Having your own business is already a viable and profitable career option for many professionals. However, the culture of entrepreneurship still faces several obstacles, one of which is skepticism and lack of support from those closest to us: family members.

This conservative stance is often based on the standard under which these people were raised, which consists of entering a degree, earning a degree, getting a good job and, finally, retiring.

There is no problem in following this model, however, for many professionals the idea of happiness is not associated with stability, but with having the autonomy to create your own rules and work with what you really believe.

If you are investing in your own business, but have not yet gained the support of your family and friends, continue reading our post. We've put together 6 tips that will help you venture into an unconventional path without giving up the recognition of those you admire most!

Learn how to respond to criticism

When you turn down a college degree or a well-paying job to pursue your business dream, you will inevitably hear criticism. Therefore, when confronted, avoid getting into an argument. In addition to taking a huge amount of energy, you will hardly be able to change people's minds by shouting.

A good persuasion strategy when it comes to family members is to use language that everyone will understand. Instead of opposing people, explain the importance of your goal and how following a conventional work model can affect your happiness and self-esteem. Show that you are solely responsible for your decisions, but that their support will be essential in the difficult journey that lies ahead.

Involve the family more actively in your business

How many people stop taking an international trip because they don't know the real costs? Don't invest in a freelance career because you don't know how to start? Or do they not enter a particular store because they believe its products are worth more than they can afford? The same happens with entrepreneurship. The lack of knowledge about the processes for opening a business, costs, necessary training and opportunities available in the market creates fear in the family members of those who want to undertake.

To avoid this problem, involve your family members more actively in what you are doing. Keep them updated on the progress of your business, expenses, monthly profit and number of customers you have already acquired. Also be sure to explain what the market is like for the area, what the growth outlook is and what the main risks are. After all, they may be smaller than your family thinks.

Try to understand where your family members come from

When reporting their concerns, many family members do not realize the effect that negative words can have on your confidence, as they believe they are doing what is best for you. It is common for people to understand only what they are familiar with. Entrepreneurship is a career path that is still very new, full of possibilities that people who were born in another era may be unaware of. So, try to understand where your family members come from and their perspective on life.

How was the creation? Under what economic conditions did they grow? What was the professional path taken? Did they fail in their dreams? Putting yourself in their shoes will help you create the right arguments to understand their concerns, respond to criticism with cohesion and make them understand how promising the entrepreneurial market can be for you.

Set limits

If, even following the previous tips, criticism from family and friends continues to affect your confidence and performance, perhaps the best way is to set limits. They will be fundamental to maintaining control of your life and avoiding conflicts.

If your family members cross the boundary you have established, have a frank conversation about what is acceptable and what is not, and the negative influence that criticism has on you. Over time it will be easier to make them understand your perspective and how entrepreneurship represents something serious for you.

Be careful with the influence of negative opinions

Undertaking is launching yourself into the unknown, where there is no manual to follow or a guide to what is right and wrong. This entire journey is marked by news, failures and many negative reviews. To achieve success you need to count on the support of other people and be open to opinions, while being very careful with them.

There will be people rooting for your failure, simply because they don't have the courage to do what you're doing. Surround yourself with family members you trust and who can provide constructive criticism. If someone, even a family member, is always pointing out aspects that affect your self-esteem or doesn't offer the support you need to improve, it's best to keep them away from your business.

So, how is your journey as an entrepreneur? Is your family providing the necessary support?

Article by @Bellutec