dmm26

As I'm sure everyone does, I love my friends. The problem is ever since I've told them about me launching my own clothing line they all feel like they can
" help me out" in some way or another. I appreciate any help I can get but, all of the sudden they all think they are experts in some field that will benefit me and my business. I don't doubt they have ability but what do I say to them?

 

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Hoofy

haha I know i told mine just yesterday and they are obsessed with the idea now..asking for 10 percent and talking like they know the first thing about designing stuff

 

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AustinJeff

Quote: Originally Posted by dmm26 I don't doubt they have ability but what do I say to them?

I would tell them that I value their friendship too much to jeopardize it with the intense stress involved in a start-up business.

 

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maddog9022

friends are great you just have to know how to use them. since you doing skateboarding and snowboarding they might be buddy buddy with a shop owner or someone who can help you. also ask them if they will help advertise for you. they dont have to know alot about the business. i am not anywear close to an expert or even experianced on the business and neather were when you start up till you have gone through selling shirts several hundred shirts unless you were in it before. (not tring to put you down. hope you dont take that the wrong way).

i am using some of my paintball buddies to help me out. one of my friends knows the owner of are local store so he is going to set me up with a meeting. acouple of my friends know some big name player who i am going to talk to for sponsorship and more contacts.

it just takes one person to know somebuddy so you can it off big. i know what you mean tho by when you say your friends are tring to help in the wrong way just dont totally shut them out.

my 2 cents

 

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mzmadmax

I was dealing with the same thing myself. I decided to try an experiment. I had a friendly informative talk with each of them (one-on-one) and told them I'd like to ask for their input. I explained that the reason I came to them was because I wanted someone who could speak their mind, but at the same time, who would not get upset or take it personal if I chose to follow a different course of action than what they suggested. Then, with that agreement in place, I asked them questions and solicited suggestions about various areas of their expertise.

I made a point to listen to what they said with an open mind (which I admit isn't always so easy to do but I'm getting better at it). I listen with the goal of understanding their point of view and to see what I could learn from them. Sometimes our talks may last five minutes. I've had a few that went on for hours. Truth is, when I started doing this, I really did learn some things. Some of the most useful advice came from folks I foolishly thought before would have nothing to offer.

Now when they offer advice, I listen and thank them for their input. Then I weigh whether to use it or not.

I also try to acknowlege to them when I've put their suggestions to use. This only takes a minute of my time and it makes them feel good about their contributions. Plus, it seems like they are less "pushy" about ideas I've choose not to implement when they know that they have helped me through other ideas of theirs have "made the cut", so to speak.

I know they mean well and are excited about my business. When I think about the alternative, it makes it easier to invoke patience. Now I'm actually less stressed about it and I appreciate their advice. Chances are, some of my customers may be thinking the same as them, so it gives me insight.

 

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