Are you starting a new business? Congratulations! This is exciting news.
Now that you’ve started your business, it’s time to announce it to the world. But where should you start? Maybe you should start with the people who are the closest to you: your family and your friends. An entrepreneur’s circle of friends and family may often be the most important people to announce their business to. Friends and family can create a great support system that encourages an entrepreneur to continue the journey. They may also be the entrepreneur’s first sale and some of their business’s best customers.
However, announcing a business to your circle may not be as easy as it seems. While you might be occupied with all the other aspects of your business, announcing your business is an important part of starting a new business. In this article, we’ll look at the best ways to announce your new business to your family and friends.
Reasons to Announce Your New Business
Are you doubting your new business? If you have doubts, you might not feel ready to announce your plans. You might be thinking about all of the negative “what if” scenarios that every entrepreneur faces. However, announcing your new business is just one great choice on your entrepreneurship journey. Each time you make a positive step, you’re building your confidence that you can build a great business.
It can take courage to announce your new business because you might anticipate what kind of support you’ll get. Will you get support? Will you get silence? Will your family and friends decide to be positive or critical?
Facing this is another part of building braveness as an entrepreneur. And, when you announce your new business, you allow the possibilities for the good things that can happen. New entrepreneurs sometimes wonder why their friends are not supporting their business. One of the main causes for this lack of support is simply because they aren’t aware of the business.
Family and friends may be ready to support your new venture. If it’s appropriate, they may want to refer you to people they know who need your services. Or, they may simply want to offer you their congratulations and their good wishes.
How to Announce Your New Business to Family and Friends
So, now that you’re ready to actually announce your business, there are several ways to do it.
And, you’ll probably want to use more than one of these methods. Keep in mind that your ties with some family and friends will be stronger and more trusted than others.
Some people in your circle may have known about your plans for a while. They may have been rooting for you since you had your first dream of being a business owner. Others, while they’re considered friends and family, aren’t trusted advisors, or you might not be sure they will congratulate you on your choice to try something new.
So, take into account the nature of the relationship and how mutually close the two of you are.
Handwritten Announcements
For the people you’re closest to, why not mail a handwritten card? Especially for those who have supported your dreams of being in business. This could be a note thanking them for supporting what you’ve dreamed of so far.
Include some information about your business, such as what your business offers and where it is located. Also include separate information, perhaps on a business card, that can be given to someone else, should your friend or family member want to refer you to one of their contacts.
Host VIP Night
If you have a physical location for your business, another way to announce your business is by planning a soft opening or a VIP Night that is open to friends and family only. For example, if you are opening up a new coffee shop you can invite friends and family to a night of tasting, music, or some other form of entertainment.
Featured on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules, the owners Katie Maloney and Arianna Madix of the new sandwich shop Something About Her planned a VIP Night.
Maloney and Madix invited a select group of friends and family to their new shop before the store opened. These friends and family sampled menu items, free of charge, and freely offered their feedback. This gave their friends and family a sneak peek that the rest of the public didn’t get, and it gave the new restaurant owners some practice at using their space.
These VIP Nights are a great way to have a positive influence on your business. You will give your family and friends a chance to see what you’ve built while generating support and some buzz around your business.
Offer Promotional Products
Another way to announce your business is by giving your family and friends promotional products featuring your business logo. Pens, notepads, and similar items can inexpensively help you announce your business to your family and friends.
Of course, you can also include some sort of note explaining that you’re starting a new business.
Social Media Announcements
Another fast and easy way to announce your business is through social media. You can get the word out quickly using a similar announcement on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Keep in mind, though, that social media is a crowded place. Some users might not see your post if their feed is crowded and full of information. However, this is an excellent method to use if you want to boost the overall awareness of your business.
There are a few steps needed if you intend to make the most of your social media announcement.
- Choose the Right Platforms: If you’re targeting friends, be sure to use the platform where they are most likely to be receptive. For example, if you have a new bakery business, announce it on a visual platform like Instagram. If you’re going into consulting, make sure to mention that on LinkedIn.
- Craft a Compelling Message: Your announcement should be concise yet captivating. Share your business story – the inspiration, the journey, and what you hope to achieve. Use a tone that resonates with your interested friends and reflects your personality.
- Use Visuals: High-quality images or videos can significantly enhance your post’s appeal. Whether it’s your logo, product photos, or a behind-the-scenes look, visuals can make your announcement more engaging and shareable.
- Encourage Interaction: Encourage your friends and family to like, comment, and share your post.
- Follow Up with Additional Content: After your initial announcement, keep the momentum going with regular updates. Share your progress, milestones, and any other relevant content that keeps your audience informed and interested in your business journey.
Email Announcements
More customized than a social media post, you can write personalized emails to your friends and family to announce your new business. This can be a great way to start talking about your business on a more one-on-one level.
Use your own personality – don’t try to copy someone else – and start writing some emails to the people close to you. Keep your emails short and to the point. Let them know you’re starting a new business and include some information about it.
When making an email announcement, it is important to state what kind of support you’re looking to get from them or the reason for the email. Are you just wanting them to know what you’re up to? Are you seeking some investment? Perhaps you want one of your friends and family to be your first sale.
Whatever the reason, the email should be clear on its purpose. This way, you know the tone you should take and if you should include a call to action within the email.
Thank Friends and Family for Their Support
Not all friends and family will be supportive of your new venture. However, for those who are supportive in whatever way they can be, thank them for their support. Whether it’s taking the time to try your product or service, showing up for a grand opening, or referring your business to someone, don’t forget to say thank you.
Conclusion
Getting ready to announce a business can be exciting. There are many ways you can announce your new business to your family and friends. Whether it’s through a handwritten announcement or a social media post, making your business known is a powerful step. This choice can be one of many that will allow you to overcome fear and embrace courage in your entrepreneurial journey. Remember that the announcement is just the first step. Continue putting yourself and your business out there so the people who care about you have a chance to support your entrepreneurial dreams.
Also read:
18 Businesses You Can Start with Friends
How to Say “No” to a Friend Who Wants to Join Your Business
How to Start a Business with Friends
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