July 17, 2009

Be careful who you share your dreams with

Every entrepreneur or enterprising professional has most likely encountered friends or family members who immediately shoot down every new idea they hear. Deanna Sinclair, an entrepreneur of my acquaintance, terms these people “antipreneurial.”

The “Antipreneurs” are not malicious, nor do they intend to damage the spirit of anyone busy hatching creative plans to be self-employed. However, they often inadvertently nip the spirit just enough so the wannabe entrepreneur starts to feel fear and doubt — those twin killers of entrepreneurial motivation and drive.

Antipreneurs are often most rooted in the idea of stability or security, opting for careers that provide steady income, predictable benefits, and long-term employment. However, in the current age, no job or company should be viewed as a lifelong fit; the business world both domestically and globally is too dynamic to be anchored in the “gold-watch mentality” of the previous decades and every one of us, self-employed or not, must be realistic in our views of anything being long term.

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Not every idea is a good one, nor is every person fit for entrepreneurship. However, it is remarkable how many people are willing to share their creative ideas with those they know are not usually receptive of operating out of the norm. What response will these people typically give when presented with an idea of change, upheaval to schedules and financial streams, and the notion of stability being potentially rocked? Antipreneurs see nothing beyond dead-end streets for the “dreamers” in their lives; thinking beyond existing parameters is simply foolish and irresponsible.

Look for constructive feedback

It is critical for entrepreneurs, either aspiring or existing, to accurately identify people in their lives, both personally and professionally, who are able to hear ideas outside of their own and offer constructive, analytical and logical feedback rooted in data and experiential knowledge, rather than in deeply seated fears and unknowns. Everyone needs a dose of reality now and then, but those who are pro-entrepreneur in spirit or situation can process pitches and situations in alignment with the short- and long-term possibilities for an idea to move forward, rather than just see what is happening at present. Seasoned entrepreneurs know from their wins and mistakes the probable best course of action to follow to see an idea blossom into a product or service that is desirable, financially rewarding and respected.

Years ago I completed a journaling course that was based on the book “The Artist’s Way.” In that course, we were instructed to identify “crazy makers,” people who add chaos and drama to our otherwise peaceful lives. Much like the crazy makers, Antipreneurs wreak havoc on ideas by deeming them ridiculous, usually simply based on the fact that they have not yet been done in the marketplace and/or the idea will remove a steady paycheck from a person’s life.

Entrepreneurs, like anyone else, love steady income. However, not enough to bail on the idea of personal freedom, flexible time and having creative outlets for their ideas and skills.

Antipreneurs are capable of destroying fantastic ideas and creative pursuits in an instant. You must be prepared. Know how to avoid them or how to communicate with them so that you are not derailed when they attempt to dismiss your ideas. Build a circle of influence of intelligent people whom you can trust to give you honest feedback, both positive and negative. Choose people as you would a board of directors and evaluate their experience, creative pursuits and successes as well as setbacks, and ultimately how they react to people and situations that are different or challenging to them. Their track record in business will tell you volumes about how they see the world and if they are a good match to your style and needs as an entrepreneur.

Have a basic plan

As for the Antipreneurs, you may be living with them so they are difficult to avoid completely. However, when it comes to discussion about ideas, make sure that you do not tell them random or rambling creative thoughts until you have clearly defined what it is that you are wanting to accomplish and your basic plan of action. Having a structured plan in place that includes research data on similar businesses (or the glaring need for them in the market), combined with as many hard numbers as you can supply will help people hear your idea rather than their own fears and personal beliefs so loudly.

Lastly, rely upon your circle of trusted friends and colleagues to help you move along to pursue your plan and to put it into action. Reciprocate this to them and to other entrepreneurs by offering feedback or participation in a focus group regarding their plans. Creating a small group that meets regularly to confidentially discuss business ideas is a great way to make progress quickly, glean various responses and operate in a safe and tested environment where creativity and business savvy are combined.

Overall, be careful who is on the receiving end of your ideas; keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive is by far the most critical component of an entrepreneur’s day-to-day success.

Dawn Duncan is the co-owner of Broadreach Recruiting & Consulting, a Fort Collins-based firm. Contact her at 970-221-3511 or www.broadreachrecruiting.com

Every entrepreneur or enterprising professional has most likely encountered friends or family members who immediately shoot down every new idea they hear. Deanna Sinclair, an entrepreneur of my acquaintance, terms these people “antipreneurial.”

The “Antipreneurs” are not malicious, nor do they intend to damage the spirit of anyone busy hatching creative plans to be self-employed. However, they often inadvertently nip the spirit just enough so the wannabe entrepreneur starts to feel fear and doubt — those twin killers of entrepreneurial motivation and drive.

Antipreneurs are often most rooted in the idea of stability or security, opting for careers that provide steady…

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