DEALING WITH RESISTANCE WITHIN YOUR OWN CAMP

Some of the biggest challenges you will face in making your business and family dreams a reality can come from within your own camp, from the family, employees and friends who have a direct or indirect connection to your business, family, and yourself. 

You do need to be prepared to deal with the most likely areas of ‘resistance from within your own camp’.

For example, in the early days you may find yourself ‘working overtime’ to make it all happen. Your drive will very likely be the energy that will build the momentum that will take the business to the next level. Family members may not like you working when they think you should be with them. 

This one is quite straightforward to deal with. It is called ‘negotiation’.

 First, are they right? Are you letting the work invade your family relationships? 

If they are right, see if you can renegotiate the work dairy – put your VIPs in your life in first. But sometimes you may have to focus on a business outcome. 

 Do a deal to give your VIPs the time they desire. 

If someone you love wants more of your time, this sounds like a first-world problem, as they say ... 

One of the most disappointing areas of resistance can come from family and friends who have their own dreams but who aren’t doing anything about making them become a reality. This could be your siblings, cousins, uncle Fred (who knows everything about everything) or your father-in-law who worked at Telstra for 20 years and hated every day of it. 

They might also be sitting there hoping you will ‘crash and burn’ to justify their own failure to be brave enough to have a true and proper go at it. 

I know this may sound too simple, but just ignore them. Their opinions only have power if you give it to them. 

Another resistance you may face is from family if you are giving up an established employment income. 

At different levels of growth, cash flow can be put under pressure, and you may have to take a ‘pay cut’ to see you through such periods. 

The first thing they are terrified of is not being able to pay the bills. 

If this is you then work out what your personal breakeven is.

Then work out what your daily sales targets are to reach that income. Then go to work each day and make those sales. 

If you are getting resistance from business partners or employees to the growth plan, then there are two areas of likely issues. 

Are you selling the dream to them?

You may have to address your own abilities to sell your ideas. 

Get some coaching to develop your sales ability to a higher level. 

Sell the dream, but if an employee is still resistant, make it clear it’s your business and your vision. They can leave tomorrow. 

For a business partner it is different:  Maybe, again, you need to negotiate the plan to be consistent with both partners’ goals. 

If this can’t be done? Well, shake hands, do a deal, and go your different ways. 

Accept that there may be resistance from some areas within your own camp. Resistance creates strength. 

Instead of taking it personally, use it as an opportunity to develop your leadership and persuasion skills .