How do I get clients? It’s one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask — and the answer isn’t always what you think.

In this segment from Episode 2 of The CEO Lounge, Derrick Thompson explains why networking events didn’t bring him his biggest clients — and what actually did.

Instead of chasing handshakes and business cards, Derrick built long-term growth through:

• Personal introductions
• Relationships built over years
• Being seen doing the work
• Consistency, credibility, and trust

You’ll hear how former coworkers, community connections, and people who witnessed his work ethic became the gateway to his largest clients — often years later.

This conversation covers:

• How to get clients without relying on networking events
• Why visibility matters more than pitching
• What to do if you don’t have clients yet
• How donating work strategically can open doors
• Why relationships outperform cold outreach over time

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I get clients?”, this segment reframes what actually works.

The CEO Lounge is your blueprint for success — real experience, real strategy, and real lessons for entrepreneurs building something that lasts.

📌 This clip is from Episode 2 - You’re NETWORKING WRONG: How Real Business Connections Actually Happen | CEO Lounge Ep. 2

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⏱️ Chapters

00:00 How Do I Get Clients?
00:09 Why Networking Didn’t Bring My Biggest Clients
00:25 Where My Top Clients Actually Came From
00:45 The Power of Personal Introductions
01:03 Why Long-Term Relationships Win
01:21 Why Business Cards Don’t Build Trust
01:49 When Networking Events Disappoint
02:12 Being Seen Doing the Work
02:34 What to Do If You Don’t Have Clients Yet
02:58 Why Donating Work Can Open Doors
03:18 Relationships vs. Cold Outreach