I went to meet a friend of mine, about my new skincare line. So I packed my little bag of goodies, and sales material. We sat at her house and had a cup of coffee, laughed and caught up on each others lives, it was great. I really do love catching up with friends!
So we start talking about my skincare and makeup line, shes starts asking about every ingredient, why did they use that? She starts picking the makeup apart and literally just bashing anything and everything I have to say, even if she liked the product. I told her it was ok if she didn't like it, but asked why she was tearing apart everything from ingredients to packaging? She said that she just gets tired of all of her friends trying to sell her stuff (just an FYI, she knew that's why I was coming over) and that most of these types of products don't work and that I am making a huge mistake when you can get most of this stuff at the store. I was a little blown away but held my cool.
I asked her why she felt that way, and explained I make a full time living by working from home, that I sell products that I believe in and know that they work. I wouldn't make anyone buy from me, but would at least like a chance. If my friends or family say No, then its no. Not a big deal.
She continued about ingredients, and so I showed her that my company has nothing to hide, we have all our ingredients online next to the products. I excused myself to the restroom for a moment to take a deep breath. It was in there I noticed she had a lot of products that contain the very things she was complaining about! What, really?
Normally I don't do this but in this case I felt it was necessary, I called her out. I asked why she was picking about my products when the products she was using have worse ingredients and didn't work at all (her words)? She proceeded to tell me she wanted me to make sure I knew what I was selling and that she was helping me (WHAT?!!?)
I asked her if she gave the associate at the store such a hard time, when she picked up her other products, she look stunned! She said "well no of course not, they don't make it!" So I just stared at her for a second. waited for her own words to sink in........ after a long pause I said well, they sell it shouldn't they know everything that is in it, why they sell it and everything about the company that does make the product? you could see that what I was saying was sinking in. So I continued..... and if you picked it out on your own then did you do your research, did you google it, review it and did you ask for proof of the ingredients, or did you pick it up based on smell, price or maybe a friend said it was awesome?
So I packed up my things to head out, she apologized and said she didn't realize what an ass she had been to so many of her friends that work for companies, like mine. She said that so many of her friends are in business that she often feels overwhelmed and bombarded. I told her I totally agree with her, but I would rather support any of them, then these huge stores that don't really care about your $30.00 purchase. I told her most of us work harder then most because we learn our companies, our products and work hard to bring you the best of the best products. Plus we have to deal with people that tell us, they would rather buy from some store then us. I know many hardworking people, like me, that get told no 100 times before 1 yes, and yet we make a living for our families everyday.
Our relationship has been a little shaky but she and I are trying to move past this day. but the reason I tell you this story is that it brings up a good point, why are we so hard on our friends that sell stuff? I know that you may not need everything that every one of your friends sells, and that's OKAY, just tell us! But jumping through hoops, being hard on them, making them feel like their career choice is not ok, is just harsh. I know that you feel bombarded with ads, Facebook invites and texts, phone calls etc but think about it, how many ads a day do you see on TV, on your Facebook, or any other social media, even YouTube.com has commercial! I personally would rather be bombarded by friends and families ads, then a million other companies that don't care who I am. I post about my business because I do love my products and I think it would be great for whoever sees it. yes I am hoping that one day, you may see a post and think Hey I want to try that, but really I just want your support. I want to invite you try my products without the 3rd degree, I would love to have coffee with you, just to see how your family is. My life is not always about my business, but my business is what supports my family. So who would you rather support? The CEO that has 3 house or a friend you know deserves it?
All I ask is that you think before you act out with your friends in business. If its not a product for you, its ok to politely tell us no. Maybe you could help by telling your friends or hosting a party (most are online anyway) what does it hurt you to help a friend? I know that I do, I am fully supportive of my friends that own their own business, even if I don't need their products. I cheer them on, support their climbs up the companies laters, and even host parties so they may get a few new customers. And maybe just maybe help my friends and family. Maybe they have been looking for a product/service like the one I am selling or that another business partner is selling.
Love to you all and I hope that if anything you got a good laugh out of this story and hopefully the warm and fuzzy feeling!
www.bellasarabeauty.com to find out more about who I am!
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