The Beauty in Support
Earlier this year, during an outing with a friend we talked about our future goals and plans we hoped to accomplish during 2018. My friend, who at the time had recently started a clothing line expressed that they planned to curate a fashion show in the near future. Fast forward a few months later, with great planning, they achieved their goal and had their first fashion show.
During the show I found myself looking around the room at everyone that came out on a Sunday afternoon to view the collection, and one word that resonated with me was: Support. Everyone that attended—family, friends, friends of friends—were all there to show support; their support to a friend and their support to a small business. Many times, when a person decides to pursue their passions and goals, they want the support of their family and friends; many times, they don’t receive it, but when they do, it makes a world of difference.
Support can come in many forms:
Listening to their ideas and offering honest feedback.
More than likely a person’s support system of family and friends will also double as their customer base. And as a creative/entrepreneur, honest feedback is crucial to the success of their business. Listening to their ideas and giving feedback helps the entrepreneur gauge areas that are doing well, and areas that may need attention.
Going to their events and offering help.
So much thought and planning go into hosting an event and running a business. Showing up to an event and/or offering help puts meaning behind the words “I believe in you” or “I like what you’re doing”. It’s showing actions behind the words you render to friends. It also shows that you are invested in their success.
Promoting their business and sharing their posts.
Promoting your friend’s business doesn’t only show your support, it lets them know that you believe in their product and want other people to believe in it also. Sharing or reposting a social media post further helps spread the word about the business and will pique the interest of other people you are connected to.
Celebrate their successes and victories, but also give them an encouraging word when doubt or setbacks occur.
Becoming an entrepreneur is never a walk in a park and it's not always full of successes. There are ups and downs and sometimes it may seem that you’re experiencing more downs than ups or vice versa. Support isn’t about being there during the ups, but support is more important when you’re there during the downs, the doubts, and the setbacks. People often underestimate the power of encouraging words, but speaking from experience they are much needed.
Purchasing their product (and not asking for a discount)
This is the best way (in my opinion) to show support. The time and money your loved one has put into their products and business are exorbitant, so if you like the product or service, buy or pay for it! Try not to ask for a discount or freebies because most times it devalues the business and service.
What are some ways you’ve shown support?
#InAweOf… Support.
Forever in Awe,
C. Yejide
Support a Dream.