The antipreneur

For an entrepreneur or any young, ambitious person, it is crucial to be around individuals who are supportive and positive. Entrepreneurs can be a part of three different environments: antipreneurial, listening, or entrepreneurial environments. Today, I will cover the role of the "antipreneur."\nAntipreneurs, as you might have guessed, are the worst type of people to be associated with. Antipreneurs are the kryptonite for any entrepreneur. These are the individuals who always look at things negatively. These are the individuals who love to tell you a hundred ways something will not work. \nWhile negativity and cynicism are the nature of antipreneurs, it is important to understand there are different reasons for their agendas. \nSome antipreneurs are cynical as a defense mechanism. They have endured many negative experiences and therefore have chosen a path of negativity. What has happened, psychologically, is that these cynical individuals have influenced their thinking so much that they truly believe that the world is a negative environment.\nAnother common type of antipreneur is the average unsuccessful Joe -- the individual whose main goal in life is to be, well, average. Therefore he sees your ambitions as a threat to his own lifestyle. \nOften, the average unsuccessful Joe will smile patronizingly when you tell him about your business idea or ambitions. He won't say that it won't work, he will simply treat you as an inferior.\nIn response to this, ask the following: Do you know of any reason why this (insert your idea here) wouldn't work? This requires him to make specific objections to your idea. \nMost average unsuccessful Joes are unperceptive and do not understand the role of the entrepreneur. The role of the entrepreneur is to gather different resources, such as money and employees. Therefore, when a lack of a certain resource is only a momentary problem, it doesn't mean a venture is doomed.\nAn average unsuccessful Joe can also question minute details. Explain to him that details are worked out as a business is developed. Remind the average unsuccessful Joe of Samuel Johnson's quote: "Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome." \nThe last antipreneurial group is the "friends and family group." These are the antipreneurs who genuinely care about you. However, these individuals discourage your ambitions in order to protect you. Explain to your antipreneurial friends and family that this is what you will pursue regardless of their support. Once your friends and family are convinced that your plans are set in stone, they will begin to help you rather than impede your progress.\nIf you strive for something greater, whether it be art, science or business, it is important to surround yourself with people that will support you. Avoid these negative individuals at all costs. If you are friends with them, then break up the friendship -- they are not your real friends. If they are a part of your family, then make sure you never talk about your ambitions with these individuals. \nBe careful: For every person that strives for something greater, there are 10 people who try to hold them down. Don't say I didn't warn you.