Question
my friends won't patronize my website. Is it me? Why?
Depressed. I built a site for freelancing present and former Big 4 consultants and other "premium" talent. I told my friend, a unemployment counselor. She won't even look at it. I reached out to partner with several businesses that sell products that support the consultant's work, such as laptops, collaboration tools, etc. Won't give any names, but they are larger than Dell, for example. I had success, and received authorization to carry their products. I talked to another friend that said he needed a job, and printer ink. Though I forwarded him the actual approval letter (showing my partnership) earlier this week, he expressed No interest in buying the ink or submitting his info on the site. I know these individuals very well, one for 6 yrs, the other for 3 years. Yet, some conversations I have with them are about other people's successes, and patronizing other businesses What's wrong? I'm told "how smart I am", and other blah blah comments, but treated like a last resort second hand "associate". I have a masters degree (from a real school) I have certifications, but i feel like I have to beg them to even think of me. I've given 2 friend examples, but there's more, at least 3 additional examples across the country. What's wrong with this picture? It's obviously me, but what is it that I am not doing?
6 months ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
The unemployment counselor may only be permitted to help people find permanent jobs, not consulting work. Self-employment is not covered by unemployment insurance. So that may be why she refused to look at it. As far as the other people, it is hard to say, without knowing them personally, their individual needs, and exactly what your website does. Perhaps they went on the website and didn't think it could benefit them. As far as getting business from friends, I would try to give my friends my business if I could, but I would have to believe there is a benefit in it for me. My friend (and former college roommate for 3 years) is my dentist. Although he gives me a discount, I go to him mainly because I know him personally, and I know I can trust him and that he will do a good job. Dental work is a more personal service, so if I know that the dentist is honest and will do a good job (and not just because I'm his friend), that is a very big advantage. With printer ink, this is more of a commodity. Your ink isn't going to be better than anyone else's. I doubt that you can give your friend better service than anyone else, especially if you are just working with another business that is providing the ink. So for a commodity, you probably need to be at least just as good as your competitors to get sales, even from friends. Maybe your prices were too high. You should try not to take this personally and you should ask these people for constructive criticism on your website and ask them why they aren't interested in using it. If these people are truly your friends, they will try to give you advice that you can use to make improvements. Also, you shouldn't only look to your friends for business, you need to reach out to a wider area. So even if your friends aren't interested, maybe their advice will help. Maybe you should show your website in this question, so people here can look at it and make comments.
by Alan S
6 months ago
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Other Answers
And here I thought I was the only one that has had this problem. I think this is something that happens world wide and I think there is little jealousy hiding in there somewhere. I also tried and tried to get my friends interested and later just gave up. I went on and did extensive marketing that excluded friends and family and with the feed back I got from the "unknown" clients, I was satisfied that I was not the problem. So you just forge ahead and you will find also that you are not the problem. Lots and lots of good luck.
by Anne- 6 months ago
Don't worry about your friends. I have the same reaction from family. They love me to bits but when I talk about what I am doing I get blank looks. Let them just be your friends and find your true clients in the business world. Best to keep the two apart then you can develop both areas of your life. I know when you start you think they should support you but let it be emotional support. Keep your chin up, there are millions of people out there. It just takes time to find them.
by clickwriter- 6 months ago