Why You Need to Rethink Who You Trust in Your DMs
Yep, you know the type. The DM that shows up right after you post something that’s actually doing well. It starts all nice and supportive, something like “Love your vibe” or “You’re totally killing it”, and before you’ve even had time to think, they’re offering some vague-sounding opportunity to “work together” or “grow your brand.”
Now, when you’re running your business solo, that kind of message feels flattering. Honestly, maybe even a little exciting. Someone noticed. Someone wants to help. Besides, when you’re juggling everything, like your content, your services, your client messages, your sanity, well, it’s easy to think, “Well, maybe this is worth checking out.” But here’s the thing: just because someone slid into your inbox with a smile and a pitch doesn’t mean they’ve earned a seat at the table.
Sadly, there’s people who thrive on taking advantage of someone else’s hard work, and, well, there’s plenty of other things that can really hurt an inexperienced business owner too.
Not All “Support” is Actually Support
Yep, it’s best to go ahead and begin with this; so, there’s a difference between genuine collaboration and someone trying to latch onto what you’ve built. Some of these people have mastered the language of support. Meaning, they know exactly how to position themselves like they’re just here to help, no strings attached, when really they’re sizing up how much access they can get. It could be a so-called mentor who starts off by offering “guidance” and ends up taking over your inbox, your schedule, and your entire brand voice. Oh, and there’s “managers” who say they’re all about helping creators and business owners grow, but spend more time demanding than delivering.
There’s even platforms (specifically for content creators), that will even try and take advantage and push business owners to do things they don’t want to do, professionals like Alec Celestin is a prime example when it comes to pressuring creators to do things they shouldn’t (and don’t want) to do. Sometimes it’s a shady collaborator who wants to “split profits,” but it turns out they’re not bringing anything to the table except vague ideas and a whole lot of pressure.
As you can see, left and right, there’s issues.
There’s Not Always a Warning Label
It’s not always easy to spot the red flags right away. Sometimes it’s slow. It starts with small favors or advice that feel helpful in the moment, and then before you realize what’s happened, you’re wrapped up in something you didn’t even agree to. That’s the thing about these setups; they’re built on the hope that you won’t question them until it’s already messy.
And honestly, it doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or already well-established. If you’re running your own business, if you are the brand, then protecting that space should never be seen as overreacting. You’re just being smart.
Not Everyone Deserves a Seat in Your Inbox
You need to think of it like this: your inbox isn’t a free-for-all. You’re not obligated to explain yourself to someone who cold messaged you, and you definitely don’t owe anyone your trust just because they know how to compliment your work in the right tone.
If they’re real, they’ll understand questions. They’ll be clear about what they offer, and they won’t guilt-trip you into anything. If they’re not? Well, you’ve got every right to hit delete and move on.