How Founders Can Land Their First Customers—No Perfect Product (or Paid Ads) Needed
If you’re a founder stuck in pitch mode, wondering why applause at demo day hasn’t translated into actual paying customers, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.
In a dynamic workshop hosted by REaKTOR, and led by Amber Hamilton and Sara Brown of Redwood Rise, founders got a crash course in turning interest into income. This no-fluff, action-first session focused on helping entrepreneurs stop chasing validation and start building real customer conversations—even before their product is perfect or live.
Sales Isn’t Just Pitching—It’s Problem Solving
Amber and Sarah broke down one of the most common mistakes early-stage founders make: confusing pitching with selling. A pitch is about your idea. A sale is about your customer’s problem.
The key? Reframe your language. Founders participated in exercises that replaced buzzwords and jargon with clear, compelling problem statements. Instead of explaining what their product is, they practiced describing what it does—and how it makes their customer’s life easier.
Build Your Pipeline with What You Already Have
No ads? No problem.
Attendees learned how to build a sales pipeline using just three things: their network, their calendar, and their curiosity. Whether through former coworkers, casual LinkedIn connections, or warm intros, the workshop emphasized that your first ten customers are usually people you already know—or are just one connection away from.
Tools, Tech, and the Human Touch
While the session touched on tech tools for sales tracking—especially relevant in real estate where both co-hosts have deep experience—the real emphasis was on the human element. Networking isn’t about blasting your solution; it’s about asking better questions, actively listening, and following up.
Participants also explored how to track their progress using a lightweight CRM system (or even a spreadsheet), manage daily outreach in under 30 minutes, and set clear, realistic revenue goals. Every tactic came with a clear reminder: consistency beats complexity.
What Attendees Walked Away With
By the end of the session, founders didn’t just have notes—they had a practical 30-day action plan. They knew who to reach out to, how to position themselves as problem solvers, and how to track their progress without spinning their wheels.
Amber and Sarah’s workshop was built for those ready to build what customers actually pay for—not just what earns claps or likes. “This is exactly the type of program that I was looking for”, said Tim Ryan, Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads and Director of REaKTOR. “The number one challenge that startups and founders face in the region is a lack of sales or a pathway to generating sales”, Ryan later said.
Coming Soon
The Startup World Cup on August 21, 2025, at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach, showcasing regional entrepreneurial talent, followed by 757 TechNite, an evening celebrating innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem. As we embrace 2025, Innovate Hampton Roads stands ready to innovate boldly—join us on this journey!
Don’t miss out on key business events, local success stories, and expert insights—subscribe to This Week in 757 and stay ahead in Hampton Roads’ innovation and business community. https://bit.ly/twi757newsletter
