I started a new business last week. Mopho.to is a simple concept: photos for bloggers and social media mavens. I tried not to get too much advice before starting it, because everyone has an opinion. With Sunday| Mag I got so much feedback I almost didn’t want to start the thing. In any endeavor you can get twenty differing opinions from ten different people. Everyone has something to say about your dream.
But only a few folks knew about the startup, so I was able to launch if with relatively little anxiety. But as soon as I launched it, I got two folks throwing some business advice my way. I really wish I hadn’t heard either of them. Immediately my fun little idea turned into a massive corporation that I’d eventually get sued over. Talk about stress!
I wish I hadn’t heard either of those helpful individuals. But one of those guys is now my new business partner. Say what?!
Both people had good intentions. They both had valid concerns about my business model. But only one was willing to help me do something about it.
I only listen to one type of critic/advisor: the one who cares about me enough to join my fight. They’re the ones that take a sledge hammer to my idea and help me rebuild it. Their critique comes from a place of love and encouragement. They actually want me to succeed.
The other type of critic just chucked a hand grenade into the idea and walked away. Their critique came from a place of insecurity. They didn’t want me to tackle the idea because they were afraid to tackle the idea themselves. Perhaps its an idea they’d love to try but lack the courage to attempt. No matter.
But the point is, take advice. Take criticism. But take it from people who love you enough to get into the game with you.
We have a name for those people: “dream killers”. And they generally don’t have what it takes to follow through with their own. Love what you’re doing. Keep it up!