This post was originally produced for Forbes. As a social entrepreneur you are likely to face a criticism. In fact, if you are a person who does anything—or nothing—you will face critics. One of the great lessons I’ve learned in the last few years as I’ve embarked on a new career in the second half of my life, is that your friends won’t tell you the truth you need to hear—they’ll praise your effort when you stink and flatter you when you are mediocre. Strangers provide an invaluable service in appraising our work honestly, allowing us to see what actually needs to be improved.