So… you’re starting a business.

First off, congrats! Starting a business is exciting, empowering, and maybe just a tiny bit overwhelming. If you’re feeling the pressure of wanting to get everything right out of the gate, take a deep breath—I’ve got you.

I’m Tara Wagner, lifelong entrepreneur and Accredited Small Business Consultant®. I’ve been building businesses for nearly 25 years, and I now help real people (like you) build real businesses that hit six and multi-six figures—with less stress and more sustainability.

If you want more in-depth training, be sure to grab a free seat to my class, Profits, Not Problems, where I teach you what actually works in your first year of business.

But first… here are the 7 things you need to do in your first week to start gaining traction, attracting clients, and avoiding burnout.

1. Create a Launch Plan

Don’t just quietly open the doors—make a splash.

Think of your business launch like an event. Whether it’s online or offline, make it exciting enough that people want to pay attention.

Ask yourself:

• How will people know you’re open?

• Where do you already have a following?

• Who can you reach out to directly?

✅ Post on your existing social media
✅ Email friends, family, and strategic alliances
✅ Consider a launch event, giveaway, or challenge
✅ Use incentives like bonuses, trials, or limited-time offers (with boundaries—keep it time-limited or people-limited)

Hot tip: Friends and family might not be your customers, but they can be your megaphone. Ask them, “Who do you know who would love this?”

2. Spend 75% of Your Time on Marketing

No one can buy from you if they don’t know you exist.

If you did your prep work before launching, you’ve already created a marketing plan. Now it’s time to execute. And in your first week, you should be spending at least 75% of your time on marketing. That’s not an exaggeration.

This includes:

• Showing up daily where your people hang out

• Engaging purposefully (not just small talk)

• Offering value and starting real conversations

• Prioritizing engagement and outreach over just content

• Starting 1:1 convos in DMs, email replies, coffee chats, etc.

If you’re inside Breakthrough Boss®, revisit the “Strangers to Sales” lesson to really dial this in. If not, just remember: you don’t grow a business by lurking or waiting. You grow it by showing up with value and starting real connections.

3. Create a Strategic Alliance Plan

Other people already have your audience. Your job? Get in front of them.

Start building relationships with complementary businesses—not competitors. These are people who serve your ideal client in a different way.

For example:

• Bookkeeper ↔ CPA

• Health coach ↔ Personal trainer

• Writer ↔ Local library or bookstore

• Landscaper ↔ General contractor

Reach out to 3–5 potential collaborators in week one. Offer value, co-host an event, do an IG Live together, create a referral system… whatever fits your style and theirs.

Many of my clients have built full businesses just off strategic alliances alone—no ads, no content. Leverage what already exists.

4. Start Selling Immediately

Don’t wait until everything’s “perfect.” Start messy.

Too many business owners hold off on selling because they think they need:

• A fully polished offer

• The perfect sales page

• Fancy funnels or automation

Nope. What you need is practice. Selling early gets you real feedback, helps you test your offer, and gives you the confidence you need to talk about what you do.

Start with:

• A soft launch to your warmest leads

• Conversations in networking groups

• Past clients, colleagues, or friends of friends

And even if you’re not officially “selling” yet—practice talking about what you do every day. You’re normalizing sales now, so they’re second nature by month six.

5. Start Building Your Email List

Whether you’re a coach or a candle maker, you need a list.

Here’s what you can do:

• Create a waitlist, a freebie, a discount code, or a juicy lead magnet

• Make it actually valuable—something you could charge for

• Ask friends and family to share it (qualified leads only!)

• Put that signup link everywhere—your email signature, homepage, social media bios

Your email list is your business insurance. You control it. You own it. And it’s one of the best tools to build relationships and generate revenue over time.

Need help creating a killer lead magnet or growing your list? Check out my Browsers to Buyers course—it’s built for this.

6. Start Tracking Your Metrics Immediately

Remember this: What gets measured, gets mastered. Start tracking and learning to read the data now to help you improve your KPIs (key performance indicators).

Track things like engagement, traffic, and inquiries. These numbers tell you what methods attract the most clients, what part of your funnel is broken, and ultimately where to put your time in the coming months.

Don’t chase vanity metrics. Prioritize leads and conversions over likes.

Use something simple like Google Sheets or if you’re in my Breakthrough Boss program, we have trackers in there for different industries to cover everything from sales calls and bids, to emails and webinar stats. 

It’s never too early to start tracking your numbers.

Your data will show you what’s working and what’s wasting your time. This gives you clarity, not confusion—and helps you grow faster.

7. Refine Your Daily Workflow for Efficiency

The habits you start with are the habits you strengthen.

Start building strong routines now. Set aside focused blocks of time for:

• Content

• Outreach

• Admin

• Sales

Put revenue-generating tasks (marketing + sales) first in your day, while your energy is high.

Bonus tip? Automate as you go. Use tools, templates, or systems that save you time so you can stay in your zone of genius.

Want more structure? I break this all down in the Profits, Not Problems class.

BONUS: Set Realistic Expectations

Let’s be real—overnight success is a myth.

Across industries, the average business doesn’t turn a profit for 2–3 years. That said, my clients usually start seeing take-home income within 3–6 months (sometimes sooner), especially in service-based industries.

Your results will depend on:

• Your marketing plan

• Your consistency

• Your willingness to stretch your comfort zone

Don’t just hang a shingle and wait. Get out there. Meet people. Network. Shake hands. Tap shoulders.

Businesses that grow fast? They market well—and they never stop marketing.

Your Next Step

Want help with everything that comes after your first week?

🎯 Grab a free seat to my class Profits, Not Problems, where I’ll teach you the five mistakes to avoid, the upgrades that actually lead to results, and how to grow a sustainable business that works for your life.

Leave a comment if you made it to the end of this post—fist bump for hanging in there—and let me know what you’re launching. I’d love to cheer you on!