A number of entrepreneurs strike out on their own after seeing untapped opportunities in their former employer's business. Present your business to your former employer and the benefits he or she can receive in subcontracting your services. One important thing going for you is that your former employer already knows your capability. This can be a viable strategy even if you are going into an entirely different business. Tap the power of strategic alliances.
Most customers demand stellar performance history and reputable client base from their vendors.
You need to show proof that you have been able to deliver as expected. If you are a newbie in your industry, your best chance of carving a name for your business is to hook up with your competitors. Your competitors can be an excellent source of business, successful businesses get as much as 25 percent of their business from their competition. Offer to do work they can't take or don't want to do. Join them in large projects, to enable you to share in the pie and gain the needed exposure.