Five Strategies to Ignoring Naysayers as a New Entrepreneur

You're too late to too slow...too dumb, or not prepared...or you haven't a clue what you're doing.

These are just a few of the mental hand grenades folks will toss your way as you step out on your own. I personally think a lot of it springs from jealousy. Jealous because you decided to act, and they didn't.

And now they're wallowing in their self-pity.

Unfortunately, dealing with naysayers or negative comments is an all-too-common phenomenon when starting a business or transitioning into the entrepreneurial world.

It's easy to let the negative drag you down and believe what you are doing is wrong. However, this is likely far from the truth and something you need to learn to deal with when running a business.

I know that lots of folks will simply say to ignore them.

Others will tell you to tune them out.

But the fact is you're human. You feel the barbs, and they sting. But in these moments, we have options.

We can listen and let them drag us down.

Or you can listen and let it fuel you.

Here are five strategies for ignoring naysayers as you become an entrepreneur.

Recognize that opinions are not always important or right

I saw a bumper sticker that read, "Everyone isn't gonna like you. You aren't tequila!"

The point, of course, is that you are not going to impress everyone.

That is how business works. Competition is healthy because everyone is different. That's what makes business so fun at the end of the day.

Simply recognizing this fact can help you realize that not every comment is worth the time or focus.

Or, put another way...leave the trolls alone!

The opinions that matter are your customers, not your friends, spouses, or parents. Even though it feels like you need their support to continue, you don't. Many of these people will never understand your passion as much as you do.

Don't make enemies; just don't let them stop you either.

Focus on your passion and business goals

Block the negative comments out by focusing on your passion and goals.

Most unsupportive people are often jealous or see your action as a threat to their inaction. They say these comments to keep you in the same position as them. Don't let them win.

Don't sweat the crap they sling because long-term, they don't matter when you have goals to accomplish.

Recognize constructive feedback only

It can be easy to hear feedback and assume it is negative.

However, even negative comments can be helpful information. Learn to turn out the knowledge you know is not true and take ownership of what is true. Sometimes we need to hear the bad stuff so we can improve or jettison things that aren't working.

Know you can't impress everyone

It is impossible to make everyone happy, so one of the most important things you should do first when starting a business is to learn your target audience.

But I'm sure you already knew that, right?

Your target audience is not every human on earth, no matter how many businesses wish this was possible. Having everyone as your target audience makes it impossible to relate to them and market to the right people.

If you market to everyone, you market to no one.

Cut them out

Overall, cutting naysayers out is the answer.

Even if they are family, if they cared about you, they would support you, not bring about negativity. Think about that for a sec. Your closest people should have your back, and if not, then perhaps it's time to find new people.

The final word

In short, when starting a business or transitioning into the entrepreneurial world, it's important to remember that not everyone will like you.

Furthermore, don't let negative comments stop you from pursuing your passion and goals. Recognize constructive feedback and focus on what makes you happy--your target audience. Lastly, cut out naysayers who only bring you down.

In the end, you are in complete control of your own reactions, not other people's opinions. Therefore, it is best not to waste your time focusing on what people have to say about your goals as an entrepreneur.

Instead, those who want to support you will provide constructive feedback to truly grow and succeed, not keep you down.

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