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I’m going to be honest and say… dealing with negative people in your business can be disheartening. From unsubscribes and refund requests to harsh comments or ghosted DMs—it’s something every entrepreneur faces eventually. It’s uncomfortable, it’s frustrating, and it can feel incredibly personal… but it doesn’t have to be a setback to your success.

Whether you’re a course creator, coach, or creative entrepreneur, learning how to handle negativity in business is essential to protect your energy, keep your confidence high, and continue growing a business that aligns with your values.

Why This Needs to Be Talked About

If you’ve ever had someone unsubscribe from your email list, leave your group, ghost your messages, or worse—send you a refund demand with a nasty tone—you might’ve felt like a failure. But… you’re not. You’re human.

And guess what? You’re also not alone.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• A real-life story of my first refund request meltdown
• The 3 common types of negative people you’ll meet in business
• How to handle each type with professionalism and peace
• Why unsubscribes and refunds are not a reflection of your worth
• Mindset shifts to protect your energy and stay rooted in your mission

Let’s dive in.

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The Real Story: My First Refund Nightmare

When I launched my first online course, I was really excited, especially when I had some sales coming in. I had poured my heart into it, followed up with students, and went above and beyond to make sure they were getting value. One student, in particular, seemed super appreciative… until she wasn’t.

Suddenly, she claimed she couldn’t log in. I sent reset links, followed up multiple times, and got zero replies. Then—boom—an angry email demanding a refund.

I was past my 7-day refund policy. I had proof I replied with no response from her. But she kept claiming I hadn’t emailed her back, even though I saw her opening my emails.

It escalated. She told me that this was “bad business.”

And I felt… crushed. Because I was doing everything in my power to please her and make it right.

My heart raced every time I opened my inbox. I lost sleep. I stopped eating. And I started questioning myself: Was my course bad? Was I a failure?

Eventually, I refunded her. Not because I had to, but because the mental and emotional toll wasn’t worth it. And in that moment, I learned one of the most powerful lessons in entrepreneurship:

Not everyone is meant to be in your world—and that’s okay.

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1. Unsubscribes Are Not a Personal Attack

Repeat after me: Unsubscribes are normal.

Even your favorite influencers and most respected business coaches get them every single day.

Here’s the thing—when someone unsubscribes, it’s not a message that you’re not good enough. It’s a message that your content isn’t for them anymore. And that’s totally fine.

Think of it like walking through a farmer’s market. You pass by booths that just aren’t what you need. That doesn’t mean the booth is bad. It just means it’s not for you at that moment.

Your email list will always contain unsubscribes, but new ones will always flow in. Don’t obsess over it. In fact, take it as a sign that you’re getting more aligned with your true audience—the people who truly want what you offer.

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2. Refund Requests Don’t Define Your Success

Getting a refund request—especially a rude or unfair one—can hurt really bad. But here’s what you need to remember: it’s just part of doing business.

Stores have return policies. So should your digital offers.

Clear refund terms protect both you and the buyer. But sometimes, you’ll still run into difficult people who want their money back even when they’re outside your policy—or worse, they’ll blame you for their lack of results.

When that happens, ask yourself:

• Is this worth the emotional weight?
• Would refunding this person bring me more peace?
• Am I upholding my brand values in how I respond?

Whether you say yes or no to the refund, stay calm, clear, and kind. Often, the way you handle a refund says more about your business than the refund itself.

And never forget: a refund is not a reflection of your worth—it’s a reflection of their fit (or lack thereof).

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3. The 3 Types of Negative People You’ll Encounter in Business

Understanding the type of negativity you’re dealing with can help you respond more effectively. Here are the three most common types of negative people you may face—and how to handle each:

a. The Critic

This person leaves harsh comments, unsolicited opinions, or personal jabs. It’s easy to spiral when you hear something negative about your work.

How to handle it:
Ask yourself: Is there truth here? If yes, take the constructive part and grow. If not, let it go. Don’t argue. Block if necessary. And always respond with kindness if you must respond at all.

b. The Ghost

They leave your email list, unfollow you on social media, or exit your community without a word.

How to handle it:
Don’t chase them. Bless and release. Their exit creates space for the right people—those who align with your mission, values, and energy.

c. The Refund Demander

They blame you, criticize your product, and request a refund (sometimes with threats or attitude).

How to handle it:
Stick to your policy. Be clear, calm, and professional. If the stress isn’t worth it, make a judgment call. But whatever you do, don’t let one person’s negativity define your entire offer.

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4. Protect Your Energy and Keep Showing Up

This part is key.

Negative people will come and go. Your job isn’t to please everyone—it’s to serve the people you’re meant to lead.

Here are a few reminders to help you stay centered:

• Journal your why often
• Repeat the affirmation: “I’m not for everyone—and I don’t need to be”
• Focus on the ones who do stick around
• Let go of energy that doesn’t align with your mission

Think of your audience like a garden. Not every seed will take root—and that’s okay. Focus on nurturing the ones that do.

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Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by an unsubscribe, refund, or rude comment, I want you to know—you’re not alone. These moments don’t mean you’re failing. They mean you’re in business.

Let them refine you, not define you.

And when it gets heavy, remember: every “no” is making space for the right “yes.”

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Did this post help you reframe the negativity in your business?
Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs this reminder. Or shoot me an email—I’d love to hear your story.

This blog post is taken from an episode on my podcast listen to it HERE

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