The Real Value You Bring As an Entrepreneur

Mindfulness in Minutes| Surviving Anonymous 1-Star Reviews—Because It’s Never Just About the Stars

Today’s mindfulness exercise is for every entrepreneur haunted by the jump-scare of an unexpected 1-star review. Yep, it’s October, and in the spirit of 'scary entrepreneurial stories,' we're diving into those dreaded anonymous critiques that can make you question if you're a total idiot or just doing your best as a business owner. (Spoiler: You’re doing your best—and you are the value behind your business.)

Here’s the thing: No matter how hard you try, not everyone will like every change you make. That’s where the real mindfulness work begins. Your business isn’t about appeasing every critic—it’s about bringing your true value to life, even in the face of opposition.

This idea started because of an ACTUAL online posting about a cafe in my neighborhood on our local social neighborhood page. You can read the full story HERE on my Substack, I've even dealt with this myself with the yoga studio.

What happens when the critique comes flying your way? Reconnect to what truly matters...

The Value of Mindfulness

Ask yourself:

What value am I bringing to my community?

Are you offering families a place to reconnect? Coaching others to become better versions of themselves? Or creating a space where people feel welcome, even on their worst days?

When things feel overwhelming, take inventory of your why. If it feels depleted, recharge it with stories of gratitude—those moments that remind you why you started. The online criticism? That’s just noise. Your purpose is the what keeps the whole machine going, including your mindset.

Responding with Confidence, Not Chaos

Another female founder I know shared her strategy for handling negative feedback: Each hater gets one comment. That’s it—no endless arguments, just a grounded, value-driven response.

It’s like Brené Brown says: “Don’t try to win over the haters; you are not a jackass whisperer.” Your job isn’t to manage every critic—it’s to stay centered in what you know your business offers.

The Real Value: You

The value your business brings isn’t just about what’s on the menu, the yoga mat, or the sales page—it’s you. Your ability to show up, adapt, and stay connected to your purpose is what makes your business valuable. Not every customer will appreciate it, and that’s okay.

So here’s your quick takeaway for today: Say YES to what works for you. Your courage, capability, and strength are the foundation of your business. Don’t let anonymous reviews or social media noise convince you otherwise.

Remember: You are not here to please everyone. You're here to bring your unique value, grounded in purpose, to the people who need it. And that is more than enough.