“This just isn’t a sustainable business model. It won't last.”

That’s what a woman said to me about The Treasury back in 2018 at our grand opening.

Before she’d even said that I was on pretty shaky ground. I was in way over my head and completely overwhelmed by business ownership. 

So to say her words stung would be an understatement. There are two reactions to that kind of comment:

• One person might use it as fuel to push them to be successful.

• Another person might use it as fuel to light the entire business on fire because they’re sure it was doomed to begin with. 

I’ll let you guess which was me. 

Watching our numbers for the first year I was sure she was right. I had zero customers, a dwindling bank account and no clue what to do next. 

Then I realized: I was at the bottom and I had absolutely nothing to lose by believing in the idea of The Treasury. 

The investment to open was a sunk cost. I could keep doubting the value we offered or I could just lean in and bet on myself. 

Sure enough, the members started coming. And although it’s been so, so, tough at times, I learned three things from that woman's comment:

1. Don’t take everyone’s opinion to heart. They don’t all matter. 

2. And idea doesn't have to make sense on paper to still be a good idea. 

3. Most important: DO NOT be the person who poops on someone else’s dream. Your words have power, so use them for good.

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