When you are getting a business started, one of the first things you have to do is find customers. Naturally, your gaze will probably quickly travel to your friends and family. They’re convenient and they have to listen – they like you, right? However, we have all had people come after us with their new business, trying to get us to buy something. I don’t know about you, but I usually try to the run the other way when that happens.
Unfortunately overzealous home business builders have made it difficult to approach friends and family with your business venture. Don’t be discouraged, though. It is possible to talk to these people about your business without harming your relationship with them.
Here are some of the important things to remember when approaching those you know about your business:
Don’t Be Pushy
The worst thing is a business builder who is pushy. They call you several times a week trying to get you to set up a home party or trying to get you to try some product. Instead, be sure not to pressure your friends. You might say, “I ordered Product X and I thought of you because last month you mentioned you were looking for something like that”. Also, keep the conversation short if the person seems uncomfortable. Work hard to gauge their reactions. If they appear uninterested it would probably be better to drop the sale in order to preserve the friendship.
Offer A Way Out
When talking to someone about your products or services, it might be best to offer a way out if the person is not interested. My husband, who is building a Melaleuca business, will ask people to listen to a presentation and then he says “And if you’re interested, great, if you’re not, that’s okay too”. Again, we would rather keep our friendship with a person than lose them over trying to get a sale for our business.
Provide an Incentive
If possible, try to provide an incentive for assisting you with building your business. For instance, if someone is going to host a home party for you, then maybe you can offer free products or a discount on their next order.
To me, the bottom line is that it’s more important to maintain my relationship with a friend or relative than it is to make a sale. You can always find another customer, but friends and family are much more difficult to replace.