Help Your Friend’s Business! Not Today Blog 32

Sorry, for this rant. It’s a topic that makes me emotional. Support your friend’s businesses, please. x

It sucks. I get excited every time somebody I know starts their own thing. Whether it is an industrial company, a retail store, an online shop, a service, a blog, a YouTube channel or an Instagram profile – it doesn’t matter. Why wouldn’t I want to support someone who is taking a risk? Still, there are friends that turn their backs on the new entrepreneurs.

It takes one person (someONE) to build an organisation that later forms a country, a government, a sports club, a company. If these people did not exist, we would probably be unemployed.

Here are 7 easy ways to help your friend’s business.

1. Assume good intent

Don’t feel intimidated by friends that are trying to build a start-up. There is no need to assume that they’re suddenly rich. Chances are they won’t be. They are likely to fail, most businesses do. And they probably know that.

2. Tell 3 friends or family members about your friend’s new business

“Looking for a 1-room flat in Munich for next month. If anyone knows anyone who might know someone, please let me know. Sharing this post is allowed. xx”

We all know these posts from Facebook and Instagram. If that works, then that’s proof enough that word of mouth is a thing.

Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. Sharing the news about your friend’s new business could make for a happy customer and a happy entrepreneur somewhere along the way.

3. Don’t ask for discounts

If you can afford it. A few Euros can make a big difference.

4. Leave a good review

You don’t need to become a customer. Their product might not be for you, or you simply don’t need to have your roof replaced. What you can do is leave a good review. Type the business into Google Maps and tap 5 stars. Please, 30 seconds of work, do it.

5. Follow on social media

I know. We’re all famous on Instagram but you know what? Nobody cares about your follower-following ratio. Follow their business profile. You can always mute them later. If it’s really important to you not to follow too many people, unfollow one celebrity. It could be good for your mental health anyway to stop comparing yourself to them. They have problems too, just like you and me.

6. Don’t be a dick

If your friend’s business fails, don’t be the “I knew it from the beginning” person. We don’t need this energy here.

7. Ask how you can contribute

Remember, if it were not for people founding organisations, you would probably be unemployed and the world would be in a bad way.

Why Not Today

Covid-19 has been tough for all of us. You can’t imagine how many silent tears were shed at night as they came home from another devastating day trying to keep their business alive.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Edith Wharton

Why not today do one of the things I mentioned in this post for your friend. You may not save them from insolvency, but if you can put a smile on their face, that’s a success.

Love ya

D