Starting
and growing a business is a journey filled with invaluable lessons (Business Lessons: Linkedln), often
learned the hard way. In my 1 3/4 years of entrepreneurship, I've encountered a
multitude of these lessons (Challengers Faced By Indian Woman Entrepreneur). None were anticipated, and all taking me by
surprise. The true significance of these "hard-knock" lessons is that
they don't hit you all at once but rather over time, gradually instilling
wisdom (Social Entrepreneurship: Pull Factors) I'll begin by sharing insights on friends and family.
Friends
It's natural to expect support from those you've bonded with over the years,
but sadly, that isn't always the case. Many of my so-called friends, people who
preached about standing through thick and thin in friendship? Even during a
year of running free yoga fitness sessions, their disinterest was evident. Basically,
they were reluctant.
In reality, they seemed more inclined to dine out with you,
some when it’s free meal, apart from speaking for hours on the phone. However,
when you try to engage them in your business, you may find their enthusiasm
sorely lacking. The moral here is that, in many cases, it's better not to
divulge your business endeavors to friends. A significant number of them might
become envious and secretly hope for your failure.
Family
Family, unfortunately, can teach you even more disheartening lessons. Their
motives are often rooted in jealousy, envy, and a desire for you not to
outshine them. They want to be the successful ones within the family, even if
their achievements are modest.
The worst part is when they unite to undermine
you through gossip, hurtful comments behind your back, and sometimes outright
insults in your presence. Others will subtly attempt to hold you back. Similar
to friends, the lesson here is to exercise caution when discussing your
business with family.
Strangers
Surprisingly, the business world is filled with strangers who are rooting for
your success. These individuals often transform into loyal clients, providing
the support your business needs. A curious thing you'll discover is the number
of people who are simply lonely and will use the pretext of business inquiries
as an excuse to connect with you.
While some may genuinely inquire about your
business, others will exploit your phone number for forwarding various messages
on WhatsApp. You might even find individuals promoting their own businesses or
looking for free conversation. They view your phone number as a source of
companionship.
The
valuable takeaway is that you should never give up on your business. As you
capture your market share and witness growth, these same individuals will
gravitate toward you seeking favors. The reality of business is a complex
interplay of lessons, and by staying vigilant, you'll emerge wiser from the
outset of your entrepreneurial journey.
While I had to navigate these lessons
alone, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, making you
stronger and more resilient in your business. Embrace the journey with open
eyes and a determined spirit.
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