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Jul 15, 2011

Nightmare on Entrepreneur Street

Into every woman business owner’s life a little rain must fall. Most of us don’t have the luxury of the office water cooler or an ally in a neighboring cubicle where a sympathetic nod or warm hug will relieve the immediate angst of a situation.We have to figure out on our own the best way to process the hurt and act like a professional. It will entail reaching out to someone else and letting them know you’re in pain, which is no small feat for the independent woman.

Yesterday, after my e-newsletter landed in inboxes, I received an email telling me I’d lost all credibility by admitting that I didn’t know who Kaylee Anthony was. Ouch! I believe everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, but am not sure I understand the need to condemn anyone else for theirs.

In that same batch of incoming emails I received another from a dear friend and colleague congratulating me on the birth of my granddaughter. I immediately vented my upset to her, to which she responded:

“She is not your “right people!” Most of us are sighing a sigh of relief for the permission granted for self care.”

I took in her words and could feel the softening in my gut.

We each need to deal with incoming negativity on our own, and it’s painful. I’m curious what methods you use when things don’t go your way or clients are abusive. This also gave me an idea for an event which I’ll call Nightmare Clients and How to Deal with Them. Would you attend?

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10 Comments

  1. Christy

    When I read your blog about admitting that you did not know who Kaylee Anthony was, I thought, good for you Jane. You care enough about you to protect yourself from the negativity of the news. I have too many wonderful things going on in my life to be consumed with media drama. This is just one way that people focus on other people’s business & not their own.

    Reply
    • janepollak

      @Christy
      As a fellow coach said to me, YOU’re my right people.

      Reply
  2. Lisa Braithwaite

    I tend to process incidents like that one with my husband. I’m always able to see the event more clearly after we’ve talked about it. He’s supportive but asks the right questions.

    I’m sorry you got that e-mail, Jane. I think there are a lot of us with peripheral or no knowledge of that case, and for good reason.

    Reply
    • janepollak

      @Lisa
      How nice to have a go-to partner who’s truly your partner. You’re both blessed.

      Reply
  3. Julie Schwartz Art

    My sister is an artist and entrepreneur like me. We have always been each other’s biggest encouragers, fans, and sounding boards, whether it’s, “Yea! I got the assignment,” or “Is this a good idea or am I totally nuts,” or the occasional but inevitable “Can you believe he/she did/said that to me?” We also are accountability partners, keeping each other on track and on task. We’re both perfectionists, so the accountability factor is major. We attend shows together whenever we can, which makes it so much more fun!

    She lives in another city, so we’ve made sure we talk regularly and often by phone. Emails are okay, but we can brain-storm better by phone. I can’t imagine trying to do this gig without her!

    Reply
    • janepollak

      @Julie
      You two have a great thing going. Everyone needs a sister like yours/hers.

      Reply
  4. Lisa Zapatka

    Yes, I would be interested in an event on how to deal with nightmare clients! I just had to deal with one today and it was extremely frustrating and unproductive. I tried to resolve their issue, they did not like what I offered, so I asked what it was they were looking for from me to make it right which they refused to answer. They just continued to complain irrationally and never once stated what they needed from me even after I asked multiple times.

    Reply
  5. janepollak

    @Lisa
    Some people simply want to engage and you can’t win. Sounds like this person wanted YOUR attention yesterday and was not going to let go. As you observed, nothing was going to satisfy that desire. I’ll let you know when I have my event 🙂

    Reply
  6. Judy

    Jane,

    I agree with Christy, most people seem to dwell on what is going on with others, especially the negative than live their own lives. When you don’t join in the banter, then it appears that you are not in the know. I choose to not read the paper or watch the news for that reason, so I thank you for standing up and admitting that you would rather lead your own life than someone elses!

    Reply
  7. Sandi Berger

    Jane,
    I didn’t have a clue who Kaylee Anthony was either and I can tell you that I got a lot of productive activities done and was informed on important news during the time that I may have been sucked into that unfortunate and horrible drama.

    I like to keep in mind this good advice: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

    Reply

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