The Complexity of Sales to Friends and Family
When you begin to sell something, whether it’s a product or service, friends and family may often be the last to trust or support you. Jack Ma eloquently expresses the heart of this challenge, explaining that no matter how much effort or care you put into giving them value, they might still question your intentions. The sentiment behind “How much did he earn from me?” reveals a broader issue of mistrust, where some people see business as inherently exploitative, regardless of the fairness of the transaction.
This highlights what Ma calls a “poor person’s mentality.” It’s a mindset where people focus more on what they believe someone is earning at their expense, rather than recognizing the savings, benefits, or value they receive. This perspective often stems from insecurity or fear of being taken advantage of, leading people to overlook opportunities right in front of them.
Strangers Trust Before Friends
Jack Ma continues to note that strangers often become the first to trust and invest in your business. This is an ironic twist, as one might expect those closest to you to be the first to cheer you on. However, it’s often strangers who are unbiased, see the value you bring, and take a chance on you. Friends, by contrast, may feel a subconscious competition or fear of your success outgrowing them.
Similarly, fair-weather friends may distance themselves from you, and family members might not see your potential until you achieve visible success. This dynamic can be disheartening, but it speaks to human nature’s complex emotions regarding relationships and success.
The Price of Success
The poignant part of Ma’s message is that when success finally comes, when you’re paying the bills for get-togethers or celebrations, the people who once doubted you will likely be present, but strangers who believed in you from the start may have moved on or become scarce. It’s a lesson in the transient nature of relationships and how success can sometimes reveal who your true supporters were.
The journey of entrepreneurship, as illustrated in Jack Ma’s reflections, is often lonely and full of obstacles. But those who persist and focus on providing value will eventually find success, even if it comes with the bittersweet realization that the people you expected to support you may not have been the ones who truly did.
The Takeaway
For anyone on the path to success, this message offers wisdom and caution: focus on creating value for those who trust you, whether they are friends, family, or strangers. Don’t be discouraged by those who don’t immediately see your vision. In the end, success is not just about proving others wrong but about proving yourself right—delivering value and building something meaningful regardless of who acknowledges it first.
The image you shared resonates deeply with this message. It likely represents a younger Jack Ma in his formative years, symbolizing a time before the world knew who he would become. The young person beside him could represent the role of a stranger or distant acquaintance—those who may not have seen his potential yet. Together, they reflect the humble beginnings and the unrecognized potential that so many future entrepreneurs carry.
In the words of Jack Ma, focus on those who believe in you from the beginning. Whether they are strangers or friends, they are the ones who truly understand and support your vision.
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