Take No for an Answer Don't dismiss naysayers--ask for advice, and turn it into a tool for success.
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As an entrepreneur, no matter how seasoned you are, when someonesays something negative about your business, it stings. In fact,negative comments have the power to crush ideas before they areborn.
Conventional wisdom says that you should follow your heart andignore the naysayers. However, some of the best ideas are born fromunwelcome criticism. Negative comments often contain kernels oftruth-they are just delivered incorrectly. Your mission is toengage the naysayers, determine what they are basing their commentson, and discover new information that can help you succeed.
Listening to naysayers is especially important, because in mostpeople's lives-including my own-the naysayers are familymembers and people you love! Your spouse, friends and family wantyou to succeed; however, they also want to protect you fromanything that may be difficult. Realize that behind each questionlies the subliminal suggestion of "We love you and don'twant to see you suffer."
Naysayers are important business allies. Here's how toengage them in your dream:
1. When people say negative things, respond by asking fortheir advice. Repeat their statement back to them, and thensay, "You're right. Achieving success can be difficult.What would you suggest to make it possible?" As you listen totheir suggestions, their defenses will fall, and their years ofexperience will come pouring out. If they don't have an answer,they probably have contacts who can help you succeed.
2. Let them know you want to hear their ideas. Naysayersare used to people dismissing them rather than listening to theirideas. Be sympathetic to this, and give them an opportunity torespond. Unless you are in a sales situation, don't attempt topersuade them that you're right, because that makes themdefensive. Your goal is simply to find the truth in what they aresaying and discover new ways to create success for yourself.
3. Compliment them on their suggestions. The easiest wayto turn a naysayer into an ally is to make them feel appreciated.Be sincere when you tell them what you have learned from them.It's a rare occurrence for naturally negative types to becomplimented, and it's motivating to them. Compliments willkeep their wheels spinning, helping you develop solutions to yourmost vexing problems.
4. Don't take criticism too personally. Criticismfrom people we care about cuts a bit deeper. It takes a specialfocus to actually hear what they're saying rather than the tonethey're using. Make the extra effort to understand their pointand find something valid in their words.
Expectancy always wins. If you seek solutions from othersinstead of dismissing them, the resources you need willsurprisingly be revealed. Engaging naysayers also helps you developa strong belief in yourself. You will feel a sense of empowermentthat charges up your business for success.
Editor's note: Looking for our "Countdown toStartup" series? We've compiled it into one easy-to-usefeature. Click hereto read it.
Speaker and consultant Romanus Wolter, aka "The Kick StartGuy," is author of Kick Start Your Dream Business.
