Hateraid is real

I learned from a very young age that not everyone you love wants whats best for you. I am sure a some have a supportive and loving circle.... but some just THINK that they have a supportive circle.

Stop counting on loved ones and "friends" to give you what you need emotionally or even professionally. Take your power back now if you gave it to them! You can't wait for kind words to make your dreams happen.

My husband and children used to think I was thinking to negative about how others REALLY felt. It took them much longer to realize that how I was seeing things was really how it was.

Growing up I had been told some very hurtful untruth's.... I was "flakey", a "space cadet", a "dreamer"... and sometimes I heard much worse. I had to decide early on that others opinions didn't matter. If I was going to be happy in life... I couldn't give them the key to my happiness or my success.

In todays society there are plenty of ways to be supportive without opening your wallet. There are the obvious ways... People could like or share your business website, or social media pages, they can say nice things when you post what it is your doing. The list of ways to support a business without even spending a dime are endless. Shares and Likes are FREE. And they really do help small businesses.

I have always tried to buy from friends and family or even acquaintances whenever possible. Buying from a small business really is the life blood of the American economy. So I don't just preach it... I practice it.

I don't want to write about all the ways I learned that we weren't supported professionally. It's many things over many years of business. Focusing on negative brings you to a dark place and isn't healthy. But briefly... I have had people borrow money and never return it.... When I was doing Photography I had a family member ask to borrow my camera...when I hesitated because my equipment was expensive... they guilted me into it saying they couldn't POSSIBLY get the high quality photo's I could. When I offered to go and shoot the photo's for free??? No... it wasn't an event I could attend. (This was many years ago. Unfortunately I was still wanting some sort of approval or love back... so I gave in. The camera was returned dirty, unorganized and broken.), I have had my business ideas stolen, my art stolen... even physical PRODUCTS stolen. I have always brushed it off and never sued or fought about it. My belief is I can hustle and make it back.... and I then note in my head that there is some jealousy there... or... in other words they are haters. These things happened with close family members and friends. So now I am always on guard quietly. No need for resentment on my part. I just tell my kids and husband beforehand... "Watch this..." I will then post some art or a new product line.... In 2 places. The first place... my personal Social Media.... the second place... in groups with strangers. ALWAYS the strangers and business acquaintances have been the best for this test. I may have a few very loyal members of "My TRIBE" who will say amazing things.... But the ones you would hope would? The ones who ask you to join there Makeup parties, Tupperware parties.... or one more kitchen gadget party? Silence.

Recently we sat together after I posted some new products and asked that people like and share. I had a few likes from my personal site and my professional page blew up within hours. We watched. Soon my niece commented... "How are you making these? Are you cutting your art into actual WOOD?" (No "like" from her.) " Yes I am! These are also great for what you do! Feel free to contact me and I can let you know all about it and offer you the family discount!" (Crickets.) A few years before I had bought her an expensive craft machine as a wedding gift. She had said she needed a way to earn money from home. I have always tried to empower others. Soon after she posted the machine I purchased for sale (for about 1/15 of what I paid for it.) and upgraded to a new and better machine. She then informed me (online. No phone call.) that her business was growing... and that even though I lived a state away... we shared the same audience.... and asked me not to make anything that she had decided to make and sell. (AMAZING! Spoiled much!? The list was long. Earrings, keychains, T-shirts, mugs..... You get the picture.)... I went along with it at first and then decided a year later that her request was very selfish and RIDICULOUS. Why should I hurt myself professionally trying to please her? I then went back to posting like I would normally.

Unfortunately I have come to expect it. And now so have my husband and kids.

If this isn't your experience.... REJOICE! Be ever so thankful for that support system... Because jealousy is very real among the closest family and friends.

What I have come to realize though is few think the way I do. Even those in business. They often have a chip on their shoulder thinking others should do more for them... It may sound like I think that as well. Not at all... I'm just passing on what I have learned from my personal experiences as a business woman.

But good news!!!!!!....

It really doesn't matter what your plans are for success. Truth. As long as you have found something that you feel passionate about and you wake up with a drive in your heart.... you can eventually make it happen. I have had many successful businesses. Each with its own successes and failures. The most important thing is to LOVE what you do. Make sure it brings you joy each day and then it is NEVER WORK. Some days I work from 5 am til 9 pm... just because I am having fun! We also always try to give what we can to those less fortunate... it really sows the seed to help you make a fruitful business no matter what your doing. As I said.... word of mouth is FREE. Everyone you have been kind to or you do a good deed for could give it back tenfold without spending a dime.