I see people on my social media page who run a business but state their family and friends don’t support them. I would like to offer my perspective. And I don’t say this to ruffle feathers or call people out, just please consider what I am saying.

I support my family and friends in the sense that I always wish them well in their endeavors. Can I buy or use what they are selling? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. If I can buy from them, I will occasionally, but not all the time. I have my own wants, needs, and expenses. I have also seen people I bought products from complaining nobody supports them. But if I just purchased something from you and put money in your pocket, you have disregarded me. It also causes me to wonder if you are relying solely on those you know. Are you branching out? Do you advertise? Do you go to networking events? Are you asking those who use your services for referrals? Do you have a social media page? And if you do, do you update it regularly?

Did you have a plan? Did you speak with others in this line of work? If you did, what ups and downs did they make you aware of? And how long did they say it took before they saw a profit? Is there a peak and a slow season to your business? These points should all be factored in.

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist. When I speak to people who are considering going into my field I let them know it is a lot of hard work. Anyone who leads you to believe it is easy is telling you a story. And if you go to work for someone or start your own practice you cannot expect to be booked solid every day at first. It can take a few years to build your clientele. And most of it depends on you. Every client is different and needs different work. And some people will come once, some occasionally, or some regularly. You never know.

There are people in my life who have never come for a massage. I have offered, but they haven’t come. That is their choice. There are also people who I have heard complaining of headaches, back pain, insomnia and the list goes on and on. I have offered they should come by for a session because it might give them relief. I have heard crickets and had promises to make an appointment and then they don’t. But a select few have. To those people, thank you. For everyone else who wants to continue griping about how miserable they feel, good luck to you. But don’t say I didn’t offer to help you.

And lastly, are you supporting your friends and family’s businesses? I have had people who I went to for services and when I suggested they make an appointment have ghosted me, said they don’t have the time or money, or told other friends they don’t need a massage or what I do is creepy. And yes, be careful of what you say about people because it gets back to them.

Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful day and good luck in your venture.