Starting a business can prove to be a life-changing decision. From making small decisions such as checking if your business’s location falls under the Spectrum service area to big decisions such as acquiring an investment or deciding on choosing Spectrum cable packages. Everything is so overwhelming. This endeavour demands, hard work, emotional energy, sleepless nights, resilience and so much more. As a friend of someone who’s aspiring to become or is an entrepreneur, supporting them can leave a huge impact.
The most obvious way to help them is to patronize their business. Offering financial support may not be ideal for everyone but there are other ways you can contribute to their success.
Let’s learn how:
Buy from Them at Full Price
The easiest thing to do is to buy from them. But just because they are your friend, they are not obligated to give you a discount or get a product/service for free.
The best approach to support your friend’s small business is to buy from them at full price. You will almost certainly receive the best service from them!
Give Them a Shout Out on Social Media
Another simple yet highly impactful way of supporting your friend is by giving them a shout-out on social media. Even the simple acts of liking and leaving comments on your friend’s page can be beneficial.
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat to see what they’re up to. If you have bought something from them, share a post and tag their business page.
Write Them a Review
Online reviews have replaced word-of-mouth advertising. Before making a purchase, customers tend to read reviews and make a decision accordingly. If they have a website, write them a review. Tell the world about your experience with their business. Leave an honest and flattering review that will attract leads.
Keep Spreading the Word
You can’t overlook the importance of word of mouth. People prefer hearing about experiences from their friends. In a world where influencer marketing and paid advertising is widespread, word of mouth can do wonders. Consider yourself your friend’s ambassador. Talk about their products/services in your circle. Introduce others to their brand.
Cook Them a Meal
This gesture won’t directly support your friend’s business but it will give a new meaning to your friendship. It is normal for entrepreneurs to work for countless hours and hence, they don’t have the time to cook meals.
Send cooked meals to your friend’s address. Help them eat healthily. You can also buy takeout food and stop by your friend’s office. Have a meal together, ask them what’s up and share a few moments with them.
Lend Them a Helping Hand
Let’s face it, entrepreneurs have to work 70 hours per work and sometimes even more. They don’t have time for personal tasks and even running simple errands.
Offer your service to your friend. Babysit their kid, do groceries for them, and offer help for anything you can handle. Small things like these can make a huge impact. If you can’t help them out physically, help them set up apps and websites. Automate their mundane tasks so that they can take some out for themselves.
Also Read : Small Business Financing Options That can Bypass Traditional Banks
If Something Is Wrong, Let Them Know
if something is wrong, tell them about it gently. Chances are they are not aware of a problem that you as a customer have identified. notify them about it. Since you are a friend, be kind.
Refer Them to Friends and Family
If your friend is selling something really awesome and others can benefit from them, tell your friends and family about it. It carries a lot more weight when you suggest they buy from a small business. Tell them about your experience and help them reassure them that they won’t be wasting their money.
Be A Friend and Be There
Lastly, life is already stressful and if you have the responsibility of running a business, your days can quickly become overly stressful.
Don’t be one of those friends who complain that your friend no longer has time for you. They are already burnt out and they probably don’t even have time for self-care. Be a little considerate and offer your presence. Let them know you are there for them if they need help or a friend to vent to. This little gesture can make your friendship even stronger.
Keep Buying
Buying from them once is not enough. If you have the financial means, keep shopping with them and keep spreading the word.
