Well, hello, my fellow Sparkles! Having a hard time with people who do not support your business? Do you feel completely unloved, unsupported and misunderstood when it comes to your photography career? It may be all the time, or even just some of the time? If this is you, congrats. YOU. ARE. NORMAL. That’s right. Many creative entrepreneurs are misunderstood. Let’s talk about how to LOVINGLY get your friends and family to get you and support your business.

 1.  Examine their motives when they don’t support your business…

Most of the time, when we meet resistance from family and friends, it’s not because they don’t support your business, more often it’s because they simply don’t understand. When I left my job as a classroom art teacher, I met a lot of resistance. So many of my friends and family members were appalled that I would walk away from a job where I litttttttterally had it made. My doubters weren’t denying my capability – they were truly scared for me. So, examine what your friends and family are saying and {why}.

2.  Educate your family and friends…

You have a responsibility to let your friends and family know what you do – and to teach them how to support your business. Being a creative entrepreneur is not easy. It’s not just snapping pics nor just fiddling on the interwebs for hours each day to promote your brand. It’s not just adjusting colors in Lightroom. They don’t realize this, but it’s actually none of that. Being a creative entrepreneur is a CRAP LOAD of work. And most people don’t understand. You will want to explain where appropriate, when you can. Raw photos. Pricing. Workload. Editing process. Don’t meet your resistance with offense and backlash. Educate the masses, my friends – education promotes acceptance and encouragement. Once again, teach them how to support your business.

3.  Remove toxic relationships…

Sometimes, my friends, we will have a friend or family member {disclaimer: this doesn’t apply to your spouse!} who doesn’t get you; doesn’t want to get you; and, a person who relentlessly tells you that your dreams are crap. This person will never support your business. He or she may say, “your ideas are crap.” And, maybe that person even tells you that you’ll never be successful {ouch} My sweet sparkles, sometimes people are inherently negative, refuse to understand, and simply need to be removed from your life. It’s best to speak out nicely and firmly {not nastily} asking those who refuse to support your business to keep your opinions to yo-selves.  For fun?  Google the crab mentality…. it’s a real thing.

4.  Be mindful of how you’re presenting yourself…

If you’re complaining, whining, and simply *can’t even* 24/7…you are asking for resistance {sorry!}. If you want people to support your business, in a public space, be sure to present yourself as confident and self-assured. But…what do you do if you aren’t exactly feeling that way? I know those poop feelings have to be sent somewhere… That brings us to #5…

5.  Find a community…

As creative entrepreneurs/solo-preneurs, we all tend to feel lonely from time-to-time. I encourage you to find your tribe and love them hard! When you link-arms with people who truly understand you, you will feel supported; encouraged; and loved. Building these relationships in a small community gives you a safe-place. When you’re in a safe-place it’s so much easier to stand strong and walk in your purpose.

Need a little help telling your friends and family how to support your business and how to love you well? Share this out to the interwebs {and make me the bad guy – I promise, I don’t mind!  This is my MOST POPULAR blog post ever – so I know you’ll love it}. Also, looking for that community and safe-space? Be sure to join myself and other creative entrepreneurs just like you in our free online community, Sparkle Society.  You can choose a mini-workshop as a free gift, with love, from me to you!  I’m so happy you’re here!