What’s your view on asking friends and family to support your brand? We asked members of the community to open up and share their views on this controversial topic. Check out some highlights below.

Hymn Logic

It would be amazing if friends / family would support mine or anyone’s business. Starting a business requires a lot of work and steps. With that being said, naturally we all want help. Wanting help isn’t a bad thing, the problem comes when we expect it. A business first starts as a vision. That vision is something that only you can feel and desire. Read more>>

Jessica Mims

I definitely believe in this as long as you believe that the work you’re putting out is quality. I’ve never once used advertisements. It’s only been word of mouth since the beginning (11 years ago!). As a result, my clients have always been the most wonderful people! They quickly also become friends and use me to photograph for everything they need moving through the years. It’s so rewarding to have a customer base like this! Read more>>

Derek Schaefer

Many entrepreneurs struggle with friends or family not supporting their business or buying their products. I have also had this issue, not one family member has ever bought a single piece of furniture from me, not even a cutting board. I have occasionally talked a couple good spirited friends to take a chance on me in the beginning and at a very low price. Read more>>

Gerri Pizzini

Hmmmm… asking friends or family to support your business is an interesting topic! In general I pretty much just don’t ask… it’s a tricky thing and what I’ve learned is sometimes my “expectations” simply don’t turn out. Lol. I’m an abundance thinker and part of my nature is to lift others up and share everything I’ve learned and know to help other artists/businesses get started… I have a handful of folks who reciprocate and hundreds of customers who share my info and promote my business, yet… Read more>>

Dr. Julia Raz

Friends and family have been paramount to the success of my business. When I first started in January 2021, I reached out to friends, family, and neighbors to see who would be interested in allowing me to organize a space in their home for free in exchange for photos and word-of-mouth. It’s been absolutely incredible to see how a handful of people I know could be so instrumental in spreading the word about my small business. Read more>>