What to Do When No One Takes Your Big Idea Seriously (Yet)

Picture this: you share your big idea with a classmate—or maybe even someone who could help you fund it—only to get blank stares or hear them laugh. It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone. Many successful entrepreneurs faced rejection before their breakthroughs. In this article, we’ll break down some simple, practical steps to help you handle the doubt and get people to believe in your idea.

Understand Why People Are Skeptical

Here are a few common things people might be worried about when they hear your business idea:

• They don’t really get it: A lot of people resist ideas they don’t fully understand, like how your business will work or why it’ll be successful.
• They’re worried about risks: Maybe your business has high costs or tricky legal rules to follow, and they’re unsure how you’ll handle it.
• They’re stuck on the cost: People might ask how much it’ll take to get started and if that’s realistic.

You’re not the only one—76% of entrepreneurs struggle with finding support, according to the Kauffman Foundation.

Here’s how to handle it:

• Listen to their feedback without getting defensive.
• Ask questions like, “What part of my idea worries you the most?”
• Use their input to tweak your idea or explain it better.

Start Small to Prove Your Concept

If you want people to take your business idea seriously, having some proof to back it up can really help. Let’s say you’re working on a biodegradable water bottle. You could start by making a prototype for your science class or a school fair. While you’re working on it, take videos and ask your friends to share their opinions. Save everything—like feedback and progress updates—in a folder or even on a simple website.

Why does this work? Because showing people that you’ve already made some progress, even if it’s just a small step, makes your idea feel real. It’s way easier for others to believe in your idea when you have something to show, rather than just talk about it.

Build a Network of Supporters

Building a network of people who believe in you can give you the confidence boost you need and help make your idea even better. Here are a few easy ways to connect with others:

• Join forums online: Check out entrepreneurship communities online where people share advice and ideas.
• Talk to business owners you know: If you know someone who runs a business, ask for their thoughts or tips.
• Find a mentor on LinkedIn: Message someone you admire and ask if they have any advice or encouragement to share.
• Go to free events and webinars: Startup competitions, workshops, or online talks are great for meeting people just starting out, or even experienced ones who can help you spot things you might’ve missed.

Communicate Your Vision Clearly

When you pitch your idea, especially with an investor, you need to be confident and explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. The best way to do this is to keep it simple and relatable, especially if the person you’re talking to isn’t an expert in your field.

A good trick is to use a problem-solution format. For example, you could say, “People struggle to find healthy snacks at school. My business idea delivers affordable, homemade snack packs right to students’ homes.” It’s clear, easy to follow, and shows how your idea solves a real problem.

If you have a product, show a quick demo. For a service, visuals can help. Use free tools like Canva to make infographics or a pitch deck that covers all the important details and eases any concerns.

Learn from Feedback—Even the Harsh Kind

Don’t take criticism too personally. Instead, think of it as a way to make your idea even better. For example, if someone mentions your pricing is too steep, don’t get defensive. Instead, ask yourself if there’s a way to adjust. Could you offer a subscription plan or let people pay in smaller chunks over time? Feedback like this can actually help you find ways to improve your business.

When you take advice and use it to make smart changes, it shows people you’re serious and willing to put in the work. It also makes you look trustworthy and professional.

Moving Forward

Skepticism doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Use feedback to get better and keep emotions out of decisions. Stay focused and keep pushing forward!

Could you be the next Kantner scholarship winner? Florida high school entrepreneurs, click here to learn more!