My little brother started seeing this girl, and I think it might be serious. I like her already, but, there’s this thing with men, the moment you start showing approval for his girl, become friends with her and start hanging out, his interest diminishes.
I definitely want her for a sister, so, I’m every once in a while expressing my repulsion of which he’s always earnestly defending her. She’s definitely the one!
My sister to be has a brother. I met him once mid this year during his sister’s birthday party. He came across as a cool guy, with an okay wife. She introduced herself as the wife though sources say she’s the girlfriend, has been for the last 5+ years.
Last weekend, this wife, aka the long-term on and off girlfriend calls me. She is attending a friend’s rucacio this weekend and they are looking for African themed jewelry. She remembered that ‘nauzanga tuvitu online’ and wants to support my hustle.
‘Us women got to support each other. Right?’
Could I have misjudged her?
Dressing the entire party will be enough to pay off my November’s rent in time. God knows it’s been a while since I did, my landlord will be shook!
‘It’s a party of 10, and they all want some earrings, necklaces, anklets, sandals and those hair thingy’s. Let me know how much it’ll cost and I’ll send you the money.’ She Whatsapp’s me and attaches a couple of inspirational photos of what the expected look should look like.
Man, today I sure did wake up on the right side of the bed.
‘That will be KSh 2,500 for the each maid and 7500-10000 for the bride.’ I text back.
I suppose my text needed a voice follow-up for she was beyond shocked why on earth I would overcharge her that much when she was doing me a Huge favor of bringing me business.
‘Na ukiweka friends and family discount itakuja how much.’ She asks.
Deep down I want to tell her she’s neither friend nor family. Also, I only give discounts to loyal customers.
‘I already gave you a discount for buying in bulk, if you were buying one piece, I’d have charged you between 3 and 4k. The best I can do is 2250 per person.’
‘Aii, wacha kunigonga. We had budgeted for 500. I’m sorry if you can’t sell them to us at that price itabidi tukajitafutie.’
And that ladies and gentlemen, is why BIGGY said that you should Keep your Family and Business Completely Separated. Money and Blood Don’t Mix.
This whole incident flooded me with the harsh realities of how unsupportive, critical and dismissive our close friends and families are when we launch into something new but the moment it becomes a success, they want to be associated with it. They’ll even lie about giving you that idea and the nudge to venture into it. They however, will never be caught investing in your dream but will feel entitled to free services, special offers and discounts.
Entitlement aside, this is what we, the self-employed, and running our own little micro-businesses, need from you.
BUY at the market price. Never let yourself be tempted to bargain. If possible, tip. You’ll be surprised at how minimal the profit margin is. And, isn’t it better to support someone’s work than have them fail and become yet another close beggar whose phone calls you’re ignore?
Are they on social media? I bet Yes. Share their pages and posts, tag them, leave them reviews, comment on their products. You’ll neither gain nor lose from helping a business grow. Throwing in ‘I know someone who can help you with that’ and referring your fam or friend goes a long way too.
Invest in their business. It makes no sense having your friend’s business miss out on opportunities to grow and expand for lack of capital when you have the means that can make it happen. And, when you invest or loan them cash, don’t be greedy and expect to be given a share of the business, reap high returns or take control of its every day running.
DON’T be sending them postings of job vacancies that you see in the paper or net. Here is someone who chose to believe in themselves when others didn’t and is making their dream happen (when you’ll were so cowardly to). Now, sending them job advertisements and asking that they apply and try their luck is an insult that supersedes any curse word. That simple forward tells them that you have zero faith in them.
Lastly, how about you keep the unsolicited advice and criticism to yourself?
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