I just started my own small business last week. I told 3 friends and they all asked "Who are you selling that stuff for?" "Do you really think someone is going to buy that organic junk?" I didn't hear congrats or anything. One of my friends threw my store's email address in the trash. I know that friends and fam would get my name out there quickly, but I don't want them spreading negative comments about it. I started this from scratch and am doing pretty good so far. I thought about waiting until I get in a newspaper or more exposure before I mention it to them. What do you think?
2007-07-09 03:43:30 · 11 answers · asked by C's Wifey 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
as the old saying goes, 'with friends like that, who needs enemies"?? I cant believe they'd be so uncaring and rude!! Just go about your business (pun intended!!) and do the best you can..you will suceed and they'll still be stuck in the same old rut....if I were you, I'd say no more about my new business, but just continue to suceed!! Continued success!!!
2007-07-09 03:47:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Spread the news out to everybody. Yeah, some people roll their eyes at organic products, but many more are interested. Even your negative friends can help you sell. Someone they know hears from someone else that they afre looking to buy some products. They say:
"You into that organic c*** too? Well, go see XXXXXX? They told me they sell that stuff, but I think it's all a waste."
It still gets you a customer. So let all your estended family know, all your friends and neighbors, the clerk at the convenience store or the video rental shop. Put notices on bulletin boards and on your doctor's waiting room table.
Good luck!
2007-07-09 03:51:54 · answer #2 · answered by rlloydevans 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No! Don't offer deep discounts to your friends and family, unless it's your mother. :) Your time is valuable, and you are a professional. Your friends and family are taking advantage of you, and that just isn't right. If you only charge them 5 dollars, you devalue your product (making it worthless), and you take valuable time away from your full-paying clients. This means less profit and less time for yourself. It's hard to tell family members that you can't help them, but sometimes it needs to be done. In my case I have helped family members in the past, but it was infrequent and it certainly never affected my ability to work with other clients. If you're offering regular tutoring to your fiends and family, they should pay. If you want to offer them a group discount or a trade for comparable value, that's fine, but don't give away all of your valuable time and knowledge for nothing. Think about it this way, if your friends had their own business and were selling a product, would they give it all away for free? Be kind, and stay positive with your friends and family, but stay strong. All the best -
2016-05-17 19:36:09 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only you know your relationship with family or friends. Don't be surprised when some people you expect to support you are negative. You are breaking out of the box.That causes some to become very jealous.
Whether or not you tell them is not as important as you getting the word out in general. Sell. Sell. Sell.
Is it unique? Ever thought of doing a Press Release?
See http://www.PRweb.com
Also, start a page at http://www.MySpace.com and http://www.Facebook.com
Next time you put up a question like that - include your new company website. Promote. Promote. Promote.
Best of Luck!
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http://www.GoodShephard.Free1up.com
2007-07-09 03:50:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To bad people always have something to say. It's like being pregnant and people ask about a name and then react with "oh" -
I work for myself in sales too and it's nice at first to get it out there - everyone has something to say - and I have asked many friends or family to try things - and be ignored.
You grow tough, and learn from all that in the end it's their loss. If you act successful from the get go you will be.
Mention it and keep going forward and if you are doing well then good for you as I say "your loss" - (to all of them)
My mom always said if you have nothing nice to say say nothing - it's my motto good luck
2007-07-09 03:53:42 · answer #5 · answered by kelly e 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would just consider who youre telling it to. If your friends arent being supportive and youre really into this then they arent very good friends. Be careful who you tell your ideas to at first because it hurts to have people shoot down your ideas. Then yah after youre doing better then you can tell everyone else so if they say who would buy this junk etc you can say well probably people like the ones who are already making me $5K a month loser!
2007-07-09 03:49:17 · answer #6 · answered by timssterling 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let everyone know...it is easiest least expensive way to get your name out there...you may get lots of adverse feeback from them but atleast your name gets out there and may bring in some sales...congrats and keep at it...Also get some business cards made up and always carry them to hand out.
2007-07-09 03:48:25 · answer #7 · answered by HouAnswerGuy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dont despair, people have small minds.Do what you have to.I network market video e- mails, and there are always sceptics about to pull you down.Do what i do, invite friends around to a meeting, lay on a few drinks, and show them what youve got. If its good, they will be impressed
2007-07-09 04:15:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great choice of friends! Seriously, consider finding other friends.
2007-07-09 04:32:40 · answer #9 · answered by jdkilp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-07-09 03:51:21 · answer #10 · answered by JKid S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋