Don’t Expect Friends & Family To Be Your Customers. Do This Instead.
One of the most common mistakes new entrepreneurs make is assuming that everyone in their social circle will naturally become a customer. It’s an easy trap to fall into, but it’s crucial to recognize that friends are not customers. Your bestie who you brunch with or the cousin who makes amazing banana pudding for family events—they are not your target market.
Managing Expectations
When you launch a new service or product, it’s natural to feel a bit disheartened when those close to you don't make a purchase. You might think, "These people care about me, so why aren't they buying from me?" But this line of thinking leads to unnecessary disappointment. The key is understanding that friends and family play a different role in your entrepreneurial journey.
Avoiding the Rabbit Hole
It’s easy to create negative narratives in your mind when your inner circle doesn’t show up as your first customers:
"I knew I should never have started a business because no one is buying from me!"
"I thought these people cared about me, but they aren't buying my stuff. If they don’t buy, why would anyone else?"
Both of these thoughts are misleading and counterproductive. Falling into this mindset can derail your motivation and focus.
The Clarity You Need
The missing piece in this puzzle is clarity. You need to be crystal clear on three key points:
Why you created your services.
Who you created them for.
What specific problem you are solving for your potential customers.
Once you understand these aspects, you can effectively communicate with your ideal customers, showing them how your services solve their problems.
The Role of Friends and Family
My parents and brother read my newsletter faithfully. They click on all my links and watch all my videos. But they have not, and likely will never, buy my services. That’s perfectly okay—they aren’t my ideal customers.
However, there are ways to engage your social circle. Instead of expecting them to purchase your offerings, think of specific ways they can support you. For instance, they can share your content, forward your flyers, or spread the word about your business. These acts of support are invaluable and can help you reach your actual target market.
Reframing Support
By thinking of friends and family as supporters rather than customers, you save yourself from unnecessary heartache and confusion. They are cheering you on, and their encouragement is a form of support that’s different but equally important.
Finding Your Ideal Customer
Understanding and engaging with your ideal customer is a critical topic we dive into during our From Educator To Entrepreneur program. If you want to learn more about identifying and connecting with your ideal customers, click here to schedule your consultation which includes my e-book, Leave When You Want: The Teacher’s Guide To Starting A Business And Making Money On Your Own Terms.
Remember, every person is not your customer, and that’s perfectly okay. Focus on who your services are meant for and how you can solve their problems. This clarity will lead you to the right audience and help your business thrive.
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