Coping When Friends and Family Don’t Support Your Business
By Maureen Adams, an ICF-qualified Executive & Career Coach and founder of Cumulus Coaching.
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is exhilarating, yet for many women, a surprising challenge emerges - a lack of support from those closest to us. You may have launched your business with passion and purpose, only to be met with silence or subtle criticism from friends and family. While their reaction can sting, their doubts don’t define your potential.
Why Your Loved Ones Might Not Support Your Business
It’s natural to assume that those we cherish should be our biggest cheerleaders. However, when your inner circle struggles to understand your ambition, it often reflects their own life experiences rather than your abilities. Many people were raised with the belief that traditional 9-to-5 jobs are the safest route. Entrepreneurship can seem risky or even unrealistic to them.
This disconnect, shaped by societal norms and ingrained ‘habitus’ (our deeply rooted perceptions shaped by upbringing and environment), means they may lack the context to fully grasp your vision. It’s not necessarily about jealousy - it’s about unfamiliarity.
Shifting Your Mindset: Turning Disappointment into Determination
Rather than allowing unsupportive voices to shake your confidence, consider how a mindset shift can reframe your journey:
1. Lead with Empathy
Your leap into entrepreneurship can be intimidating for others, especially if they’ve never considered such a path themselves. Instead of dwelling on their lack of enthusiasm, acknowledge their perspective with compassion. Change is unsettling for many, and your journey may challenge their own career choices in ways they don’t yet understand.
2. Seek Validation from the Right Places
Success isn’t measured by how many friends buy your product or share your posts. Your true audience lies beyond your personal circle. Rather than seeking approval from those closest to you, focus on connecting with customers and industry peers who genuinely appreciate your work.
3. Break Free from Perfectionism
Many women feel pressure to overachieve in every area of life - business, family, friendships. Instead of striving for perfection, adopt the 70% rule: aim for progress, not perfection. This mindset frees up mental energy to innovate and prevents burnout.
4. Let Success Speak for Itself
If friends and family remain sceptical, let your results do the talking. Every sale, glowing review, and business milestone is a testament to your dedication. Over time, as your business grows, some doubters may turn into unexpected supporters.
Building a Support System Beyond Friends and Family
Since your personal circle may not always provide the encouragement you need, be intentional about building a support system that does.
Network with Like-Minded Women: Join women-led business communities, mastermind groups, or mentorship programmes. Surrounding yourself with those who understand the entrepreneurial path can be a game-changer.
Attend Industry Events and Workshops: Conferences and training sessions offer not only knowledge but also the chance to connect with people who share your drive.
Leverage Social Media and Online Communities: LinkedIn groups, Facebook business communities, and female entrepreneurship forums can be powerful spaces to find encouragement, advice, and networking opportunities.
When you cultivate a circle that uplifts and inspires you, the lack of support from others becomes far less significant.
Feeling unsupported by friends and family can be painful, but it’s not a reflection of your worth or potential. Instead, use it as motivation to refine your mindset, seek support elsewhere, and stay committed to your vision.
Every trailblazing woman has faced doubt. The key is to keep pushing forward, surround yourself with the right people, and let your success do the talking. With resilience and the right support, your entrepreneurial journey can thrive - no matter who believes in it at the start.
