3 Reasons You Don’t Need Your Friends (or Family) to Buy Your Products or Services
In the past I would repeat the same process of coming up with a good (or I thought) business idea then immediately run to my friends and family. The only thing that normally got me was either rejection or the bias of loving my idea because they didn’t want to kill my dreams.

If you’re trying to start a business and you’re doing this today…..immediately STOP IT!
After reading this today I’m going to give you a new path to starting a business that without even needing your friends or family. I’m going to share 3 reasons along with some tips and strategies to get your business off the ground and running.
#1 — Focus on the people you don’t know first
If you’re a person that fears talking to strangers but you want to build a business, you’re going to have to get over yourself…. immediately!
We often turn to our friends and family because we know it’s safe, they like us, and it’s not awkward.
NO! You must get comfortable with being awkward to be an entrepreneur

Focusing on people you don’t know is another way of saying that you’re looking for people that are in your target market.
Let’s say you’re creating a business that will help people find furniture movers easier, faster, and cheaper. You just need to find people that hate using U-Haul trucks or other services which is just about everyone right?
Ok…. so that’s the easy part and you’re likely asking, “where do I find these people?” My easy answer is go where you’re already hanging out at.
Here are some easy places to find people that need your business solution:
- Starbucks (or any coffee shop)
- Set up a Meetup group
- Hang out at the furniture store (people are moving stuff all the time)
- Talk to people buying bulky items at the store
If you’re new to starting a business and looking for some guidance then pick up the Running Lean book and get started
#2 — Your friends and family don’t see you as an entrepreneur
This may come as a shock to you but no matter how much your friends and family love you, they simply don’t see you (immediately) as the next Steve Jobs.
Sorry to break the news to you, but that’s the truth.
They see you as the same person that did crazy things as a kid, wake up just like they do, work like they do, and everything else.
In their mind, “who is this guy (or gal) to think they can start a business”.
It may never be said to you directly but trust me that’s the thought. Don’t worry if you start doing the right things, then people will immediately see the shift in you.
I went through the same transition but I learned to make the shift and earn the respect from my friends and family.
- Become more organized and detailed-oriented
- Post more positive things on social media (very important)
- Focus more on helping your friends and family unsolicited
- Become more present with them and in contact
If you’re still complaining or arguing about political issues, going to parties, only reaching out when you need something then your transition is going to be rough.
Once I started implementing these things into my lifestyle I became the guy they turned to or expect to hear from with innovative ideas.

Immediately start to make these changes, and present yourself as an entrepreneur or seeking success in life.
People will see it and become more receptive to what your ideas. It will not happen over night so be patient with this.
#3 — Give your friends and family the Mike Jones Effect
For those of you not into the hip-hop culture, you may not know Mike Jones.
Mike Jones has a song called, “Mike Jones” and in the hook he states, “back then they didn’t want me, now I’m hot they all on me”.
What he is simply saying is that he went out and created success and the ones that he tried to connect with before success now begging to be beside him with success.
Just to be clear…. I’m not at all saying that you have to be arrogant with this. No, I’m saying go and create success with people you don’t know first.
My mentor once told me that if you can’t sell your idea to your friends and family it’s going to be a hell of alot harder to sell to people you don’t know.
Makes sense right?
Looping back to tip #1 above, get the hard part out of the way with people you don’t know then you will be bursting with confidence to talk with your friends and family.
So here’s my advice which is the same advice that I give the clients that I work with trying to launch a business.
- Come with an idea
- Go talk to people you don’t know
- Then talk to your friends and family