I find that I cannot really talk to my friends about my professional ideas and work, they tend to want me to do things according to what they think and want, and it doesn’t work because they usually have no interest and knowledge and passion in that field.
But I do see other people including some of my friends being able to support one another including turning up for events of friends etc. It seems I’m missing out a lot, but yet somehow I don’t feel comfortable and did not have good experience with it, even with the group of friends of mine who seem to have been supporting each other in their business ideas. I get awkward with it and I’m wondering if I’m not able to work well with them?
Anyone have had similar experiences and insights as to why?
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Friends and business associates are usually separate for many reasons. You don’t have to be in business with your friends and their interest in your idea shouldn’t make any difference to your professional goals.
If you have specific business ideas, try and find the communities (maybe here on Reddit) where other people do want to discuss them and move forward that way. It’s common for people’s real friends to not have much specific insight in to their professional life, because that’s not what the relationship is about
Its hard to hear, but respect people who give honest opinions. Take it for what its worth.
Otherwise, you could be surrounding yourself with ass kissing Yesmen and Yeswomen.
Yes. I hired a business coach.
Where did you find them?
I have similar issue. My friends are the people living around me and we share some interests, but is always the conventional things and ideas or conversations that are a bit out of this spectrum, sounds uncomfortable and they tend to ignore, give a short comment about or even make jokes.
Every time I mention my idea ( which came from 20 of experience on my area) people think I’m crazy. But one friend in my circle want to be a famous singer and people cheer her and write crazy supportive comments on her social media.
So I guess is easier to find empathy from people who is on the same area of interest or have a non conformist personality. I remember when my family used our house to make a BnB in the year 2000, before Airbnb was a thing and my friends thought that would be dangerous and we would host a killer or an organ harvester. It was easier for people to believe in urban myths than believe in my new business. Our business was bootstrapped, worked for almost 20 years, was one of the first Airbnb host on my city and we had a 4.9 rating. Of course we need to be aware that our project is not too crazy or too stupid (like juicero), but sometimes we are waiting for support from the wrong people. But remember that the founders of Airbnb were rejected by more than hundred investors.
It’s alright. Be your own best friend. It’s really important especially in the beginning of your venture. Try journaling or post them here on relevant subreddits.
As you start to prove your vision, the right people will come along and that will be your tribe. They could be your new friends, business associates or your employees.
It’s a journey, your network will expand eventually. Remind yourself on the importance of having a long term growth mindset. With that; focus on executing your ideas. It might get lonesome from time to time, but endure and keep looking forward.
Good luck with your endeavours.
Same experience, which is why I’m building my discord community so that we all have a place to talk business and not feel weird or guilty about it!
You have to remember that not a lot of people are willing to take the step to start their own business, also like you mentioned they don’t have the same passion as you do.
When I started my remodeling business my friends were curious and would ask questions here and there but never had the same interest I did, so I found it hard to brainstorm around them.
Oh people are usually a pool of opinions when you bring up what you’re doing business wise, stock wise or investing.
When it’s your business, you keep it all to yourself with friends. Even great revenue should be celebrated on a throwaway on Reddit and away from friends.