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.

Erica Lopez

Asking for friends and family to support your business can sometimes be tricky and a little awkward but I find that those friends and family members can be your biggest supporters and cheerleaders. When you start any business, whether it’s your own creations or a Multi Level Marketing company or maybe even a big corporation that offers amazing services. Who are the first people you tell? Your friends and family! Read more>>

A.J. Irving

I’m pretty active on social media. I share purchase links with my posts because a question I often get is: “Where can I get your books?” But I do not feel comfortable asking friends and family to buy my books. I think a lot of folx don’t realize that there are ways to support authors that don’t require spending money like library requests, writing reviews, social media posts, and word of mouth. I did invite friends, family, and coworkers to attend my book launch though. And they all came! Read more>>

Mya Dozier

I think it is very important to get support from family and friends. Those are usually your first customers, clients, etc. I feel completely comfortable asking friends and family for support because they are very loving, caring, and supportive already. If you are working on a craft or growing a dream of yours whether it’s photography, makeup, hair, etc I think its very important to have a great support system and being able to practice your craft with friends and family first. Read more>>

Makeda Porter-Carr,Ed.D

Asking family and friends for support and assistance was a difficult task for me. For years I felt like I could do it all by myself and basically feared asking for help or support. While trying to operate a business, work a full-time job, and still maintain being a wife and mom, it became very apparent that help was needed. The first time I asked for support it felt like a huge accomplishment, an achievement, and a weight lifted off of me. Read more>>

Annalease Johnson

My perspective on this is a little different than most. I see allot of small business/entrepreneurs get really frustrated when people they consider close to them don’t support their businesses. Though I understand this can be tough, I feel you should only focus on your target audience and who really needs you. Personally I don’t care if my loved ones support or not because I only want people who are interested/need what I offer to support me. Read more>>

Jessie V

I’ve been in business for about 18 years and asking family and friends to see the vision that don’t have and or are not apart of it, I’m say good luck! Family and friends will say they support but when in reality the people who don’t know you become supportive and a fan before the ones that only see you as little Jessie; Little Jessie is what my family call me! I’ve released over 7 albums done over 3000 shows and I’ve only have about may be 1 or 2 family and 3 friends to ever show up! Read more>>

Afrika Joneé

It had only been three months since we launched our film school. I had already tripled our growth and built a popular live podcast series. It was bittersweet because I was so proud of this success. But deep down, I was struggling mentally, physically, and emotionally. 1 or 2 people noticed.
No one called to check on me. And that’s just fine. Read more>>