Grumpy, one of my friends has a business (very successful) of managing conventions (4,000+ people), but he started very small. Early on, his prospects would ask him who he did business with, and for "references". He'd rattle off a list of big names, and as for references, told them that the nature of the relationship was confidential, so he couldn't supply these. I asked him how he got the original list of big names - and he said, well, I bank at (big name bank) and I shop at (big name store) and I fly with (big name airline) and my house is insured by (big name insurer).... :cheesygri
When we started out, I basically had to "buy" the first four jobs to get something to show. In many ways, you're in a much better position, since the customer is ultimately buying "you" and you already have a good track record. Just make sure to let them know that those jobs were supervised by you, but done for your former employer. :Thumbs: