10 Ways to Support Your Friend's Business: A Guide

1. Encourage Them
Starting a business is a big deal, and it's easy to feel intimidated or scared. One of the best things you can do to support your friend is to encourage them. Remind them of their strengths and abilities, and encourage them to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone.

2. Buy Their Product
If your friend's business offers a product or service that interests you, go buy it! Becoming a customer is one of the best ways to support your friend's business. And, be sure to pay for the product or service, and don't ask for freebies.

3. Leave Them a Review
Positive reviews can make a big difference for a business, especially when they come from familiar faces. If you have purchased your friend's product or service, take the time to leave them a review. If you have negative feedback, be honest and let them know privately.

4. Spread the Word
One of the best ways to help your friend's business is by spreading the word. Share their business on your social media accounts, talk about it with your friends and family, and recommend it to people who could benefit from the product or service.

5. Offer Your Skills
Your friend may need help with various aspects of their business, such as website design, social media management, or content creation. If you have skills in any of these areas, offer to help them out. It's a great way to support your friend while also using your own skills.

6. Attend Their Events
If your friend is hosting an event or launch party, make sure to attend. Having familiar faces in the crowd can mean a lot, and it shows your friend that you support them and their business.

7. Be a Sounding Board
Starting a business can be overwhelming, and sometimes your friend may just need someone to listen. Be a sounding board for your friend's ideas, and offer advice when asked. Sometimes just talking through a problem can help your friend find a solution.

8. Help with Funding
Starting a business can be expensive, and your friend may need help with funding. If you have the means to do so, consider offering to invest or help with funding. But only do so if you truly believe in the business.

9. Provide Referrals
If you know someone who could benefit from your friend's product or service, provide a referral. This can be a great way to help your friend's business grow, and it could lead to more business opportunities.

 10. Celebrate Their Successes
Running a business can be tough, and it's important to celebrate successes along the way. When your friend reaches a milestone or accomplishes a goal, be sure to celebrate with them. It can be something as simple as sending a congratulatory text or taking them out to dinner. Recognising and celebrating successes can help keep your friend motivated and excited about their business.

In conclusion, starting a business can be a daunting task, but with support from friends and family, it can be much easier. As a friend, there are many things you can do to support your friend who is starting a business. Whether it's buying their product, leaving a review, spreading the word, offering your skills, attending their events, being a sounding board, helping with funding, providing referrals, or celebrating their successes, there are many ways to show your support. By doing so, you'll be helping your friend achieve their dreams and build a successful business. 

Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on entrepreneurship and skills! Share this blog post with your supportive friends.