Business support is a funny concept.  Depending on who you are, you probably have a specific definition that you add into the book that is totally different than mine.  That's because 'business support' isn't just a basic definition; it's a complete philosophy.  And a complex one at that.  

There are a few principles that relate directly to what it means to support a business.  If I want to support a business... I should pay them for a product or service.  Or, I should offer them some sort of counseling or advice - right?  That will support them to grow; right?

Yah.  No.  Not really.  You can do that if you want to, but it actually takes a little more than that.  I've found that, sometimes business support means something completely different than just the basics of I'll pay you for a service or product.

Support Type 1: I have a friend that I offer business support.  Basically, if he does or says something wrong with the business, I stop supporting him.  I don't allow him to get away with it and he ends up loosing some business from me.  Then I come back and explain why.  Actually, sometimes I just let him suffer. 

Support Type 2: If you are a customer (which we all are), than business support may be making sure that you buy the right thing, show a certain level of respect to the person on the other side or recognize what is being said or done for what you need.  It also means making sure that you communicate with the businesses... not doing that correctly is showing a huge lack of business support.  For example, if someone says they need something and I get it done - I expect the support of them saying okay.  Not coming back and changing the rules or things that are needed.

Support Type 3: On my huge soap box - support means respect.  It means letting others know that you will be honest with them and will show them how to do their best with their product or service - and will let them know when they are not - but not in an unfriendly way.  It means setting the right prices, the right examples and the highest quality of products and services for yourself.  

That's right.  You have to support your own business first if you expect others to support you.  You have to show your business - a living, breathing creature, that you will care for it and love it.  That's with your own integrity and honesty.  Once you stand on your own feet with the business support for yourself, others will follow lead and will show the same support, from a consultant to a customer.  

So, what really happens, is by you believing in your own business, and learning to support yourself in the correct way, you receive the same reflection from customers and friends who are supporting your business as well.  

Support is really your business mirror.

So, next time you are thinking your business is not being supported - think of how you are not supporting it, and then see how this is being reflected in what you are doing and the things that you are saying in your business.  Give yourself business support from yourself.

Want some extra support?  Contact Orion Information Services at www.orion-services.biz.