How to Handle Haters When Starting Over in Business
Updated: Dec 19, 2021
At the very beginning of the rebuilding of my company, I had a good friend come to see me and ask what I was up to. We had done business together and she knew I was going through a major mid-life identity crisis within myself and the company.
At the point that she came, I had already heard from God that I needed to REBUILD Creative Complex, but the steps weren’t totally clear yet. When she quizzed me on my strategy, I was stuck.
She sensed my hesitation and said the words that no entrepreneur ever wants to hear: Alex, have you thought about closing the company up and getting a JOB?
I nearly fainted. I stared blankly back into her eyes. For a moment I doubted myself and thought how nice it would be to quit and get a job. After she left, anger built up inside of me at the audacity she had to diagnose me as needing to get a job. To be honest, I’m still hurt. I pray for that person and try to not hang out with people like that as far as I can control it.
We’re all going to have Haters come alongside to try to derail us. They can’t stand the fact that you have grit and determination to REBUILD your business.
How do you combat the Haters? What do you do in the face of opposition? What does God say about your enemies?
As we continue to chronicle Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall, we meet him in Chapter 4 as the Haters begin an attack campaign.
A hater named Sanballat shows up on the scene to hurl insults and incite others to wage an attack on the team Nehemiah had formed. This compelled Nehemiah to take time out to pray… a curse on them! He didn’t retaliate, he didn’t render evil for evil, he used the arsenal he had—prayer!
Are you aware of “haters” in your circle? They will usually be close to you. What can you do to deflect their influence? Do you need to stop hanging out where this person hangs? How can you pray for them? Have a list of “enemies” that you pray for.
Don’t think that your enemies are going to stand back and watch your progress in your business. Whenever you do anything to further God’s kingdom, the devil will be waiting for an opportunity to attack you at the point at which you are most vulnerable (which is usually when you’re financially down).
As Godpreneurs we can make a concerted effort to focus on the tasks of rebuilding our businesses and ask God to let us not become distracted by those who are against the work we do for God’s kingdom. Pray: Lord, guard my lips that I will not become embroiled in petty arguments even though my feelings may be hurt. Keep me steadfast in the work you have called me to do.
ACTION: Take your phone and delete any haters on your phone. Delete them from your social media too.
All my best,
Alex Miranda
Get to know me at www.alexmiranda22.com
P.S. I did a Business bible study called 40 Days to Restarting Your Business, God's Way. Check it out:
A business Bible study to help you rethink, reinvent, and restart your business, but this time, God's Way!
We parallel Nehemiah's rebuilding of the wall to your journey in rebuilding your business.
Also, coaches and Christian business leaders, you can use, edit, and repurpose the teachings for your own tribe! Check it out.