When I started, I went knocking doors and picked up all of my initial work this way. I have never, ever leafleted, although I am not saying that it wouldn't work. It obviously does according to the experiences of some on here. I just preferred to meet potential customers face to face, so they could get an impression of me, and I of them.
Being face to face with potential customers doesn't have to be seen to be pressurising them. All I did was say "Hello, I am starting up a window cleaning round in the neighbourhood, would you be interested at all?" Their response was either a) that they already had a window cleaner, b) that they did not want one, or c) they were interested and would ask you relevant questions.
If they responded with either a) or b), I just thanked them for their time and apologized for troubling them, all with a friendly smile. If it was c), then I was in.
It can be hard going, but if you keep positive and treat each person you call on as if they are the first you have spoken to, it will help to prevent them picking up any feelings of frustration you may feel if you get a number of rejections. If you are relaxed, you will more likely put the householder at ease and the work will come.
Best wishes,
John.