Launching a business that has any chance of success is tough. Most entrepreneurs (and their families) will have to live like paupers during the startup. They will have very little free time and even less sleep. When they do take a break to socialize with friends or visit with family, they will be looking for a boost…a little support that what they are doing is the right thing.

Don’t count on it.

For some crazy reason, most people (those who don’t have it in them to be an entrepreneur) feel the need to drop torrential rains on your startup parade. Some of the most common responses entrepreneurs get from their nearest and dearest are “Found a job yet?” or “Still aren’t making any money?” or “Just be sure you don’t get yourself in too deep!” These Negative Nellys will argue that they are just “worried” about you, but the actual message is that they don’t think you can succeed, and don’t particularly want you to either. What’s up with that?

When you encounter these attacks, and you will, just do the duck’s back trick – let ‘em roll right off. Don’t bother explaining or arguing your position…it’s not likely to change a thing. When people ask you how the startup is going, tell them everything is just fine and leave it at that. The more ammo you give them, the more they will use. The lack of support is very common for entrepreneurs, and you are likely to be surprised how little cheerleading you get from your friends and family. For this reason, self-confidence is a critical trait – you can’t count on too many outsiders to keep you motivated, so your belief in your abilities and your idea will have to be enough to sustain you through the rough times. If you have relatives or friends who won’t let up, avoid them until your business is taking off. Startups provide plenty of spirit-crushing circumstances, you don’t need extra stomps from those who should be on your side.

If YOU are the friends and family of a budding entrepreneur, here’s some advice. The odds are that your friend who is taking this big “risk” is well aware of every potential negative outcome, they aren’t likely to need reminding while they are spending time with you. Avoid calling them “crazy” or “dreamers”…without people willing to take entrepreneurial risks, you’d still be growing your own food, riding a horse to town, and communicating by Pony Express. Be honored to know someone who has the guts to take the leap, and be proud of them for trying. Ask them how they are doing and try to provide useful advice, if you have any. Otherwise, just nod and smile. Root for their success – they won’t forget who was on their side (and who wasn’t) when success finally comes.

Start Here. Go Far. LaunchX.com