How to deal with friends...

spidereyes

Earlier in the year my partner lost his job, due to the nature of his work there just wasn't anything around in industry locally. It was a massive blow for us financially and instantly wiped out more than half our income.
It was sink or swim time for us and as my OH couldnt claim JSA we wern't left with a whole lot of options.
My partner decided to start out on his own. Since then we've had some work in - we're not talking massive amounts but its still early days, but just enough to make ends meet.
I work full time elsewhere but I work unofficially for the business - I dont take any money from it.

The nature of the business means we need a big internet presence, we update all kinds of social media etc, blogs, our website regularly which seems to have left the impression with people that we are doing somewhat better than we infact are.

Both me and my partner now are constantly getting bombarded with emails, texts, calls, you name it from 'friends' who want jobs or people who want us to offload some work to them.

Ive tried to be polite, tell them we're not looking at the moment, or we'll let them know if something comes up but they seem to be of the opinion we're earning more than enough.
Some people seem to think we're just being selfish or whatever, and if I say I cant afford something they seem to think Im lying!

Im really running out of patience with some people now. We've fought really hard the last 6 months just to keep a roof over our heads and our income is still nowhere close to what it used to be.

Im just running out of ideas on dealing with "friends" who seem to expect me to offer them the world.....

oligeo

Then they can't be very friends

oligeo

sorry - very GOOD friends

Mojisola

It's times like this when you do learn who is a real friend and a lot of these don't sound as if they are.

BitterAndTwisted

"We haven't made a profit yet. Do you fancy offering your services free of charge or giving us a tenner to tide us over until we do?"

Sambucus_Nigra

How many are you getting?

meritaten

fgs! it takes time to get a business off the ground! and during a recession too, your OH is a brave man to even try...........so well done to both of you for taking the risk!
as for 'friends' wanting freebies - no business person would consider this until they were established and could write the amount off. Offer 'Mates Rates' which would give a small discount if you need the work - but, at this stage of your new venture -No Freebies! and be firm about it!