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.

Myranda Roberson

I always felt a little awkward asking for support when I first started everything to be honest. More often than not, my boyfriend would be the one to randomly tell people “Oh hey my girlfriend makes custom coffins! Show ’em babe!”. I guess I sort of felt like it was bragg-y or maybe people wouldn’t really care. But the more I showed people, the more I spoke about what I do and showed my own excitement and pride in it, the more the entire business and its following grew. My own confidence in what I do started a domino effect and suddenly people really did want to know more and there was more support than I ever imagined. I like to tell the story about how before I ever started Bat & Fae, I brought the idea to someone important to me and he turned it down and said it would never be worth the time. I started up anyway and eventually needed some help and a new set of eyes, and my boyfriends dad actually took a massive interest and now he’s my right hand man with anything coffin related. He takes a ton of pride in it the same way I do and he’s incredibly talented. I truly never imagined he would be the one I lean on when it comes to these beautiful custom pieces being so well made, but here we are. And it never would’ve happened had I not been confident enough in my own work to ask for the help. I’m so thankful for every bit of support and when I say that the success is only because of the people that supported me this whole way, I truly mean it. Read more>>

Nicholas Jeffers

When it comes to asking friends and family to support my business, I don’t look at it like they have to. I see it as a blessing when they do, a lesson when they don’t, and a call to step up my game if they don’t even notice. I think a lot of people assume that when they start a business that their family should automatically support them. In a perfect world that is true, but don’t live your life heartbroken or angry if you find out that it’s not that simple in your case. Read more>>

Gardenia Zuniga-Haro

I feel comfortable asking my family to support my business by contributing to social media engagement and if there are opportunities, they can attend like artist shows. Read more>>

Tyasia Collins

Once your friend or family member becomes a business promoter owner you become a promoter. I personally promote and share anybody’s post rather I know you or not that’s how I am , never will I ask anyone for the same thing in return but I’m willing to see how you will perform when it’s my turn. Sometimes I may pay close attention to how I support others and how they support me so when you feel like I’m moving different it’s because I don’t receive the same love I give out . When it comes to support I expect anybody that calls me sister friend or cousin to be in my brand . A lot of people won’t support you until it’s beneficial to them. Read more>>

Matthew Meide

I’m sort of weird about asking friends and family to do business with me. I’m very active on social media and everyone knows I’m a realtor, so I sort of let my friends and family come to me if they’d like to do business with me. I have worked with several friends and family members at this point, and I always put an extra amount of pressure on myself to go above and beyond for them because there’s so much at stake. I have heard of transactions going sideways and ruining friendships, but I’m very good at what I do and don’t allow transactions to get to that point. If I know a friend or family member is thinking or buying or selling a home soon, I may still reach out to see if they have any questions or if I can help in any way, but I don’t like putting pressure on them to work with me. If they choose to, I feel honored and am super excited. If they choose not to, I don’t take it personally and know they had a good reason for working with another agent. Read more>>

LeeAnn Barnes

I really don’t ask my friends or family to support my business often. I like to leave the opportunity open but without making anyone uncomfortable in feeling as though they are obligated to support me. It alleviates any awkwardness or hurt feelings because sometimes what you have to offer just simply may not suit their needs. Read more>>

Jordan Brooks Hill

I think it’s essential for a writer to have a good support network. I ask my friends and family to read my drafts and offer feedback. This is incredibly helpful as they can spot things that are unclear or inconsistent. My writing is definitely better with their help. Read more>>