Entrepreneurship is hard enough on it’s own and you will have your down days. You will hear disparaging things from all sorts of people who don’t have your best interest at heart; your competitors, certain customers, bankers and VC’s to name a few. In the non-profit world, there are community stakeholders who have competing agendas. It’s the way it is.
You should develop you inner circle. That’s a small group of people you trust and who understand what you are trying to do. Meet with them regularly, either as a group or just one at a time for coffee. Consider them the Board of Directors of You, Inc. These people will encourage you, hold you accountable and keep you centered on your path.
Those spreading the negative waves will find you with no problem but you have to seek out your inner circle. They are there but they must be asked. They are the kind of people who will share with you their profound experience but they would never force it.
Never waste their time. Have specific questions ready to ask them and followup on what they tell you to do. They won’t invest in whining but they will help you conquer challenges.
Forget about age, gender and cultural difference. There are many smart people I rely on who are younger than me. Wisdom is about experience, not age or race.
Form your inner circle long before you need them. Desperation is never attractive and shows a lack of planning.
Show your gratitude by being successful and passing on your experience with the next person who asks.
Blogging Gazelle is published daily by Shawn Carson
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