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.

Alexandra Wagner

Without the support of my friends and family, I most likely would not be able to have a successful small business. However asking friends and family for support can be a double-edged sword. They may be willing to support me due to our emotional connection. But on the other hand, it can create complicated dynamics and expectations that have the potential to strain the relationships if not handled with care. Read more>>

Anna Wong

Isn’t it the hardest thing to ask family and friends for money or to buy your goods? For years, I was involved in non-profits and fundraising dinners. You never know unless you invite them and I was always surprised by the reception and willingness of family & friends to attend. But it was still hard for me to ask. I never want anyone to feel obligated. Fast forward now, I am selling my book, a tangible thing. Read more>>

Tyra Butler

My business would not be where it is today without the support of my friends and family. All of my business growth and exposure has been entirely organic thus far, and I owe it all to my first-degree connections who have ordered, referred a friend, and posted on social media. I will say, one thing that has been difficult for me in my start-up years is charging my friends and family full price. Read more>>

Isaac Gordon

Speaking from my experiences alone I don’t think you can expect the world. And, that’s OK. Not everyone is going to see things how you see them! You get entrenched in the life you live and then subsequently surround yourself with people who are similar. That’s not reality though. That’s the bubble you’ve created to survive. When you step out of that bubble and back into the real world with family, friends. Read more>>

Ted Hargrove

I feel that support starts with your friends and family. Before putting it into action, you may let your support system know about your plans, business aspirations, and dream. These people are your guiding life, support system, and cheerleading to make it happen. As you grow as a business owner, you receive advice from those individuals who truly know you and want what’s best for you. I feel that friends and family can take advice in some situations but all. Read more>>

Erica Franks

Honestly, I don’t ask my friends or family to support my business anymore. Early on, I asked some friends and family to share and post flyers, but after a while I learned that everyone is not “Team Invigor” and that’s okay. If they want to repost a flyer or ask if I need help, then great, if not, it’s fine. Not everyone will want to see you win and that doesn’t bother me. Being a business owner, you have a strength that no one understands and realize how to work hard for yourself. Read more>>

Jovan Robinson

I come from a very large and interconnected family, who has been supportive of me since the very beginning of my business. A large portion of my first clients, and my first big wedding was all a result of my family investing in me and choosing me as their photographer. In regard to directly asking for support from family and friends, I’d say to inform them of what you do but don’t push. I’d liken it to planting a seed and allowing it to grow, Read more>>

Tiffany Brown

I actually don’t ask any friends or family to support my business. When I post on my social media pages about my business or a new product, my friends and family just buy on their own. Sometimes, they will ask me to give more details on a product, but for the most part I don’t really discuss too much about my business with my family and friends. Read more>>

RENEE O’DONNELL

It’s not always easy asking friends and family to support my small business I have found a few ways that are respectful and tasteful to ask them. 1. Clearly articulate your vision: Start by sharing your passion and vision for your business with your friends and family. Explain what your business is about, why it matters to you, and how it can benefit others. By effectively communicating your enthusiasm and purpose, you’re more likely to garner their support. Read more>>

Ashley Sturkie

I think it is important to encourage your friends and family to support your business. I think it’s appropriate to encourage their support in ways that are free and convenient for them. Asking them to engage on social media and to refer potential clients are great options. A large portion of my new clients come from friends and family sharing my marketing ads or tagging my business page when they notice someone is looking for a photographer on social media. I offer a referral discount as an incentive to participate which has been successful in my experience. Read more>>

Jervonnie Moody

I feel as though having a supportive community of friends and family seems to be the expectation coming in as a new business owner. Although it would be nice for family and friends to support your business, you quickly learn that they are not obligated to support your business. Family and friends are not your target audience. Lack of support from family and friends actually motivates you to find your people. Read more>>

Iesha Jackson

I feel family and friends support is beneficial to my business as I can’t do it alone. My family play a huge part in social media marketing, word of mouth advertising and Whatever aspect they can to help me grow. I will name drop my top contributors, first my aunt Lisa, my assistant and cousin in law Octavia, my muscle my brother Paul, my cousin Chris and last but not least my mom who’s my unofficial head of marketing lol she will promote to whoever will listen. They don’t allow me to draw a line they call and confirm weekly on events, orders and more. I’m very blessed and grateful. Read more>>

Octavia Merritt

I love with family and friends support my small business. word of mouth is one of the biggest way to help a small business grow. Where I cross the line is when people ask for discounts and or freebies. That actually hurts the business financially. Read more>>

Diana Rosario

In the beginning…at the very start, I was shy to talk about my small business with others and very protective of the vision I held for it. So…I decided, I would first tell my closest friends and then after, share with a few family members. After hearing the news, they supported me 100% and they felt excited and very happy for me that I had decided to explore my entrepreneurial side. Read more>>