Hi;
First of all congratulations and all the best in your new practice.
I agree that you need to continue to practice on friends, family etc. but there is no reason why you can't begin to charge people also. Individuals tend to take responsibility for their own healing when thre is an exchange involved.
It is a difficult thing to run a practice if you expect to make a great income especially in the beginning. What I have found is that continually addding other healing modalities brings people back. Once a client comes to you it may be that the one session was all they wanted just to explore what Reiki is so I am pleased that they came even once. Some clients will return but due to the cost it is often not the case.
There are many methods to bring clients to you. Of course word of mouth is the best. Having a website is in my opinion one of the best ways as so many people now use the internet to explore and want to do some research before seeing a Reiki Practitioner. Once you have a website you can often get a link on other sites for free. Putting flyers or business cards up in health food stores, grocery stores, etc. is also another method.
I wish you every success and it is your mindful Intention to help others and to be a successful Reiki Practitioner that will guide you.
Love and light,
copper
