How do I cope with being viewed as ignorant as an entrepreneur?
As a first time entrepreneur, how do I cope with people's first reaction that I am 'ignorant' when discussing my plans to start my own venture.
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Nov 24, 2016
Nobody knows everything so we are all ignorant in some respect. Just make sure that you are not ignorant on the busienss you will be starting or product you are developing, nobody will know it better than you. You can learn the basics, finances etc I will even recommend you a book, just search for disciplined entrepreneurship. I have mentored many startups thorugh this process.Do your homework and all will be fine.
IF you have got a viable business you will know. If other people cant see that then sometimes that is an advantage. Keep working at it and dont think or yourself as ignorant. We all learnt to walk by falling down a few times!
Nov 21, 2016
It's better to be an ignorant entrepreneur than an intelligent employee...
We are all ignorant, since none of us know everything about everything.
Whatever you lack knowledge in read a book, take a class. If your business is successful, maybe being "ignorant" is part of the formula.
Intelligence is over rated. Many people will not achieve anything in life because they are analyzing themselves out of accomplishment.
It takes courage to create. Stop creating doubt and go for it!
Nov 11, 2016
Hi All
I am Also an entrepreneur and never hesitate to tell anyone that I started a startup. In the beginning you need the power to face some of the arrogance from the people because they also face that arrogance in there starting Phase.
Its up to you how you tackle the differences on your own.
Jun 10, 2015
Frankly, you should first learn to cope with your self-deflating thoughts. You have an idea, you are convinced it will work, you know your path - that's all that is needed. It really doesn't matter what others perceive you as. After all, you are starting off on a wonderful journey to make money and do some satisfying work. I am pretty much sure you are not doing this business just to be called an "Entrepreneur". Kick out this thought and turn into an optimist.
Jun 24, 2015
Wow!! Thank you so much Kunal :) Yes, you are right. I should avoid my self-deflating thoughts.
Jun 1, 2015
You got fantastic responses, and I loved what Ellen Harris told you...you are talking to the wrong people or when you're talking you are wasting your time with them. Those who has never started a business have no idea of what an entrepreneur mind has, embrace and is passionate about. Reach the right people, and you really have to find those people, connect and network with an intention - the main one to keep yourself enthusiastic. When you are not making any money yet it's hard to prove somehow. That's clear...but so make it use of what youi can really take advantage of. Be humble and absorb as much as you can, share with other what you learned because most of the time professional respect follows.
Take care.
Jun 2, 2015
You are true Sol Gonzalez :) I'm actually delighted to see so many responses for my question. No words to say but, I must thank each and everyone who have expressed their views here.
May 28, 2015
You are ignorant. "Ignorant" means simply "not knowing"; does NOT mean "stupid".
You can't possibly know all you need to know to start a business. No entrepreneur ever has known enough at the outset of a new business venture. I've started maybe 30 ventures in my life, am starting another right now, and am almost totally ignorant about how to do it.
What's important is that you have the guts to do something that these "friends" undoubtedly lack. Ignore them, and gradually get rid of them.
May 29, 2015
Thank you for your kind words Tom. I totally agree. All the very best for your future endeavors :)
May 28, 2015
Maybe you don't care, depending on who reacts that way. If it is business prospects, you have a marketing and branding problem. If it is friends, colleagues, and/or relatives, I would ignore them and prove them wrong.
The truth of the matter is that 95% of business owners are weak in at least one key area of business ownership. The only true ignorant entrepreneur business owners are the ones who THINK they know it all. It has been proven that one of the biggest reasons for business failure is that either the owner did not recognize they had weaknesses, or they knew they did but didn't do anything about it.
May 28, 2015
Be open and honest about your strengths and your weaknesses. Everyone starts someplace - admitting what you need is the best way to find people who can help fill those needs and round out your team for whatever enterprise you're engaged in.
The best way to combat ignorance is educating yourself - reach out to startup groups and people who've been there. Many entrepreneurs are more than happy to lend advice and save someone from making the mistakes they encountered (leaving you free to find whole new mistakes to make along the way."
May 27, 2015
It's all about doing your homework. Knowing as much as you can about all of the issues and challenges related to the business you're launching is critically important. Why should anyone else feel confident about your potential if you can't demonstrate that you have prepared yourself for the undertaking?
May 27, 2015
It's preserve that what cause frictions and ignorant always float to the surface because the entrepreneur can't adjust to new challenges that comes along.
I'm already on it Michael :) Thank you so much for your wonderful words!