[southerncross01]

I am just curious, I have been noticing this quite often. How many of you out there are surrounded, (or where surrounded while you were beginning to form your business) by individuals that automatically assume you will not be successful? I have definitely noticed a significant increase in the amount of skepticism that I am receiving from many outside sources, particularly the ones that are closest to me. I guess what I am most interested in is how everyone that is in, (or was in of course) reacts to the negative pressure. Usually, I just naturally turn it into positive energy and want to prove them wrong. Anyone that would care to share their story of how they dealt with the negative pressure, I would love to hear it!

Chris

[expisp]

Chris,
I am a young guy, I haven't been involved with many businesses, but when I have, my wife always stood behind me. Even if my ideas didn't last a day she would get excited with me. God I love her!

But my extended family had blinders on, they couldn't see the potential in me or my ideas. I honestly do not know why they are so negative, the only thing I can think of is a skeptical & pessimistic person needs to be this way so their own life looks better, so they feel comfortable in what they are doing. These people probably don't take risks, and they probably don't succeed in many things. Of course there are always the lucky ones.

Well now I am doing my own thing, working from home, and showing them I can do it. Ha ha ha ha! do your nine to five! (BTW it is bad karma to rub someones nose in it, oops)

You're on the right track, turn that energy into something you can use!

Good luck!

Ian

[Jvesti123]

I deal with negative pressure. Criticism from aquaintances and even my parents.

Basically, I avoid even my parents but during the times I'm around them they might blurt something out even unwittingly.

I will just turn it into more motivation to work harder and get sufficient funds to move out on my own.

Everything can be turned around, although it's a whole lot more efficient to be in the most positive environment possible.

So strive for that, just remember to avoid the negative no matter who they are but if you by chance have to be around them such as close family turn everything around into motivation and positivity.

[Onyx]

The book Rich Dad, Poor Dad addresses this very issue. For most people it's just too hard for them to understand the way that an entrepreneur thinks - they're too wrapped up in what the author describes as 'The rat race'.

Having a lot of negative people around you can make life very difficult, but it can also spur you on at times! Where possible though you should seek out people who think like you. Having these people around you will really help. I don't know anyone who is doing a similar thing to me so last night I attended a local networking event for young entrepreneurs. It was pretty scary at first as I didn't know anyone, but after a while I felt welcome and made some good contacts. It's people like this that you should talk business with. When the family come around, just talk family things

[OrangeKayak]

I recieve the criticism all the time. "YOu are young." "Aren't you a little precocious?" "How are you going to compete."

Think of it as an advantage. No one thinks you can do it? Let that motivate you. Don't obsess over what the others are doing. Look the other way to see what your compeditors are doing, and be DIFFERENT! You will succeed if you don't obsess over the negative or the competition. Take it in stride the best you can.

Remember, when others think you cannot make it, and you do, you will earn all their respects and probably more.

[southerncross01]

Thank you all for the replies. I completely agree with every one of you. Everyone seemed to describe the same personality type that I have as well.

Onyx, I am in the process of reading the Rich Dad books (someday I will get them all read!) Fact of the matter is, I am enjoying every single last word he has to say in his books. But I think one of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it really has opened my eyes to how many people believe in the "rat race" as he puts it. Anyone out there that has not purchased a copy of any of Robert's books, check them out. Highly recommended!

Expisp, your a lucky man! Haha, my fiance has a tough time with my "crazy antics" as she puts it. I am perfectly ok with that, she doesn't quite understand it yet, but we will just give it time, I know she will come around.

A lot of the so called "entrepreneurs" that I come in contact with really have been giving me negative pressure. "Don't start a business, get a job, its more secure." The funny thing is, they tell me this after they know how I got layed off from my last "job" because of my young age. I know the definition of entrepreneur is different from person to person, but I have a tough time calling any individual that discourages an opportunity an entrepreneur.

Also, on a side note... Orangekayak, we will have to meet up sometime, unfortunately I am down in Northern Virginia. I am also an avid kayaker and sailor! I will let you know if I get close to your area sometime.

Thanks again everyone!

[insomnia]

It could be our attitudes as Entrepreneurs, desiring the adventure of a business, sometimes not realizing the reality of the actual situation. But thats what makes us who we are, so if you get negative criticism, try and use it to your advantage.

I get a lot of negative criticism upon my business ideas, even from my business partner who is sometimes skeptical and hard to convince. I think its just the way we think

[Muhammad]

Hi

Negative pressure is every where. I my self has experienced it terribly and has been victim because of obseession and preoccupation. What we need to do is to not avoid these people but to change the topic. I remebered my college life for one of my best friend used to discourage me during study hours and also for my grades.
Trust in your capabilities and divinely gifted talent and intellect. Success is your! Do't forget to try again. People can not stop us from success, no body.

Muhammad Akhtar

[waveformpc]

Criticism is a common experience for many entrepreneurs, especially the younger they are. I think one of the reasons family and friends criticize is because they don't want to see you fail, and see the suffering that it may cause you. My belief is that you should do what you want, or what makes you happy, and don't let anyone get in the way of your dreams. As a matter of fact, Bill Gates' parents told him he wouldn't be very successful in the software department, and wanted him to attend Harvard and become a lawyer. Boy were they wrong...

[ericesquire]

Originally posted by expisp
Chris,
I am a young guy, I haven't been involved with many businesses, but when I have, my wife always stood behind me. Even if my ideas didn't last a day she would get excited with me. God I love her!

Ian,

I'm 20 years old, and although I'm not married, I have been together with Diana for over 4.5 years. I have some support from other family members, mainly my father and my older brother - but Diana is the one who stands by me and always believes in the things that I do. She never stops being excited and living the dream with.

She's in college to become a forensic accountant and will be making a decent living right out of the schute this year. It seems as though we're from different worlds. I'm a risk taker and never know whats going to happen, and she's going to have job security anywhere she lives. Opposites attract ;o)

Congratulations on finding a good strong woman to back you up - there's nothing in the world like it. Best of luck on all your endeavors!