I Will Choke One-out-of-Ten Advice-Givers
Do you know what’s the worst thing about starting up a home business, besides the two weeks my husband is on vacation and decides he wants to help me? I’ll tell you: it’s the “helpful” advice that you get from your so-called friends and family members, all of whom usually wear suits.
You know the worn-out advice…
“Well, Stella, you know that only one out of ten startup business is ever successful.” I started mine up nine times just in case.
“I’d hate to start up a business in this risky economy…” Yeah, it would be much better to be laid off in a risky economy.
“Nothing succeeds like success.” See. I don’t even know what that means.
“Get a real job.” That’s right. Running your own business isn’t real, is it? And I’m a CARTOON. Do you know how hard it is to find a real job as a cartoon character?
And last but not least: “Make hay while the sun shines.” What? Who makes hay anymore? Do you really make hay, at all? Is there some new mechanical process through which one could make a crop of hay.
All I’m saying, Starter Uppers, is be careful who your advisers are.
Did I just give you advice? Crap.
–Stella
July 8th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Wow - absolutely spot on. I’ve gotten exactly those comments (and more) since I even started talking about my first business ideas.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
If you are truly passionate about starting a business, I wouldn’t let anyone’s comments hold you back. It will never happen unless you try. Thanks for the encouragement!
July 9th, 2008 at 4:28 am
People have all kinds of opinions. The best way to get over those kinds of negative comments is to press on and build the successful business you were meant to have.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Great piece of advice !!!
Oops I used the word Advice ..
Never mind rather be blind to these advices ..
Nothing could have been achieved if people just listened to the advice ..
Go on and go strong
July 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
So true! My friends are always telling me about the job openings in the companies they work for, extolling the virtues of their benefit packages. They don’t understand how I can enjoy working as a consultant with no “job security.” They’re also the same people who thought I should sell my house after my divorce - like there’s something wrong with a single woman owning a house
I mostly just smile and thank them for their suggestions, then promptly ignore them. They’ll never understand why I do what I do, so I don’t bother trying to persuade them otherwise.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
take any advice with a grain of salt