Should You Mix Business with Family?
So it’s the beginning of your business venture and you need help from trustworthy people who believe in your cause – right? Oh, and lets not forget that these people probably need to be willing to work for peanuts – right?
Well, who would do that?
The obvious choices are the people who have been there for you all along. Friends and family. But should you ask them? How do you ask them? What if it doesn’t work out? I ask myself these questions every day.
I’d love to work with some of my family because I’d love for them to be involved in meaningful work that might turn a profit for them. I’d love to help them. And I did casually approach many of them earlier this year with ideas about how they can become involved.
Currently, none of my family members, with the exception of my husband, are directly involved in my business. Furthermore, none of my very talented best friends have a real interest in what I’m doing.
Deciding who can help build your business family is not an easy task, and you’ll probably make some mistakes. But, if the multi-tasker in you takes over – you will see that you can really build your business family as you promote your company and do a test-run on the relatives.
The scariest part about working with family is that if it doesn’t work out, you’ll still want to see them for Thanksgiving. You don’t want to ruin the relationship or feel as though you’ve wasted their time. So you kinda have to know your family before you decide to approach them. And, you have to go about it in a gentle manner.
Many family members say and mean that they will do anything for you. But, as human beings they can only do what is in their scope of reality. Your favorite aunt might love you to pieces, but does she have an entrepreneurial spirit? You and I are built for risk taking and those close to our business need to be on the same page.
It might not be that hard for you to find the entrepreneurs in your family – but these are the people who you should consider approaching first. But, remember to keep an open mind. Maybe the most they can offer you is advice. Everyone is so busy these days that we’re lucky to get free advice.
The law of averages works for me. In the beginning of my newest adventure I put the word out to everyone I know. I called and sent e-mails to friends, family, old teachers, and colleagues – explaining my commercial copywriting services and offering them free services. I also asked them to pass my word on to anyone they thought could benefit. And I mentioned that I’d appreciate if each person could distribute three of my business cards.
This original campaign put me in touch with well over 500 people. I’m sure we all know at least 500 people (think about it).
But, do you know how many people responded to me stating that they would have no idea about who could use my services?
Classmates from the Creative Writing department of my alma mater told me that they couldn’t fathom a friend or local business who was in need of ad copy, brochure writing, web copy, resume services, press releases etc. – for free. About six people said they’d pass out my cards.
About five weeks later I got a call from the manager of a local radio station who said hey… “I heard from…who heard from…. that you write… and I need you.” It worked. That client lead to more clients and my client list is growing.
So, get the word out to your friends and family, because at the very least they will listen and mention your name someday when something important might happen.
The best way to convince them that you’re serious is to show them something tangible… business plan, web site, photos, ads; tell them who else is involved, and specifically explain what their role would be in your eyes. Offer them free services so that you can build experience and they can realize your expertise. – this is also a good way for the both of you to transition if they need to refuse help.
An uncle who must refuse is far better than a friend with empty promises. Tell them that you only want them to commit what they truly have the time to offer. Tell them you are fine with a “no.” And, if an interested friend who sounds ultra enthusiastic about helping you, lets you down more than once in the beginning – let them go.
Remember, there really as to be something in it for them too. If they don’t NEED you too – you’ll probably be last on their list. And you cannot afford that.
Bottom line is that if we are lucky our family loves us. We’re practically floating on air if they understand us. And if they dig our business and can afford time to contribute to us – wow! But, entrepreneurs help entrepreneurs because we are on that same level.
Start with family, but build your network with people like you. Posting honest ads on Craig’s list and at local colleges has provided me with about 15 dedicated people who have truly made a difference in my business. When you ask an entrepreneur to help they will usually find a way.
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