How Not To Lose Friends In Business!

I remember when my business partner and I first started our fashion label in Nigeria. Our first set of orders for clothes were from our family and friends. Every time we wore something out to an event or put up a picture, our nearest and dearest would place an order. In those first days before we were really a brand, their encouragement meant the world to us.

In business, not just in the Nigerian market, your friends and family are the first set of people that would offer you the chance to either succeed or fail in business. Their support would give you the confident to grow your business.Their word-of-mouth advertising on your behalf would allow you to get new customers trying out the services or products you offer. It is important that as you grow your business that you maintain these relationships that you have. Here are few guidelines to maintaining your friendship.

1. Don't pressure your friends into buying: It is important to have a salesman's drive in business but you need to have a switch. Don't turn every social gathering with friends into a sales event for you awesome business. Take time to nurture your friendships without expectation that it would lead to business.
2. Be open to feedback: The people closest to you, i.e. your friends and family, are often the only ones who have a tight enough bond to speak the truth. Your ability to receive feedback without feeling stung and lashing out is a critical component of friendship. Remember also that your friends are one of your easy market research outlets. If you create an atmosphere where they can't speak the truth, you could miss out on critical help for your business.
3. Don't sell on credit: Money is one of the big wedges that arise in friendship. The easiest way to turn it into a big issue is to sell to your friends on credit. There are some friends that will do the honorable thing and pay without you having to ask. There are friends who create the awkward scenario of you having to ask for money. Don't try and find out which type your friends are.
4. Don't let your friends abuse your friendship: In life, 99% of people understand boundaries. The 1% though can be massive heartache. It is important that your friends understand that you business is a business. Especially in Nigeria, where every body believes that every connection should yield special treatment. Remember your business is a not a free service, a snack bar or a discount galore. Once you start pinching here and there for friends, you begin to eat into your bottom-line. If any one takes offense to you charging the full value of your product or service, it is best to keep your friendship out of the business.

What other things do you think can damage a friendship? Please comment below.