My first 'client' was my cousin; this gave me a base for word of mouth and referrals and she spread the word on to other teachers she knew...and so on and so on....Thanks to her, I have been able to network wonderfully and have remained full. That being said...even though I had a signed contract etc. from her, there were payment issues in the beginning. I felt like I was constantly a bill collector. But, once I laid the law down (post dated cheques) all is well.