When you’re a founder, you take a lot of feedback on different things. It doesn’t quite get annoying, that’s not the right word for it. So what is it like?
Sometimes it’s helpful because you see something new (rarely).
Sometimes it’s just another new data point.
Sometimes it’s frustrating because you know it’s something you should be doing but you’re not (often).
Talking to people is an essential part of your job. You can’t run away from them.
You’re talking to investors, employees, directors, customers, and everyone else. What are you going to do when people tell you your idea sucks?
How do you deal with that?
You don’t. You thank them for their feedback and you move on.
The hard part is knowing what to conclude from people’s feedback.
Some things to consider:
- Listen
- Assume people want to help you. The fact that they’re giving you advice means that they care about your success. So don’t take is an as attack.
- Be aware of how it’s making you react. Are you getting upset? Are you getting frustrated? Are you getting excited? Those are all okay. But it’s worth being aware so that you don’t let those emotions blind you and make you do something or respond in a way that you shouldn’t.
- One data point is not enough. You have to do additional research and talk to more people.
