Stop Existing. Start Co-Existing.

How often do we say this to people eager to set up their business?

“Don’t indulge in this right now. Look you do not have enough resources. Neither the market is good for you nor you have enough experience to even start your own venture.”

I am sure you were either said so by someone or you said it to someone. But, is that appropriate to say? Doesn’t it make the significant other more vulnerable and demotivated towards his vision?

Here’s a story.

I have a close-knit friend who was out of work for about three months as he recently envisioned starting his business. Now, his case was quite peculiar. He was never interested in the job and all he cared about opening his business in a posh sector of the city.

He spoke to various business owners to work in partnership. Discussed with several of his friends to help him suggest ways to achieve his dream. Nobody stepped forward at least not practically. Verbally, they all supported him and overflowed him with ideas.

Why was he not supported by them?

Because he was a threat to their businesses apparently. They all tried to stay supportive of his face and backstabber behind. Their thought was on completely another tangent. With no care for his friend and his career, these people slowly boycotted him.

Until all this, I was unaware of his situation. As I apprehended enthusiasm and passion in his words concerning his office, I was touched. I literally had goosebumps. Looking at those sparkly eyes twinkle with joy and passion -it was then I decided to help him out.

So, I offered him all possible assistance from my end. With both of our efforts, he now owns a well-reputed office in the city with an adequate turnover ( as it is a startup yet). However, coronavirus took a swing to his office too. Even though the work is a little slow, his passion and hope are still the same.

What happened to his so-called friends?

They had to shut down their businesses due to this COVID-19. Lack of manpower, no current or future prospects, not enough liquidity, and many other reasons contributed to the shutdown.

Perhaps, it was their KARMA on them! Or maybe they weren’t as successful as they presumed themselves to be.

Moral-

It hardly matters who your competitors are! If you have excellent products and services, you will prosper. Therefore, stop just existing & start co-existing. Help one another to help others and yourselves in ways you can. No need to go overboard but enough to keep them encouraged. Do not let them lose their heart and excitement.

The greatest thing about him is that he is still as intrigued as he was when he first rented his workplace. I hope he overcomes all his hurdles ahead and prospers in his life.

Were you ever turned down by your trusted peers? How did you handle and overcome it?