Business

How to Run a Successful Business with Family and how Zaf Baker does it

Published

5 years ago

September 13, 2020

Keep family and business separate. We’ve all heard this sort of advice about how it is deadly and dangerous to involve family and friends in our business as it is bound to lead to collisions, fights, and in some cases, permanent destruction of both the relationships in the business. However, we have seen many instances in which family and friends are able to do business together and still drive.

A good example of this is Zaf and Adam Baker, brothers who run both a property business and a car dealership. The two have been in business for years and have seen mammoth success and are able to balance being both siblings as well as business partners, proving it can be done. Obviously, the situation between the Baker Brothers is not always the norm as there are instances of people who have had relationships destroyed by bringing in family and friends into business. If you are considering this route, it can be done.

First, it is important to look into the relationship itself. A quick peek at Baker’s social media will show that he and his brother are very close and according to recent interviews, they have been very close from a young age. If your relationship between you and your family member or friend is already tumultuous, it will only be heightened due to the pressures of running a business together. If you are thinking of starting a business with someone, make sure it’s someone you already have a good relationship with.

When you do find this person you have a good relationship with and want to go to business with, make sure it is a slow transition in the beginning. The Baker brothers did not start their empire off the bat. Instead, they began their career with a wholesale car dealership and then transitioned it by expanding the business into real estate. Starting with a single project or business venture will give you and your family member the chance to get to know each other as business people as opposed to siblings or otherwise. This means that many of the clashes and teething problems and other issues will be sorted out in the beginning as opposed to popping up later and causing bigger issues.

When you begin working with a family member, make sure that all the rules and roles are defined. For example, Zaf Baker is known as the more outgoing of the two brothers and has a very prolific social media presence which also promotes their business. When you are starting your business venture with a family member, decide ahead of time who is going to do what and make sure that each person is allowed to do their work without consent interference. Especially if there is an age difference or seniority, it is easy for one party to feel slighted. Instead, if each person is given a defined role and not constantly hovered over, the business will likely thrive.

Furthermore, business and pleasure time should also be clearly defined. In the confines of your business, it should be very clear that you are partners first and foremost and ensure that each partner works professionally as though they were working for or with a stranger. Outside the office, however, try your best to keep the personal relationship alive by engaging in the activities you have done prior. One of the issues that many people often have when working with a family member or friend is that they either lose their business partner by trying to maintain the relationship or lose their friend by trying to keep things professional in the workplace.

The key is to find a balance between the two for all involved. A quick look at Baker’s Instagram to grow will show you that the two brothers play as much as they work. His Instagram has shots of them traveling around the world, meeting some of the biggest celebrities in the world, engaging in many hobbies and partying. They also often seen with other members of the family traveling which shows that their relationship has not been harmed by the business partnership.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge when this sort of relationship is not feasible. It must be acknowledged that not every relationship can work in a professional setting and this is perfectly fine. There is no benefit in trying to force it if the flexibility does not exist. If it does exist, however, make sure to apply all the above rules to ensure the best possible results not just for the business but also for the relationship that is in question.

Business

Spynn’s PR Playbook for Startups Turning Funding into Market Leadership

Published

1 week ago

March 27, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Byline: Jennyfer Ann Valencia

The recent funding boom in India, where startups raised over $428 million between March 10 and March 15, 2025, reinforces the critical role of public relations (PR) in securing investor confidence and enhancing visibility. As competition intensifies, effective PR strategies help startups differentiate themselves and build a strong market presence.

Spynn, a PR agency for startups specializing in securing top-tier media coverage, enables startups to craft compelling narratives that attract investors and maintain a positive brand image.

The Role of PR in Startup Funding

A recent survey conducted by Spynn found that startups with a strong PR strategy are significantly more likely to secure funding rounds than those without. According to the research, nearly 70% of investors say media visibility and brand credibility helped their decision-making process. This highlights PR’s direct impact on a startup’s ability to attract investment.

PR helps startups articulate their value to investors by securing media coverage and highlighting their growth potential. High-profile placements lend credibility and set up startups’ potential, making them more attractive to investors. For instance, a well-publicized success story from a startup like Zolve, one of the top funding recipients, can drive further investor interest and strengthen its brand.

India’s funding surge spans sectors including Batterytech, Edtech, Gaming, Apparel, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Fintech, Energy, and Travel. While this presents opportunities, it also brings scrutiny. Startups must manage their reputations effectively, ensuring consistency in their messaging across media platforms. As a PR agency for startups, Spynn’s expertise in reputation management helps businesses navigate these challenges by maintaining a cohesive brand identity and reinforcing investor trust.

Establishing Credibility Through Media Placements

Research from Spynn also revealed that startups that get featured on Forbes, Business Insider, and other top-tier publications experience a 50% increase in inbound investor inquiries within six months. This shows the value of securing strategic media placements to reinforce credibility and market positioning.

Strong media coverage bolsters a startup’s credibility, reinforcing its market positioning and investor confidence. Spynn ensures startups secure coverage in authoritative outlets, helping them establish themselves as thought leaders. Beyond initial publicity, Spynn focuses on building long-term relationships with media, ensuring sustained visibility and brand consistency.

Spynn’s CEO, Matteo Ferretti, emphasizes the role of storytelling, “Effective PR is about coverage and creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Startups must highlight their unique value and demonstrate how they solve real-world problems.”

PR for Growth and Global Expansion

Spynn’s data indicates that startups leveraging international PR strategies are twice as likely to successfully attract foreign investors and expand into new markets. Media coverage tailored for global audiences enhances cross-border recognition and facilitates partnerships, making PR an essential tool for growth beyond domestic markets.

As Indian startups scale, a strong PR strategy facilitates global recognition. Spynn’s international media reach helps startups gain traction in new markets and attract foreign investors. This is especially crucial for sectors like Fintech and Edtech, where global expansion is key to success.

A well-executed PR strategy strengthens a startup’s digital footprint, ensuring a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. Matteo Ferretti highlights the importance of balance, “A successful PR approach integrates both digital and traditional media to maximize impact and audience engagement.“

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends

Transparency and ethical storytelling are vital in PR. Startups must ensure authenticity in their messaging to build lasting trust. Spynn upholds ethical PR practices that align with principles of sustainability and integrity.

Indian startups must adapt to evolving PR trends, including AI-driven outreach, digital media dominance, and deeper media relationships. As competition grows, startups that take advantage of PR will have a better standing for long-term success.

Spynn’s PR strategies equip Indian startups with the tools to navigate funding surges, enhance credibility, and drive growth. By securing impactful media coverage and managing reputation effectively, startups can strengthen investor confidence and expand their market presence. As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, PR remains an indispensable asset for sustained success.