
Like new parents, entrepreneurs think their businesses (babies) are the best in the world. As a founder, itโs easy to make their companies the center of their universe. They also assume that everyone around them will be as invested in their dream as they are. Unfortunately, thatโs not always the case.
While building, emotionally raw, stressed and cash-strapped startup founders often need the immense support of loved ones to help push them through. But often entrepreneurs, particularly those in creative fields arenโt taken seriously early on. When facing this, itโs important to stay focused on whatโs important.
โFriends and family donโt pay your bills, and people who donโt share your career ambition or background simply may not understand what youโre doing,โ author Stefanie Ricchio wrote in a piece for Entrepreneur.com. โ I once obsessed over who did (or didnโt) read my book, or who supported me on social media , and then realized I was just spending mental capacity on something that would never yield tangible results for my business. The only thing I really needed to worry about was my business, so I put my head down and started strategizing.โ
Sheโs right. Although it hurts, founders have to work through the lack of support from family and friends while scaling a company. Hereโs how.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS.
Itโs easy to dismiss a business when itโs not making money yet. Many business owners, particularly in the creative sector, have complained that their loved ones donโt support their endeavors because they donโt understand what they do.
Thatโs why itโs important to build a village of peers. Attending networking events specifically for those in the same space youโre in can help fill the void left by family and friends that donโt see your vision for the future.
FOCUS ON YOUR REPUTATION.
Thereโs no disputing success.
Turning your attention to building a spectacular business, creating a foolproof product or providing great service will mitigate any naysaying about your work. Treat every client as if they are the most important, and the validation youโre lacking from family will come tenfold from just doing great work.
WORK ON VALIDATING YOURSELF.
Speaking of self-validation, that quality is incredibly important not only in entrepreneurship but in life. Being able to look inward for encouragement is imperative, especially when your tribe isnโt available to provide that for you.
Leaning on affirmations, therapy and like-minded community can be a huge help with building the muscle of resilience.