How do you deal with negative reactions to your business ideas?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by chatterboxwriting, Jul 6, 2007.

  1. #1
    I'm wondering how all of you deal with negative reactions from friends and family members when you talk about your current business or business ideas for the future. My parents never had any encouragement from their parents, so I suppose I can't hold it against them, but I've come to the point where I don't even talk about my business anymore. Which, in turn, reduces my level of excitement.

    Example:

    Me: I incorporated my business today. The name is ______.
    Mom: Well make sure you pay your taxes.

    Not a congratulations, not a good job, not a smile, nothing. How do you deal with negativity like this?
     
    chatterboxwriting, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  2. hmansfield

    hmansfield Guest

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    #2
    Keep on pushin". The one thing that you have to understand is that most people in the world do not understand anything about the internet.(Hell, half the people on this forum don't have a clue:))
    It's all a big mystery to them, so don't expect anyone to understand. They won't.
    You have to consider this to be thankless and when you start making money, they will refer to you as, "He does something on the internet."

    Everyone still thinks that I am chasing some "Butterfly, and Unicorn " dream.
    They don't understand it, so they are not going to give you any cudo's
     
    hmansfield, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  3. add_cents

    add_cents Peon

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    #3
    The world is filled with non-believers who wish to get rich without effort.
     
    add_cents, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  4. minstrel

    minstrel Illustrious Member

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    #4
    I just cut their balls off. If they do it again, I cut their balls off again. Eventually, they learn. Or they run out of balls to cut off.
     
    minstrel, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  5. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Why are you such a codependent baby?

    No offense, but you need to develop a thick hide if you want to make it in the business world. Who cares what your mommy thinks. I lost count of the number of people who weren't excited about my success or who didn't believe in me. So what?

    If you want mommy's pat on the back, go out and succeed. It's time to stop being coddled and cut the umbilical cord.

    Are you getting into business for yourself or so you can appease others?

    Listen to people who are where you want to go. Ignore everyone else.
     
    marketjunction, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  6. minstrel

    minstrel Illustrious Member

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    #6
    And cut their balls off. If you don't include this essential step, nothing really works.
     
    minstrel, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  7. hmansfield

    hmansfield Guest

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    #7
    Yes I have read this before:). Big business swears by it.
     
    hmansfield, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  8. chatterboxwriting

    chatterboxwriting Peon

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    #8
    I guess it's because I have a number of medical conditions and have always had to rely more heavily on family and friends than other people my age. A home business was not something I had months and months to think about and plan for. I lost my job when I was very ill two years ago and depleted my bank accounts very quickly paying for my prescriptions and medical copays. I had to make things work out so I could continue to have my independence and not be forced to move back home.

    With these challenges, it's just nice to get some positive feedback once in a while. My problem isn't with criticism - as someone with mobility issues and a condition that often results in a very sickly look, I am used to it - but more with no support at all from people I am close to.
     
    chatterboxwriting, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  9. aras

    aras Active Member

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    #9
    Its not related to anything about being a baby. We, all are humans and no matter what we need someone to support us, physically, emotionally or financially. You name it, either a pat on back, or a check in mail or what you can ever think of.

    I think little steps in success may make people believe and trust in you. Show that you can succeed by small values. This way negative reactions will start to decrease.
     
    aras, Jul 6, 2007 IP
    chatterboxwriting likes this.
  10. chatterboxwriting

    chatterboxwriting Peon

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    #10
    Thanks, Aras. That's more what I meant - not that I can't take criticism, but that it would be nice to get some support.
     
    chatterboxwriting, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  11. cormac

    cormac Peon

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    #11
    Minstrel your advice never ceases to amaze me and how true this is. The business world is cut throat or as you describe it, cut balls!

    chatterbox people who don't see the same dream as you will never be as positive or excited. What you do need to do is socialise with like minded people who will help spark and inspire your ideas but will also point out where things can be improved.

    My parents think I'm living in lala land but they don't know that I've two employees, over 15 websites and pushing to becoming Europe's only supplier of a hardware unit manufactured in China.

    And to think I only started this game 2 years ago and with Minstrel teaching me what Meta tags are. :eek:
     
    cormac, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  12. chatterboxwriting

    chatterboxwriting Peon

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    #12
    I just learned what meta tags are for not too long ago myself. :)
     
    chatterboxwriting, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  13. hmansfield

    hmansfield Guest

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    #13
    Well, I guess he told you:eek::D
     
    hmansfield, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  14. cormac

    cormac Peon

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    #14
    We all have to start somewhere and if you are willing to put in the time and determination you'll succeed.
     
    cormac, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  15. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #15
    People are people. I don't know what your condition is, but perhaps you've "taxed" them so much that they're just not as responsive as usually. Caring for someone will do that to you.

    If you want positive feedback, talk to other business owners. It's that simple.

    And by the by, what you stated isn't negative feedback. When someone gets in your face and tells you that you will fail and that you're stupid for doing whatever, that's negative feedback.

    What you quoted is simply a lack of enthusiasm and someone who's reminding you to pay your taxes. That's solid advice.
     
    marketjunction, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  16. chatterboxwriting

    chatterboxwriting Peon

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    #16
    I have Spina Bifida, kidney failure, and Lupus and no one "cares for me." I've lived on my own since I was 18 and worked for everything I've had - shelter, medical insurance, prescriptions, what have you.

    Not everyone who has a chronic illness or disability needs to be cared for by others.
     
    chatterboxwriting, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  17. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #17
    A few posts ago you said:

    So, which is it? I have a cousin that has a ton of mental issues and he's on his own, but he does "drain" family members. And as the years have gone by, enthusiasm is in short supply.
     
    marketjunction, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  18. drquek

    drquek Guest

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    #18
    She cares for you so much she reminds you to pay your taxes.

    Some didn't even do that.
     
    drquek, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  19. cormac

    cormac Peon

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    #19
    Re-read what was posted before questioning:

     
    cormac, Jul 6, 2007 IP
  20. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #20
    I questioned, because I didn't understand.

    I don't know this person or his situation.

    If he's got a heavy reliance on family, because he needs them for care/support, then I understand the leaning towards pats on the back from them.

    Even so, my advice remains. Talk to other business owners and realize that "support" for ideas is in short supply.
     
    marketjunction, Jul 6, 2007 IP