We can all be disappointed when friends and family don't buy from us, comment on our business posts, or attend our events ... after all, we need their support, right?!
If they were friends, they'd WANT to support us / buy from us ... right?!!
WRONG!
Our friends and family are not our customers. Nor should we feel disappointed when they spend their money elsewhere, and NOT buy from US.
(Click here for a downloadable graphic to use on your personal account to show them HOW they can support you!)
We can wonder how people can tell us time and again how much they admire and support what we're doing, but when it’s time for them to buy from us or book our services, it doesn't happen!
Sometimes, by not attending our event or opening, it can feel like a personal rejection. We can’t even get a shout-out!
When you can't understand why the people who love you the most do not stand behind your business, your dream, your vision, maybe - just maybe - it's time to look inward. The problem might not be them. Did I just say that out loud?!!!! 🤣🤣🤷♀️
POSSIBLE (probable!) REASONS:
1. THEY ARE NOT YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE.
The simple truth could be that perhaps your product or service may not be the right fit for your friends and family. What you're offering might be awesome to you and even to them but when you take a deep dive, are these people in your target market? The better and more poignant question is;
HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED AND REALLY HONED IN ON YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?
2. DO THEY BELIEVE IN YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE?
2. DO THEY BELIEVE IN YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE?
This might HURT but have you considered that your friends and family may not believe in or like the product or service that you're offering. Even if they tell you how great it is and how proud of you they are, but then don’t follow through with booking, attending or buying, perhaps they just don't want to pick up what you're putting down. It's not WRONG! They CAN be BOTH proud of you for what you're doing and NOT like it for themselves. That's OK! As a business owner or brand, your job is to figure out WHO is your target audience and then hone in on how to track that audience down and engage with them.
3. INCONSISTENCY
3. INCONSISTENCY
If you have NOT established yourself as an expert in your field, it has to be due to the fact that you are inconsistent. If one day you are selling clothes and a year later you are pushing nutrition through an MLM and a year later, you are apart of a real estate investment group, you have to expect that your friends and family might see you as wishy-washy. They may even call you that at times. You must decide, not necessarily on a company, but at least commit long-term on afield or genre of business. Become an expert in your field.
4. ARE YOU AN MLM BUSINESS?
When people don’t understand what you are doing, they may assume that it’s another MLM. Don’t get me wrong, there are some cool MLM’s out there. I'm a big fan of Doterra oils and have bought loads of Tupperware over the years. I've used Isagenix, Enjo, bought Lorraine Lea linen, and who hasn’t gotten something from Avon?!!! BUT, more often than not, buying a few products from an MLM rep - even a friend - is often followed by constant, pushy bombardment to buy more and to get involved as a rep yourself. Clearly it works for some people (duh, these companies are often killing it!). But, if your friends and family think your business is an MLM, then you need to re-think how you're telling the story of your business or brand and what problem you solve for people.
5. MAYBE THEY WANT SOMETHING FOR FREE!?!
4. ARE YOU AN MLM BUSINESS?
When people don’t understand what you are doing, they may assume that it’s another MLM. Don’t get me wrong, there are some cool MLM’s out there. I'm a big fan of Doterra oils and have bought loads of Tupperware over the years. I've used Isagenix, Enjo, bought Lorraine Lea linen, and who hasn’t gotten something from Avon?!!! BUT, more often than not, buying a few products from an MLM rep - even a friend - is often followed by constant, pushy bombardment to buy more and to get involved as a rep yourself. Clearly it works for some people (duh, these companies are often killing it!). But, if your friends and family think your business is an MLM, then you need to re-think how you're telling the story of your business or brand and what problem you solve for people.
5. MAYBE THEY WANT SOMETHING FOR FREE!?!
Let’s just get this out there! People don't realise the hours (years!), energy and money that you've spent to produce your product or service. They have no idea what it has taken you to get to where you are in your entrepreneurial journey. There MAY be a time where you can giveaway free goods and services to your loved ones BUT again it comes back to - are they even in your target market?
6. YOUR BRANDING IS OFF
6. YOUR BRANDING IS OFF
I could sing about this all day long! Your branding is EVERYTHING!
You have to be constantly telling your story and having it connect with your target market. It's OK to admit that you don’t know how to do that, and it's OK to reach out and get assistance in identifying your target market and carving out the right pitch, vibe, feel and look. Re-branding is sometimes necessary, or just honing what message you're sending out. Get in touch if this is what you need!