Danger! Bad Advice is Easy to Find

Put your money down or shut up!

Starting a business is one of the most emotionally challenging things you can do in life. One of the hardest parts to explain is why you’re doing it. I mean you will be working so hard for what seems like very little return and your income will be nowhere near what you would have made trading your time for their money.

Then you have those people in your life who are the “know it all’s” telling you how to do things and asking you about all the details of things that are none of their business. You know the people I’m talking about as we all have them in our lives.

They may even display some selfish behaviour or even begrudge you for have such a bold thought without discussing it with them first. Depending on the character of the person they will try to help or hinder your progress. There’s more, next will be the psychological manipulation or even sabotage. As a last resort, you may think it would good to have a relationship clarification conversation with them but in most cases they will be offended and nothing will come of it.

Staying focused is critical to being smart and productive while starting a business. If you want your business to be successful, make sure you avoid the following seven toxic people:

1. My way or the highway.

You never have only one choice. When someone gives you an ultimatum and tries to make you choose between only two things, them or your business, take a step back. Or, flatly refuse this toxic person and turn your focus back to your ideas and business.

2. You don’t need me?

You don’t need someone else to be successful. Networking and surrounding yourself with positive people is a force multiplier in any venture, but the notion that you need other people to be successful is unhealthy, cut the cord and ditch that person.

3. But, you make me happy.

You are not responsible for other people’s happiness. When grown adults grovel for your time and attention, it’s simply a cry for help. They want to make you feel like you are doing something wrong. Don’t be a leaning post for others, as it will cause you to sacrifice your thinking. Next thing you know you will be living their dream.

Driven people can be happy and successful at the same time. The problem is that some people don’t want to be happy and some people are too lazy to be successful. You’re not responsible for these people. So, let them go.

4. Hey now, remember that time you really messed up.

You know that person that always reminds how many times you’ve messed up in the past? Mistakes are the roadmap of learning what not to do. Everyone fails at something at one point or another. You have to let this go. You have to forgive yourself for everything. Laugh at your mistakes and move on.

5. Ya but you didn’t really earn that.

A mature person justifies other people’s accomplishments by getting excited for them and thinking, what an example, if I work hard I can do something amazing also. An immature person will justify other people’s accomplishments by saying, they didn’t really earn it or acting as though those others’ accomplishments are meaningless. If you want to achieve great things in your business, start respecting other people’s achievements.

6. It’s better to be a first rate version of yourself rather than a second degree imposter of someone else

Know who will bring out the worst in you and keep them at a safe distance. Maybe it’s a former, passive-aggressive colleague, a controlling relationship partner or a possessive family member. Whoever it is, stop letting this person hijack your personality. If you find yourself thinking and acting foolishly around someone, stop being around that person.

You know who you really are, and you know whom you have to be to reach your business goals. So, always be the best version of yourself, especially when starting a business. Surround yourself with people who hold you accountable to being the best you.

7. The enemy within.

There’s only one person who can keep you from achieving your biggest goals, you. You are either your own worst enemy or your own best friend. So, take a hard look at the bad habits and self-sabotaging tendencies that might keep you from achieving your business goals. Don’t alienate the supporters and educate the haters. Morph and change with the business needs but don’t loose your identity in it. Pull back from time to time and take stock of what is important.

So after all that if your friend keeps giving you unwanted business advice simply tell them to shut up and put their money down and do something. Chances are they won’t have the guts to do anything.

Danger! Bad Advice is Easy to Find