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.

Nicklaus Suino

Running businesses means consistently and authentically asking for people to support your business. But pivotal moments make the “ask” more urgent and urge us to share our most compelling reasons for supporting what we do. In late 2005, I found myself in job that I hated (and that hated me), and I started considering going to back to my roots – to open a dojo teaching Japanese martial arts. During the holidays I gathered 4 friends at a PF Chang’s in Lansing, Michigan, and shared my dream of a new dojo in Ann Arbor. Read more>>

 

Blanca Ulloa & Allie Dziewulski

When we first started this business we truly had no idea the impact it was going to have on our day to day lives. Our dream seems so small in comparison to today, initially all we wanted was to have 2 to 4 rentals a month. As our business grew and we realized we could do so much more we also realized we needed help! Both of our families are insanely supportive, we are so fortunate. Our spouses jumped right in to helping us do the heavy lifting in the beginning, when we couldn’t even lift the bounce houses ourselves. Our parents are amazing and help take care of our littles while we get work done, while also pushing us to work harder and make this business a success. Read more>>

Missy White

Starting a business is definitely hard enough on its own, especially when the business you chose to start is one where you need to show your work in order to get work. Photography is one of those businesses, where in order to get clients, you have to have a portfolio or a gathering of your best photographs to show clients so they will book you for their photography needs. Read more>>

Vaiccia Hamilton

When you start a business you think all your family and friends will support and when they don’t you feel crushed. As a small business owner you have to learn pretty quick that most if not all of your support will come from strangers. That’s why it’s so important to be social especially if you’re an introvert. Don’t take it personally eventually they will support but you need to put that focus on customer who will support and continue to support. Find your target audience. Read more>>

alex wolfe

back to the community by way of selling scrubs. To most what you wear isn’t important. but for us it’s not that simple. When you put on your clothes they should give you confidence and they should feel comfortable on top of that. The scrubs we sell give that back to you and more. They are stylish and comfortable at the same time. Read more>>

Kritsida / Amanda Adisakkitti / Kollbeck

We are fortunate enough to have family and friends that have shown their love for AKA Swimwear from the beginning. As we continue to grow our brand, we still feel and see the support in many ways whether it’s purchasing an item, promoting on social media, or word of mouth, etc. We believe you should never stop working on your dream regardless if you have a strong support system or not. Read more>>

Rosie Rochelle

I’m a big advocate of community and partnerships. But admittedly, I do not always like asking friends or family to support my business. I can too easily believe that I would be bothering them if I asked. Here’s the truth: your friends and family want to see you succeed and will feel joyful to know they helped you get there. People want to help, it really is in our nature to do good. Do you know that Steve Jobs asked for help when making the glass surface of the iPhone? Read more>>

Samantha Caractor

You should never be afraid to ask your family and friends for support in any business endeavor. Whether you feel passionate about the business, or you feel it’s a viable way to help you get on your feet financially, nine times out of ten when you ask them, they won’t support you…at first. Read more>>