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.

Averie Cole

As a creative professional, it’s essential to have the support of those around you, but it’s equally crucial to establish clear boundaries. While friends and family play a vital role in our lives, our work is also our livelihood, and navigating this balance can be challenging. Take my photography business, Towards The Moon, for example. I’ve had numerous friends ask me to shoot their weddings, which is always an honor. They trust me with capturing some of the most important moments of their lives. However, I also want to be part of their celebration, not just the one working behind the lens.  Read more>>

Cassidy Scanlan

From the initial concept of Cassidy Scanlan Advertising Group to the business it is today, I have been profoundly supported by my family and friends. Their advice, encouragement, and even their own business engagements with CSAG have been invaluable. While I believe that the primary expectation from family and friends should be moral support, everything beyond that is a generous bonus. At the start of my business, I was uncertain about where to begin when it came to attracting potential clients. However, word about CSAG spread, and a family friend who believed in my skills took a chance on me, becoming my first client. Although I never anticipated anyone would hire me solely due to our connection, their faith in me was immensely meaningful. Read more>>

Chilla Pertilla

I believe it’s good to advertise your business or even special promotions to family & friends, but the constant bombardment and/or “tag spamming” (as I like to refer to it) is totally inappropriate and quite lazy, to be honest. I genuinely don’t consider my friends and family as my target group or customers—they are my family & friends. It’s absolutely unethical to make your friends and/or family feel guilty and primarily responsible for your success or failure—that’s your job! I’ve often had many posts go viral, if you will, and not once did it involve me tag-spamming my friends list. In fact, most people see minimal gains with that strategy. Read more>>

Sam Craig Sr

Well to be honest I feel like it’s a 50/50 when asking friends or relatives. Bc some you will get the needed support from and others you won’t. For instance I have a friend who keeps saying they will buy products for himself and wife since around March 2024. And keeps making this statement, but not acting on it. Same with a acouple relatives as well. Which at first rubbed me the wrong way until I learned about the business side of things more. I realized not everyone is for you, or will be your target avatar (Audience). Read more>>

Young Gage

In the beginning of your journey I feel like it’s natural to want those near and dear to you to support your endeavors and thus it becomes frustrating and discouraging when they don’t,but at some point you have to come to the realization that most times they won’t and that’s ok! The focus should not be on who you want or who is not supporting you but on those who do ..whoever they are Read more>>

David Chaumette

The nature of sales has changed with the advent of the internet, and most of us are beleaguered, with people pitching us the latest thing. In that environment, if you are constantly approaching your friends and family and trying to sell them something, people will literally start to avoid you. I know I do. For what it’s worth, this is the opposite of the best approach for strangers. Read more>>