good info. I did the odd thing when I'm still a so-called beginner. I look for company's email in the yellowpages and email them. In the email, I explain the service I'm offering them as well a preview of my work. It's the first time I'm looking for clients, so i offer them a price way below the market price. LOL. Out of almost 100 emails I've sent, only 2 is interested. That's how hard it is. But I think i did well for these 2 and I go recommendation and more work!
Hehehehe LOL..
So morale of story is.. Design a few websites to show as portfolio.. Get a domain.. Don't be shy, ask around whether there is anyone who need web design!