen over night. It's a long road. Make the best of it, begin by networking here.

Good luck with you business.

Well, just the little things with the chamber and my personal profile on the small business associations, but nothing too extreme.
Is there anything that you suggest that I should do get me name out there. Any ideas are great.

As you are only 20 you probably have to work harder when attending networking events. Most people won't expect so young entrepreneurs, so get out there and appear like an expert. Find more than one networking group, there are probably lots in your area. I have found around ten different business networking groups in my area alone.

Try to make friends in the groups and meet up with some of the younger people. Or maybe ask the Chamber for a mentor. They usually have a mentor programme. There might be a business woman who would be willing to help you getting started.

Always make sure you look VERY professionally dressed due to your young age. If you wear jeans and t shirt then you will look younger. Wear your hair up in a bun to look more serious. It's often to do with the impression people get from you. Do they think you are capable of working hard? Do they get the impression you have the skills? Not wanting to have prejudices re your age, but many people don't think young people can do things as well as someone a few years older than you. So try really hard to bring the message across that you a confident young lady. Talk up, ask questions in front of everybody about the speakers and volunteer with things. Bring yourself into the limelight. Don't be shy or sit somewhere alone at networking meetings.

__________________
Heike Miller
www.heikemiller.com

That is great advice. I do tend to be timid in those situations. Typically at functions I dress professionally, even at my job too because when everyone walks in I am the first person that they see.
Thank you for your advice!

I as well am in my lower 20's and needed this advice. Also Jenny try listing your business under free business listings such as yellowpages.com, mantra.com. You can perform a search under free business listings and submit that way. I hope I was able to help some. good luck.