Why People Don’t Support Your Business

Today is day 7 of Alex Beadon’s Feel Good Blogging Challenge and I made it to the end, yippee! 🙂 For today’s challenge I am writing about a hot topic which I feel strongly about and it’s why I think people don’t support your small businesses and why they should start.

Being a business owner myself, one thing I see regularly is a lack of support from friends and family.   This happens in my own business and with other small business owners who I know.

Small businesses are the backbone of society, they help to grow the economy and provide jobs and investment to your local area.

My own business is an online retail shop, I sell skincare, cosmetics and nutrition.  I am also passionate about helping other people start their own business, so they can earn more money and really make a change to their life.   As I mentioned in my 3 Tips to Start Cycling I have worked in my family business since I was 14.  Here we sell bikes and accessories.  At one time it really bugged me when a friend or acquaintance bought their shower gel, lipstick or bike elsewhere or when they complained they had no money and hated their boss.  I used to think I have the solution or why don’t you support me!  I’d certainly shared all about my business with them so they knew what I was doing.  I’ve also asked people why they shopped elsewhere and their reply is often ‘your products are too expensive’ or another excuse.

In all the businesses I am part of I do have high quality products, however I’m hardly likely to rip anyone off never mind a friend!  I am super generous with all my customers as I am grateful for them and I would always make sure I gave the best deal possible to a friend as I am sure you will if you own your own business.

I also think unfortunately some people don’t want you to be successful, if you succeed then they may see themselves as unsuccessful.  Rememer this is their issue and you certainly can’t let other peoples opinions or actions hold you back – Afterall they’re not the ones paying your bills!

There is also the chance that your friends just didn’t even think about it.  I don’t think friends don’t buy your products or services to be mean or unsupportive, I genuinely think some people just don’t think about supporting small, local businesses or understand the impact this can have on the local economy.

By supporting local businesses the money they make will generally go back into the local area. This is when business owners go shopping, give to local community projects or invest in other local businesses.

I’ve also noticed those that have their own small businesses are much more likely to support other business owners.

So next time you are looking for a product or service and you have a friend or family member who provides that why not give them a chance to help you.  More than likely you will get a better service, a better product and make their day – Just a small bit of support and kindness can make a huge difference to a small business owners life.

And if you are a small business owner, then don’t got upset or bogged down by other people’s actions.  Whatever their reasons for a lack of support make sure you don’t allow this to hold you back.  Chase your dreams and forget the naysayers.