Starting your own recruitment business will take a great deal of hard work and quite possibly a great deal of money, too, so it is terribly important that you have the support of those closest to you. Not only do you need their support in terms of understanding that you are going to be absorbed in your new business for some time, but also because you will need the emotional support of people that are on your side.
When you decide that you are going to launch your own recruitment agency, you may have already spoken to your friends and family over the months and years leading up to your decision. Those closest to you may already understand that you are ready for a new challenge and that you have the confidence and bravery to set up your own business.
However, this does not necessarily mean that they think it is a good idea. Starting your own business is right up there with stressful situations, so if your family and friends are not immediately totally supportive, it may not mean that they do not believe in you. It may be more that they are concerned that you are about to embark on a scheme which will certainly be stressful and quite possibly rather costly.
If you have not talked to your family and friends about your plans over the years leading up to your decision, it may come as some surprise. This initial surprise can manifest itself in many different ways, which can result in arguments and resentments, so it is important to prepare how you are going to talk to your friends and family about your plan, especially those who it will directly affect.
Your Immediate Family
Your immediate family are likely to be heavily involved with your new business, whether it is through supporting you, using your savings or taking on more childcare/housework while you are starting out. This means that it is very important that you talk to them and do not just bulldoze ahead without taking them into consideration. Think about how you will talk to your partner and ensure that you are clear about how you intend to make your business work.
Your Extended Family
You will find it easier to flourish in your new business if you have the support of your extended family – and not just if you are asking them for some financial backing! If you live near your extended family, you may be asking them for help with childcare perhaps, or you may not be able to attend family functions while you are establishing your business. Again, these situations will be far easier to accept if you have involved your family throughout the early days.
Your Friends
Some people find that their relationships with friends, especially those that would like to set up their own businesses or complain about their work, can change when they take to leap and set up a recruitment business on their own. A good way to deal with this is to think about what skills your friends have to offer and see if you can ask them for any help so they feel involved. It is also worth remembering that friendships change over time and if you feel a friend does not have your best interests at heart, you may have outgrown the relationship. You need supportive people around you at this exciting time, so as long as you are not being too demanding or patronising, focus on your support network, rather than the people that are making it harder for you to succeed.
