While statistics show more women starting a new business than ever, many others will get no further than thinking or planning stages. Because well-meaning family and friends will stop them.

These aren’t negative people “out to get you”. Simply good-hearted family and friends with your best interests at heart.

In fact - not a day goes by I don’t hear unique stories from women with families or friends who list - every reason in the world - why they shouldn’t leave their jobs to start a small, or home business. Everything from the logical “You need your paycheck”, to “What are you thinking?”

1. You have a family.
Most of us do. But that doesn’t stop us from joining business groups; getting elected to boards of directors; volunteer and participate in church and school functions; running for political office, for example.

Unfortunately, starting a new or home business can scare family and friends. Your biz might take you away from the family too much. Could create family, personal or financial problems. Can’t blame them for thinking these things. They’re all very important.

How can you handle this?
Get your family firmly behind you. Have family meetings. Keep them abreast of ideas, changes and plans. Get their input. Field questions; put them at ease. Gather statistics to show how others have succeeded in a similar business. In short, they want to help you; and think they are. So provide them the info they need to get behind you. And help you succeed.
Have a plan - which allows plenty of family time and includes a vacation. Be sure all family scenarios are planned for - taking kids to school, picking them up, shuttling them to activities, for instance. Have a personal cel phone number family can call. And a plan for emergencies.

2. We need the money.
These words can easily disguise worry about whether you’ll have enough income to replace your paycheck. In other words, will there be enough money to pay the house and/or car payment? What about those extras - eating out, taking a vacation, the promised new car, for example? How will you pay for your kids education?

It’s normal for family to seek reassurance they’ll continue to live in the style they’re accustomed to. Be upfront with your plan of action and perceived results. Don’t leave them worried.

How can you handle this?
Start out part time. If necessary, slowly work your way to a full time business. Work shorter hours or nights on your day job. If necessary, take a part time job. Purchase equipment, office products, merchandise and other items on an as-needed basis while you have a job. Remember, highly successful people like Bill Gates started their biz in a garage, part time.
Be well prepared. Apply for a loan, line of credit, or extra credit card for your biz while you still have a job. Have a well-written biz plan for lenders and as a guide. Seek investors or funding before taking the plunge. Start paying off, or down, personal debt. The less financial stress, the better.

And very importantly, have a way to handle your own personal financial responsibilities that provides your family the security they need.

3. Have you lost your mind - giving up your paycheck/day job?
Not everyone has the creative ideas you have. Nor the desire and determination to risk working independently. People who make these statements believe they’re helping - pointing out what you may have overlooked. And who can blame them? They care.

How can you handle this?
Prepare, well in advance, for the loss of your paycheck.
Develop new streams of income; start a savings plan. Sell off vehicles, boats, unused equipment. Have regular garage or estate sales to raise extra money. Sell your stuff on eBay. Take a part time job until your biz takes off. Hire someone to run or you run the biz part time until it grows enough to allow you to quit your job.

Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One, Inc, says “Your husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, neighbors, sometimes even your financial advisors and your lawyers are first to want to protect you”.

If, all things considered, you have a great business idea, a good biz plan, the means and ability to get your biz up and successfully running - and your family’s on board - stay upbeat, determined and focused. And you’ll soon discover when you act successful people will believe you are successful. And quickly jump on your bandwagon.

Jean L. Serio has 35 years experience in business, working for 4 top retail corporations. In Management and Sales, Training and Development. For the last 15 years, she’s used that experience to start up 8 businesses of her own. And helped hundreds of women start up a business. To sign up for your Free Ezine “Women Start Up a Biz” and receive your Bonus Report, “The Truth About the 5 Mistakes Women Make Starting a Business and 30 Simple Ways to Avoid Them”, click to continue: http://www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com “We help you make it happen!”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_L._Serio