This Is What Your Entrepreneur Friend Wishes You’d Stop Doing

What do you do when your friend takes the leap and starts a business? Do you cheer them on? Stay silent? Ask for a discount? Here’s how we can start supporting friends in business.

Starting a business is exciting—but also terrifying. Entrepreneurs are often battling imposter syndrome, financial stress, and fear of failure… all while trying to build something meaningful from scratch. That’s why the way friends show up in this early season matters more than most people realize.

So today, we’re flipping the script. Let’s talk about what Your Entrepreneur Friend Wishes You’d Stop Doing —and more importantly, what to do instead.

1. Don’t Ask for a Discount

It may seem harmless. You’re just asking for “a little hook-up,” right? But here’s the truth: requesting a discount from a friend’s business can unintentionally devalue their work.

Starting a business involves real costs: website domains, marketing tools, branding, packaging, legal fees—you name it. Every sale counts, especially in the early stages.

✅ What to do instead:

Support them at full price. If you can’t afford the service or product, show support in non-monetary ways: share their content, leave a positive review, or refer others.

“Pay full price. Your friend is not Amazon. They’re building something from scratch. Invest in their dream like you’d want someone to invest in yours.”

2. Don’t DM Them About How Great They’re Doing Without Publicly Showing Support

Sending a private message that says, “You’re killing it!” but never liking, commenting, or sharing any of their content publicly? That’s quiet praise—and while it’s appreciated, it’s not as helpful as you might think.

Business owners need visibility. Comments, likes, shares, and engagement tell algorithms that their work matters. When all the praise happens in private, the business remains hidden in public.

✅ What to do instead:

Say it out loud. Leave a thoughtful comment. Re-share their post. Tag a friend who might need what they offer. Let the world know you’re proud of them.

3. Don’t Stay Silent

Silence can feel like betrayal. When your friend announces their business and you say nothing—not even a “congrats!”—it sends a message (whether you meant to or not): I don’t believe in this.

Friends notice who shows up. And they also notice who doesn’t.

✅ What to do instead:

Acknowledge their leap. Even a quick message like, “I’m proud of you. This is huge!” can go a long way. Visibility breeds credibility—so help them get seen.

4. Don’t Skip Their Launch or Big Moment

If they’re hosting a business launch, virtual pop-up, or grand opening and you’re nowhere to be found, that silence echoes. It can feel like, “You were there when I wasn’t doing anything scary—but now that I’m trying something bold, you’ve disappeared.”

✅ What to do instead:

Show up—physically or digitally. If you can’t attend in person, send flowers, a gift card, or a supportive message. If it’s virtual, show up in the chat. Showing up is love in action.

5. Don’t Compare Their Business to Someone Else’s

Entrepreneurs are already battling comparison internally. When a friend says, “Oh, my other friend does this but cheaper…” or “Why don’t you just copy what XYZ brand is doing?”, it can feel dismissive or discouraging.

✅ What to do instead:

Encourage their originality. Ask:

• “What inspired your business idea?”
• “What’s something unique about your service or offer?”
• “What kind of support would be most helpful right now?”

6. Don’t Expect Free Labor or Coaching

Just because your friend started a photography studio doesn’t mean they now owe you a free shoot for your engagement. Their service is their livelihood. Treat it with the same respect you’d give to any business.

✅ What to do instead:

Pay like a professional. If you’re curious or need advice, ask permission. Say something like, “Would you mind if I picked your brain sometime? I’d love to treat you to lunch in exchange.”

Respect their time, energy, and expertise.

7. Don’t Talk Them Out of It (Supporting Friends in Business)

Saying things like, “Do you think this will actually work?” or “You should probably keep a backup plan,” might come from concern, but can easily plant doubt.

Most entrepreneurs are already navigating fear. They need courage from their circle—not caution.

✅ What to do instead:

Let them dream. You don’t have to understand every detail. Just show up as someone who believes in their ability to figure it out.

8. Don’t Wait to Celebrate Until They’re “Successful”

If you’re waiting for them to hit 10K followers or get featured on TV before you cheer them on… you’re too late. Real friends celebrate from Day One.

Early encouragement fuels momentum. Late support feels like bandwagon praise.

✅ What to do instead:

Celebrate the small wins. Did they launch their first website? Book their first client? Get their first 5-star review?

Celebrate like it’s a big deal—because it is.

Related Post: How to Turn Purpose Into Action

Final Thought: (Supporting Friends in Business)

Starting a business is a vulnerable act. It requires courage, belief, and sometimes going against what’s expected. Your friend is doing something bold—and they’ll never forget who stood beside them in the beginning.

Support doesn’t always come with money. Sometimes, it looks like showing up, spreading the word, or just saying “I see you.”

Whether they’re launching a candle brand, coaching service, or content agency—your belief might be the one thing that keeps them going.

Call to Action: Show Up Today

🎯 Know someone building something from scratch? Take 2 minutes to:

• Comment on their post
• Share their product
• Send a voice note of encouragement

Because real friends don’t just watch their people build—they lift the bricks with them.

We’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this topic? Share with us in the comments below.

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