Other People Tell You Your Business Will Fail

by Kevin Hanover

Early on in my jewelry business, I found that you have to be careful about who you talk to about it.

Most people's reaction is, "You know most businesses fail" or "You can't make a living selling jewelry".

When you're trying to get started and are full of doubts already, it really doesn't help any to have your friends and family discourage you with statements like that.

I know they mean well, and they think they're doing you a favor by being "realistic" but the fact is that a lot of businesses don't fail, and a lot of people do sell their jewelry successfully.

So I mainly keep my jewelry business dreams secret from most people. I share openly with friends who are positive and support what I'm doing, but I avoid negative people and the "realistic" ones who try to gloom and doom you away from your dreams.

Surrounding yourself with positive people helps you succeed.

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Other People Tell You Your Business Will Fail

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You're so right . . .
by: Rena

about people not understanding that a successful jewelry business is *very* possible - but that negative thinking won't help you achieve it!

It's surprising to me how often the people who care about us try to "protect" us from disappointment by not supporting our dreams.

Keep on surrounding yourself with positive thinkers and people who do things other folks think are impossible.

You're well on your way to being extraordinary, Kevin! :o)

Hugs,
Rena

keep your friends close!
by: Anonymous

I have found that people can be negative and derogatory when they are secretly envious that you have found your passion and are willing to pursue your dreams! Curiously enough, family can be the least supportive of your creative endeavors. I have found family members to be somewhat reluctant or just not caring enough to promote my work to others! I have been told more than once to "keep your day job". My greatest supporters have been my friends, who come out and support me at my shows, buy my work, and refer me to other people. They have also been very supportive and helpful in steering me to other businesses and leads. Keep your friends, make new contacts, and stay away from family if you want to get anywhere in business!!!

I know what you mean!
by: viv

My story is alittle different in that my husband is somewhat supportive but he drives me crazy when he makes the comment "You must not value your time" because I spend alot of time designing and constructing my pieces. My work is time consuming because I use vintage pieces in my designs and each one is truly unique so it takes alot of thought sometimes to figure out how to connect the pieces. Most of the time, I let the focal piece(s) become my inspiration and then build around them. I don't know how to respond to his comment other than to say, "" I'm an artist and the finished product is more important to me than the time it takes me to do it!" But, honestly, if anyone out there has any postive feedback for me, I'd love to hear it!

I totally get it
by: Anonymous

It's funny isn't it. But it's the same here; family members are the least supportive when you embark on a new path of your own-and entirely your own-choosing. Collectivist/socialist much? Haha. Somebody is always afraid you'll "stain the family name" or that they can't tell they're friends you became a lawyer or doctor. It annoys me to no end.
So in the end I stopped telling my family anything. And that keeps me sane and happy. If I don't hear their negative comments, I can keep focusing on what I want and just go for it. They don't say choose your friends wisely for no reason. It's just unhealthy to be around people who cut you down. So if you talk to anyone about anything, make sure it's a trustworthy friend who absolutely loves you and rest assured won't say anthing remotely nasty.