Five Strategies to Ignoring Naysayers as a New Entrepreneur

Because no matter what, haters gonna hate

Rick Martinez

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Photo by Arun Sharma on Unsplash

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…

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Rick Martinez

My journey began on food stamps • I help CEOs & entrepreneurs write & publish books that give them authority & legacy • Former CEO turned ghostwriter