Acquiring candidates through contacts is much more efficient than hiring a recruiter. However, you must be prepared to go outside your circle. Don't let egos get in the way. There can be no compromising on quality. Both your products and processes must be high quality.
First impressions are critical.
Quality goes a long way to assuring good first impressions. York warned not to make promises that you cannot keep and to be sure to keep the promises that you do make. Be sure to keep your first customers reference-able. Customer references help you acquire new business. The best-laid plans will sometimes change.