Where’s the support? So you took a leap of faith and started a business. To your surprise, most people don’t have much to say? Certainly, aren’t offering support, right? I am positive that this is not the reaction that you were expecting or hoping for. I could tell you that the truth hurts, but it really doesn’t have to. I will give you a deeper explanation of my thinking here, in a few moments.
Does this scenario sound familiar to anyone besides me?
I need to tell youu, that you are the victim of a terrible crime. You set yourself up for failure simply by embracing the improper expectations. That’s your crime, nothing more to get into here. I told you that it didn’t have to hurt.
Now that you have been through this once you know what to expect next time. Please understand that a very small percentage of people will be consistent and outwardly supportive of your entrepreneurial efforts. It does kind of defy logic. However, you can’t control what people think or how they act. Therefore, don’t waste your time and try. The bigger surprise is who makes up this percentage of your supporters. There will be some people that you would have never expected. Then there will be others that will disappoint you by trying to be “realistic” with you.
Do not waste too much time worrying about what people think about you though.
The mistake that I made early on was assuming that no one was paying attention to anything that I was doing. After thinking like this for 6 months on end, it can wreak havoc on your mindset. What I learned was, in fact, the exact opposite of that. In fact, lots of people were always watching me and still are.
There is nothing special about me. So it is likely that this will be your experience too. With all of the analytics now available on the internet today, it is not difficult to validate this point. Some people may crack jokes or tease you a little bit at first. At a certain point, bystanders realize that you are taking your venture seriously. This is when they quiet down and watch to see what happens to you.
But what if you are not finding the support that you want from the people that you want it from?
You have exactly two choices. The first is to throw a fit like a spoiled baby that is not getting his or her way.
The second choice is to go out and find the people that are more than happy to support you. Those who are excited to see you pursue your dreams. There is a good chance that this will require you to meet new people. Maybe even seek counsel from some unlikely sources. An easy rule to remember is that dreamers support other dreamers. Go spend your time talking to these folks.
Remember, if no one supports your startup it’s ok to be upset. But I would challenge you to get really pissed off.
Huh?
I want you to get pissed and commit to working really hard so that you can get to the place that you want and deserve to go. Frank Sinatra once made the statement that “the best revenge is a massive success”. This is really the most productive way to deal with your non-supporters. If you work hard and long enough, people will come around and congratulate you and even tell you that you inspire them and there is no greater reward than this.
Now go to work on your business and focus on building daily habits of success and stop worrying about what everyone else thinks of you.
There are many others like Chris – those who’ve found ways to opt out of traditional employment and create the time and income to pursue what they find meaningful it’s all mentioned in this book“The $100 Startup”. Sometimes, achieving that perfect blend of passion and income doesn’t depend on shelving what you currently do. You can start small with your venture, committing little time or money, and wait to take the real plunge when you’re sure it’s successful.
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