The Easiest Way to Get Clients!!!

I recently relocated to Guangzhou, China, and like many creatives, I knew that building a client base wouldn’t happen overnight. But I also knew one thing: when you're new, your best bet isn’t cold emails or begging for attention online it’s showing up and offering value first.

Here’s What I Did

Last weekend, I worked as the main photographer and videographer for a local event. I didn’t charge a cent. Why? Because the real goal wasn’t to make money , it was to connect with potential clients face to face. Real people, real conversations, real impact.

I had joined several local groups on WeChat and reached out to a few event organizers, offering my services for free. One of them responded positively and invited me to shoot their upcoming event called “A Journey to Portugal” a celebration of the Portuguese São João Festival. It was hosted by a creative agency, and key figures from the Portuguese Embassy (including the consul himself) were attending.

Of course, I said yes!!

Ineternations | Guangzhou | 21 .06.2025

a group photo with Tomás Azevedo (Consul-General of Portugal in Guangzhou)

Preparation is Everything

I didn’t treat this like “just a free job.” I treated it like an audition for future clients. I went all in planning my shots, bringing my best gear, and even wearing a custom T-shirt with my logo, services, and WeChat QR code on the back. It wasn’t about being flashy. It was about being easy to find and remember.

I knew people would ask, “Who’s the photographer?” and I wanted to make it easy for them to scan, save, and connect with me on the spot.

I also arrived two hours early to scout the location, find the best angles, and plan my shots properly. Since I was also creating a video for the event, I took the time to capture clean b-roll footage of the venue before guests arrived from empty seating areas to elegant table setups. I even filmed behind-the-scenes moments of the catering team preparing the food, which added a personal and authentic touch to the final video.

These small details matter. They show professionalism, attention to detail, and storytelling ability which are exactly what potential clients are looking for.

Why This Works

Offering your services for free strategically can be the fastest way to grow your network when starting from zero. But you have to treat it like a real project. Show up professionally. Deliver high-quality work. Be present. Be kind.

People remember effort and energy. At that event, I wasn’t just a guy with a camera I became a part of the experience. I made genuine connections and left with direct leads and new opportunities.

What This Taught Me About Getting Clients

|Give before you ask

When you're new, people need to experience your value before they trust you. Offering your work for free (strategically) builds credibility faster than any ad campaign. Let your work speak first — the rest will follow.

|Show up like you're being paid

Free doesn’t mean sloppy. The way you show up for unpaid work reflects how you’ll handle paid work. Prepare like a pro, deliver like a pro because your next client is likely watching.

|Be visible and easy to connect with

Wearing a shirt with my logo and WeChat QR code might seem small, but it made a big difference. Visibility removes friction people knew who I was, what I did, and how to reach me without even asking.

|Events are goldmines for leads

Especially cultural, corporate, or embassy-related events. You're not just there to document you're surrounded by business owners, marketers, and decision-makers. One handshake can lead to five new clients.

|Don’t be shy — mingle

As a photographer, it’s easy to hide behind the lens but don’t. Walk around. Chat with people. Compliment their outfits. Ask questions. And most importantly, ask to add them on WeChat. That’s literally what these events are for: connection. A simple conversation can turn into a long-term collaboration.

The Result? Real Connections.

By the end of the event, I had added several new contacts and even talked business with a few of them. I met three potential clients who were genuinely interested in my services not just casual chats, but real conversations about future collaborations.

One of the most memorable moments? I had a long conversation with the consul himself. He was incredibly kind and open, and we even discussed the possibility of working together on upcoming projects. That level of access and connection wouldn’t have happened through a cold email or DM it happened because I was there, present, and intentional.

Final Thought

If you’re trying to build a client base especially in a new city the easiest and most effective way is simple: show up, give value, and connect in person.
It’s not about being the most popular or the most followed. It’s about building real relationships one event, one conversation, one smile at a time.