What Your Entrepreneur Friends Want You to Know
We all have that crazy talented friends that makes that badass homemade craft or takes crazy beautiful photos. They inspire us and leave us in awe, but we’re left at a loss of how to support them and their endeavors. It’s so much easier than you think to support them and their small business.
Did you know that every entrepreneur is sacrificing something to do what they are passionate about? Whether it be sleep, time with their family and and friends or something else. They have literally taken a giant leap of faith in their product or service, and I don’t share this as a means to get pity for those pursuing their dreams, but rather to share with you ways to support them even if it can’t be financially. Entrepreneur’s business means everything to them.
As an entrepreneur myself, I’m honest when I tell you that my feelings won’t be hurt if you don’t buy and use my services or if you don’t read my blog. I have thick skin, so I can handle it. Us entrepreneurs are all looking to grow our business, but we don’t want to bully or guilt people into buying something just for the sale and support.
One of the EASIEST ways to support a small business and entrepreneur friend is by through social media.
Social Media
It’s free and it doesn’t take much time.
Your entrepreneur friend is struggling desperately to gain traction on social media especially because social media platforms has made significant changes to their algorithms to limit business page reach. Basically, that leaves small business owners grasping for straws. Social media platforms are trying to push business owners to buy their ads in order for them to get their content out.
By simply loving on our content, you’re telling all of us entrepreneurs that you support us and let us know that what we’re doing is all worth it.
We all have that one friend that post a million times a day to the point that you feel that the only thing you’re seeing is something they threw together. You’re annoyed that you start hiding their content and they then become an “invisible” friend.
I get it. I’ve done the same thing before. We try to now be that friend, but I’m trying to realize it’s them just trying to push their side hustle, which is exactly what I’m trying to do.
Share our Content
When you share our content, you make our struggle a little easier by helping us ‘beat the system aka “algorithm content blocker” and expand our reach without paying hundreds of dollars a week for an ad.
I secretly jump for joy when my family and friends share my content.I might not individually thank everyone that shares my content, but that one share literally means so much more than you could ever know.
You’ll be amazed at how one share leads to 50 or 100 page views by new guests. That may not seem like a lot, but for someone just starting out, that is HUGE.
Send Us a Message
Some of the best support I have received from people were just through simple messages. I’ve been thanked for being open about infertility, or motherhood or marriage. People relate to the things I write and share and then thank me for being open and giving them courage to also speak of their circumstances.
Messages have made me cry and have reassured me that what I’m doing is truly worth the time, energy and resources I put into it.
This is why I write. This is why I share with my readers things that are tough. I am real, and I try to help others every day.
I might not be able to make a living from writing, but I can for damn sure make a difference in someones life. That’s what keeps me going!!
Even if you aren’t looking for products for weight loss, let your friend know she’s looking great and how inspiring she is. Tell your jewelry maker friend how talented and creative she is. Encourage your entrepreneur friends. It helps them keep going!
Subscribe
Most entrepreneurs have a list that helps us to stay in touch with our followers. Since social media makes it so hard for our content to be visible, we oftentimes rely on subscriptions and sign-ups to help us.
For example, on my blog I have a subscribe button that allows your to receive my email newsletter. Subscribe and sign up. It costs you nothing, but shows us that you support us.
Understand their Business and be an Advocate
Take the time to ask your entrepreneur friend more about their business. Learn about their products and services. Understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. You’ll never know when you might be chatting with a friend looking for a photographer or unique jewelry. Be an advocate for them.
I have a friend who owns a construction company, and every time someone asks for construction referrals, I tag his business and provide his contact info. Be a supporter. Help your talented friends by referring them and truly understanding what they do.
Allow your Entrepreneur Friend Grace
We’re always working. Always.
I won’t sit here and try to argue that it’s healthy to work 24/7, but we’re dreams. We have a goal in mind and nothing is going to stop us from achieving it.
Recently, I underwent a pretty serious surgery that required me to really take time off. It was hard for me to take time for me, so please understand the very real stress associated with stepping away from our businesses.
Most entrepreneurs don’t have a tine of free time, but we still want you to invite us out for a glass of wine or invite us to that highly anticipated movie sequel we’ve all been looking forward to seeing. Yes, we might say no, but we might not. It’s the thought.
Many friends don’t understand my obession with success or that of being a dream chaser. They don’t understand how hard I’m working on a daily basis.
Some days, I’m literally working from sun-up to sun-down. Not only do I have a full-time career, but I have several side hustles, 2 kids, 1 dog, 1 cat, 2 fish and a hubby to make time for.
I’m busy. Probably too busy. But I’m ok with it.
I’m constantly planning my next step.
A real friend should understand. Even if it means being a bit more absent.
Invest in Them
Last but not least, supporting your friend doesn’t necessary mean spending money, but if you’re considering losing weight, reach out to you weigh loss entrepreneur. If you’re looking for a unique birthday present, reach out to your girlfriend who makes the bomb earrings.
You don’t have to drop a ton of money, but keep them in mind and give them a shot of earning your business.
Support a small business and entrepreneur friend whenever you’re able.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. Not at all. We pour blood, sweat, tears, hope and prayers into our dreams daily. We cross our fingers and our toes and pray that the stars are in our favor, yet sometimes that’s not enough.
Every little thing that you do to support your entrepreneur friends helps more than you can imagine.
Thanks for all the support.
Love this! Always such a good reminder to support entrepreneurs in my life as well as good and easy ways to ask for support in my own ventures! It’s amazing how supportive people can be when they know the right methods and steps to take.
I don’t know where you got an idea for this post, but this is so good. I wish more people that call themselves friends were actually helping, but in reality, it seems they’re clueless how much they could actually do!
Yeah, it’s tough. I feel like my friends and family should naturally be supporters, but that’s not the case always!
Thanks, it’s so supportive and motivating this post. Lovely.
Well said, Danielle. I am always a bit surprised at how easy it is to push that share, like, pin, or tweet button and how difficult it is to get people (including my own family) to actually do it. Thanks for putting into words what most entrepreneurs are feeling.
I feel your pain!!! 🙂
nice post..
I hope I have friends like this. I should expand my network. Majority of my friends are in the academe. I should meet entrepreneurs. Haha
love this girl! So simple, doesn’t cost you a dime and you get to support somebody you love. why not do it? I know i would def appreicate anyone who actually takes the time out of their day to come visit my blog, like or comment.
It’s great to have the support of those closest to you. It’s hard work being an entrepreneur and every little bit of help is welcome.
Seems very simple to do but in reality it’s hard to really find a friends who are willing to support you. They might say yes but to get them to do it is a pain!
I understand this girl. Love your article. I hope our family and friends constantly support us on what we are doing. Sometimes I need to force them 😀
I have been ignoring social media. I guess have to start working on it. 😊
These small things make a huge difference!
This post is so true. Sometimes I wish my friends were more supportive of my business and actually showed it.
Love this! Anyone, entrepreneur or not, should support and raise each other up!
I have friends who are entrepreneurs and I know about about their struggle. Great post.
Awesome message! Shares and comments from families and friends especially do mean a lot!
It is real they are friends who will support you in every way but there are also who will not. But this is such a great message to remind ourselves and everyone.
I couldn’t agree more. Everyone should support entrepreneurs and small businesses
This is a great post. I always tell my entrepreneur friends that I can’t do much, but I’ll be there for them however I can.
wow this is great, thanks for sharing! I’m a momtrepenuer myself!