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.

Christina Marin

I have been very fortunate in the support I have received from friends and family. The Women’s moto world is very small and extremely supportive. whether it’s an event I am vending at or an instagram post, the community comes through. We host group rides to animal rescues and people bring donations to drop off and participate in the raffle and the ride! Read more>>

Antonio Arocho

I don’t feel as though you should ‘ask’ family and friends for support because support from only friends and family won’t grow your business. It would be hard to survive on that alone and it’s not a true reflection of the success of your business. I feel as though they come to your business because of YOU and not because of your product. Read more>>

Ky and Bo Court

When it comes to music, the support has to start somewhere. In fact, for us, it started in the home. Our mom homeschooled us and we had practices around an hour and a half every school day. We weren’t able to start our band on our own. Our dad drove us to our gigs until we had our driver’s licenses, and even then he still showed up and helped us set up our gear. Read more>>

Lisa Slimak

When people think of supporting a small business they often think it means purchasing something but there are several other ways to support without spending a penny! Read more>>

Ann Mosley

Wow, that’s a great question. I speak about this often to my mentees doing my coaching sessions. We always look for our friends and family to be the first people to support us, but the reality is it’s the complete opposite. Friends and family can tend to automatically think that they deserve a discount, and when starting a business you need all your money made and the resources to fund your supplies and your equipment needs. Read more>>

Derrick Engoy

Building community is a big part of how I’ve grown in the past few years. Whether it’s my church community or my creative arts community, I’ve been able to experience tremendous movement toward becoming a better writer and poet. Read more>>

Woo Monáe

Honestly asking friends and family to help support is a hit or miss. It’s kinda upsetting when the people you love most don’t support you but then when you up they be the first ones with their hands out. Don’t let that discourage you through. Keeping asking, they answer will alway be no if you never ask. Read more>>

Jennifer Lopez

I think as an entrepreneur first and foremost you have to have thick skin. Many times we as small business owners have high hopes our closest friends and family members will be our biggest supporters. This is not always the case. Or you see friends and family go to a “competitor” or a larger corporation over you and your services. This is tough to swallow! Read more>>