Two years in development mode at a startup: how do you deal with family?

Try to think about an absolute minimal simple one feature only version of the system you are building, build that and try to sell it.

If you manage to get some sales (even with a ridiculously low volume like one $10 sale a month) you will both validate the market exists (for yourself) and have some facts to show this idea has potential if you only complete it.

If you can't get a minimal version out there at least put up a web site about that product with a form that lets potential customers register to get notified when the product is ready - that will also validate your market (not as much as getting people to actually give you money, but it does prove our target market exists) and prove the idea has financial potential.

If you can't sell your minimal product or/and can't even get people to register to be notified than it's possible your idea does not have potential and you should find another idea to base your startup on.

My first product was for a market that doesn't exists, I think I spent about a year developing it and almost another year trying to sell it before giving up.

I released my second product after only 3 weeks (nights and weekends only, I have a full time job) of development (and yes the first version was pathetic) got some sales and feedback and now ~3 years and a lot of versions later it's a really nice mature product (the product is yaTimer it anyone cares)

Are your parents (or other family members) supporting you financially? If so, then...

1. You could try and persuade them to your point-of-view by offering them (a) a share of your business or (b) giving them a promissory note to pay them back with interest in a few years when you're confident your idea will be making money.

2. You could try to "meet them in the middle" by agreeing to get a part-time job, one that gives you time to work on your startup idea, but also helps pay the bills, gets you some job experience, and lets your parents know that you respect their wishes while still being committed to your aspirations.

3. Don't forget to thank your family constantly for their love and support. It pays to be diplomatic, rather than adversarial.

Dealing with family in the early stages is tough. I think you are staying with your family while doing the startup - while that really helps you to save accommodation expenses, it also stresses your family members (and you) when they see things aren't moving forward.

Take up a small consulting project (shouldn't affect your startup in anyway) - maybe 5-10 hrs a week and do it over the weekend and show some money. Use this money to move out to a decent place and invest it in your startup - work alone, be free, get your startup to generate revenue and then come back.

My 2 cents..