4 years ago I decided to open my business. I picked out my business name, made my social media pages, and took pictures of products to post. I was finally ready to launch my pages and I eagerly shared my business page to my personal page. Crickets!!! I was absolutely heartbroken. Hardly anyone liked my page, heck, I barely even got a like on my announcement post. How could this be? These are my friends and family!
The truth is, your friends and family as a whole aren't going to support your business. Sure, I have a few friends (also small business owners) that shared my pages, liked my posts, but it was complete strangers that made my business take off. They liked every post, commented on every picture, these amazing people I never met were my biggest cheerleaders.
3 years later I opened my freeze dried candy business. I put some in a bag with my nephew's Christmas money. My dad tasted that candy and told my grandma the next day he was out looking for more of that candy. She informed him that it was my business and called me laughing that he didn't know. He never called me. My own dad wanted to go support a stranger's business, but wouldn't support me. I was crushed. Then I remembered that it wasn't him or other family members or friends that built my business. It was hard work, it was sleepless nights, it was a lot of tears of frustration, but most importantly, it was the kindness and support of strangers.
I know it's hard getting started. I know it seems like everyone else is just out there killing it with ease. But every last one of us has had those same fears and feelings. You've got this! And if any of you ever need a pep talk, my messenger is always available. I'm cheering for you and your business!