Supporting Small Business: The Advent of the Business Shower
We have all heard of a baby shower when a soon-to-be mum is expecting, but now a new type of shower is growing in popularity. The advent of the business shower! Let’s take a look at what it is, some gift ideas you might consider and how you can support a friend or family member who is diving into the world of business ownership.
Looking for a gift for a new business owner? How about a business mentoring or planning session?
What is a business shower?
You may be wondering what on earth a business shower is. If you are asking yourself whether it’s just like a baby shower but for your business, you are spot on.
When creating a business, your friend is likely to be putting so much love, time and effort into it. A business shower is an opportunity for the person starting the business to share what they have created with people they care about and for the people attending to show their support.
Ideally a friend or family member would host a business shower. People who have already started their business could host one on for someone who is just launching theirs. It’s a great way to create a culture of encouragement, community and support.
If you are a small business owner, you will understand how starting out in business can be isolating and lonely. Which is why business showers are a great way of changing the narrative and help to show new business that their hard work hasn’t gone unrecognised.
Business shower gift ideas for her
Ever been stuck for an idea on what to get someone at a business shower? Trust me, you are not alone. When buying a gift for someone who has just started their new business, the first thing you’ll need to do is find out what they actually do in the business. You may be thinking, ‘of course I know what they do!’ but often people don’t really know what their friends and family actually do outside of their job title. It is ideal to learn what specific problems their business solves.
Once you have a good idea of what it is they spend their days doing, you may be better positioned to think of things they may need.
If you are in business yourself you might think that a subscription to Xero or other accounting software could come in handy. Or perhaps a gift of a strategy session with a business coach to use when they need. It is also great to offer them the gift of your favourite business books, especially those that are helpful in the early stages of business. If you don’t have a business yourself, perhaps a ticket to a networking or business event that you know they might benefit from.
Notebooks or stationery are another idea often well received but aim to think about what’s going to be most beneficial to the business owner. For example, at a baby shower someone may give you a nice baby outfit for the baby and you get joy out of it, but then the baby grows out of it and it’s no longer used. But if someone gives you a month’s supply of meals or nappies, you may get a far more substantial benefit out of it. Both are lovely but they have different importance. So think about this when choosing something that might last longer or really prove helpful.
Keep in mind, your gift doesn’t necessarily have to cost money either. If you are in a group or forum and you see someone looking for a business that does what your friend offers, it’s a kind gesture to share that person’s details and link to their website. You definitely don’t have to spend big money to show your support but recommendations go a long way when they are starting out in business.
Questions to ask a new business owner
If you know someone starting a business, something you can do to be supportive is ask questions. Taking an interest in understanding what the business is can mean a lot to someone.
You don’t have to ask complicated questions, simply ask, “Who do you help? And what do you do for them?” is enough. They seem like really basic questions but they’re often the most important ones if you don’t fully understand what they do.
Asking them to tell you a story about something they’ve done for clients in the past is also a great way to grasp what your friend’s business is about.
Often, we think people understand what we do, but the truth is, business owners, especially those at the beginning of their journey aren’t always the best at explaining it. So it makes sense as to why people seem to often have false ideas of what each other’s work lives are like.
This is especially important if you are concerned that you aren’t sure of the quality of the service or product they offer. Ask them about the results or the outcomes they have delivered before going into business. Be inquisitive about what got them to this point. You will then know far more and be in a better position to refer them on or gift them something truly helpful.
Beyond business beginnings
Building referral or affiliate networks with people you know and can refer on to your clients, and who may also need to refer their clients to you, is a great way to keep new clients flowing for all involved. It’s strategic and often very effective.
For example, a website designer will usually have a referral relationship with copywriters. So, the web designer will refer clients to the copywriter and the copywriter will do the same for the web designer.
If you come across someone in business that you think could be great to affiliate with, don’t be shy. If it’s a stranger you could even consider sending them a gift or shout out. These strategic alliances benefit both parties involved.
At the end of the day, business ownership is not always a bed of roses. Sometimes the best gift is to let them know you will be there for support or guidance along the way. While gifts are great, pointing your new friend in business towards anything that will help move through their growing pains is what will be truly valued.
