How do you handle negative criticism from friends when you tell them you've started your own business?

[noney]

My husband and I decided to start our own small business. We are waiting for the permits to begin work but ever since we've told our friends and family some are just so pessimistic. They say now is not the time to start a business and other comments that are things we have already considered and thought over before making this decision. How can I respond to them so they back off. Thoughts? Thanks!

[Go with the flow]

Then... don't talk to them.
Nothing you can say is going to change their minds.

Honestly - you can't change peoples minds.
All you would do is continue the arguments.

[Y]

You can't, I ran into that back in 98 when I started mine. Some just don't get it and there really isn't anything you can say or do to get them to understand.

[VICTORIA STUDIES]

Tell them you're not looking into becoming wealthy or successful but more like a hobby. Tell them that to you, it's no different from someone who likes to garden or another who likes fishing. It's just something you enjoy and whether you catch anything or not doesn't concern you. When you tell people you are engaging in anything, it doesn't matter if it's a new business, new relationship, new car, or new anything, if the tone of your voice or speech seems concerning or wary in any way, it will attract a swarm of people who have all the answers, all the best methods, all the best insights, all the experience, and their answer is right, all other answers are wrong. Notice the pool of answers you got on this particular question compared to other questions people ask in this section. So it's a psychological thing. People are attracted to situations like these not necessarily because they are bad or good and most don't even realize they're being a nuisance. So just change your approach and don't be so hard on them. After all, they are your friends.

[ClickStart]

Here are some suggestions:

1. Believe in your business and confidently tell them that you plan to succeed. Remember, you are in control of what you are doing and not the naysayers. Don't allow them to disrupt your focus and attention.

2. Embrace setbacks when they happen and learn from them. Skeptics never have to experience failure because they don’t take any chances. When you have a setback and the naysayers pop up again, ignore them and learn from your mistakes.

3. Motivate your skeptics. Instead of being passive, tell them they should try new things and not succumb to their fear of failing. Share stories about how the rewards of challenges are bigger than the fear or failure. Tell them that it’s part of life and growing up to face seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles.

4. Make your success public. Say you decided to help fund your business through a crowdfunding website like ClickStartMe. As you reach various levels in your funding, publish those successes to the world through your social media, or through local or national press releases. Let the naysayers see your success on their Facebook page, your Twitter feed or a local newspaper.