Getting a business off the ground is hard. The creative process alone is enough to make aspiring entrepreneurs and businessmen throw in the towel. The nitty-gritty like the concept, product development, business registration, business insurance coverage, capitalization, and a lot of other details add to the already stressful situation. Once you launch that business and start to operate, the challenges still keep coming. You need to think of how to get by day-to-day, recouping losses, gaining profits, and keeping your business alive and thriving for as long as possible.
To say that it is tough work is an understatement. It can be discouraging a lot of times. But not having your family and loved ones lending their support to your business can be downright demoralizing.
Fret not; there’s still hope. There are some things that you can do that could get you the support you want from your loved ones.
Talk to them and educate them about what you’re doing.
One of the things that prevent people, especially those who are close to you, from supporting you is skepticism. Understand that this is not personal for them. They believe in you, yes. They just don’t believe in what you’ve set out to do. This is where communication comes in really handy.
Take the time to sit down with them and talk to them about your business, the industry you’re in, and the market you’re going for. Allow them to ask you questions and make sure you answer their questions as thoroughly as possible. This doesn’t just show them that you did your homework but it also gives you the chance to show your expertise on the subject matter. Once they are convinced that you know what you’re doing, it will be easier for them to have confidence in your business.
Let them know how they can help you.
There are also cases when people seem unsupportive because they don’t know exactly how they can be of help to you and your business. This often happens when the line of business one gets has no practical use for their loved ones. It’s easier to get people behind you if, say, you get into the food industry or clothing business. Everyone needs food and clothes to survive. However, not everyone needs to buy trash compactors or have their homes treated with pest and termite protection daily.
Talk to them and tell them exactly what you need and how they can help. Some business owners already appreciate just feeling their loved ones’ moral support and encouragement. Others might need help with fixing their office space or getting the word out about their new business endeavor. Identify what you need and tell them about it.
Prioritize their referrals.
If there’s one thing about people that you should know, it’s that everyone loves to feel special. No exceptions there. People are more eager to talk about your business and promote it to others if they are made to feel important.
When your parents refer some of their friends to you or your best buds connect you with some of their colleagues, make them one of your top priorities. Being given the VIP treatment just because they know someone who knows the owner is enough to make them keep coming back for more and want to refer you and your business to their own circle of friends, too.
Let them know how much you appreciate their help.
Gratitude goes a long way in any industry. And there is a myriad of ways that you can show people you appreciate them and what they do for you and your business. The important thing is that they feel your sincerity when you express your appreciation.
You can send them gifts on special occasions or perhaps take them out to dinner. Take time to write down a thoughtful thank you note expressing how much their support means to your business and to you personally.
Go the extra mile for them.
In any business, going above and beyond the call of duty is always lauded. Never ever hesitate to go the extra mile for your loved ones. Doing this makes them feel that they are indeed special to you and that you’re not treating them like any other regular customer, that you’re not taking their support for granted. Exceeding their expectations will not only make them more supportive of you but it will also make you feel good about yourself that you did right by those you care about.
The love, encouragement, and support that entrepreneurs and business owners get from their families and friends can make the herculean and extra-challenging task of launching and establishing a business a lot easier to bear with. It is something that everybody wants when it comes to the bigger decisions in their lives. Don’t be afraid to ask for it if you have to so that you will have a better chance at success.
