Nothing is worse than looking on Facebook and seeing someone close to you, post about buying something you sell, from someone else.OOOOOHHHH THE AGONY!!!!

Something l learnt years ago, don’t make income projections for your business based on expected purchase from family and friends. Sounds harsh, but it’s the way to go.

There could be a myriad of reasons why they take their business somewhere else. It may be that they’ve been disappointed by family (not necessarily you) in the past and have decided to separate business and family.

They know your past and are still looking at you as that little girl or boy who was always playful and careless. They may have been victims of one or two of your mistakes in the past and have sworn not to be bitten again. A stranger is not interested in your past. The relationship begins from the present, the past is not a part of it for strangers.

Some people just find it painful to release their money to a friend or family member. They feel they are enriching you, and would rather pay the same amount or even more to a stranger.

It’s also possible they don’t just like your brand! It may be too cheap or too expensive for them.They are entitled to their preferences. Our tastes and expectations are many and varied.

Some people don’t want to have financial dealings with relations or friends just to protect their privacy, especially if it has to do with a credit purchase. We, humans, are secretive beings. Most of us hate people knowing our business. Partly because most people do shady things. Financial dealings sometimes mess up great family relationships and friendships.

There could be so many other reasons, but hey, what do they matter?

Our family relationships and friendships should not be sacrificed on the altar of expected patronage. It leads to bitterness, anger, and ultimately strained relationships. Yes you may argue that your family and friends should bring their business your way but truth be told, they are not obliged to. It was so liberating when I came to this understanding.

I asked myself? How much business can my limited family and friends bring to me if I’m completely dependent on them? How many cakes will they buy in a year? How many times will they revamp their interiors?

Is the business setup just to cater to family and friends? What about the millions of strangers out there? Have they all bought from me?

The truth is that strangers will make you rich, not family and friends. Channel that energy towards selling your service or goods to the millions out there. Life is too short to bear grudges.