There is often more than one right answer, and this seems to be particularly true for the question of whether folks should lean on family and friends for support with the brands. Your circumstances, relationships and other factors can determine what’s right for you – but we wanted to get a conversation going on the topic as it’s something that comes up often in our chats with entrepreneurs and creatives in the community.
Jillian Kamel
Asking friends and family to support your business is pivotal for any new business or venture. I truly believe that if we can’t ask our friends or family for support then our product or offer must not be ready. Because when it is and you truly believe the value you have to offer why would you not want to share it?! It can be a great way to build initial momentum and spread awareness, but it is absolutely essential to approach it with care and respect for their boundaries. For example, one of the easiest ways friends and family can support small businesses is to spread awareness on your behalf. Social media makes this so easy and it costs them nothing. Another way would be by writing reviews or recommendations. Frame your communication as an opportunity, not a plea. Share why your product or service might benefit them or bring them joy. Provide clear information about how they can support you (e.g., sharing your business with others, following you on social media, attending an event). Understand that not everyone will be able to support you financially, and that’s okay. Encouraging non-monetary support (like word-of-mouth promotion) is a great alternative. Read more>>
Julie Kraus
Asking friends and family to support your business is such a simple and wonderful way to give yourself a leg up when you’re first starting out. I feel like people immediately think of asking friends/family to BUY something from you as supporting your business, but that’s only one option. Supporting your business could be telling their friends and family about you, sharing your posts on social media, writing a (hopefully) positive review about your product or service, and so on! Their support doesn’t have to cost them a dime, just a few moments of their time. I find that asking my friends and family to like or share my posts has a much bigger impact on my business and a higher response rate from them! Your friends and family don’t want to see you fail, and you asking them to take 15 seconds out of their day to help you without spending a cent is easy enough, so why wouldn’t they? Plus, that word of mouth or share of your post can reach so much farther than them just coming in, buying something, and leaving. That shared post is put in front of thousands of people and potential customers who never would have seen your post if it hadn’t been for your friends or family. Talk about a great return on investment! Read more>>
Jennifer Murillo
It is hard to ask friends and family to come out and support a small business. I’m a person that hates to ask for help so that’s been very hard for me personally. But everyone has been so supportive and helpful, The funniest thing for me is that everyone new to our saloon always asks me if I’m madam Pearl and I get to say no that my mama! My mom comes out regularly dressed as Madam Pearl and the patrons love it!! Read more>>