I was speaking with someone last week who is starting her first business, and predictably she was a little overwhelmed by how many things she had to do. As we were talking, she said things like, “I heard that I should do this,” or, “So-and-so recommended that.” She was also actively looking for validation and answers to her questions, so she kept asking me, “What do you think?”
I exclaimed, “Wow, it sounds like you’re receiving a lot of advice!” She agreed that everyone seemed to have an opinion as to what she should or shouldn’t do and why that’s the best move.
“When you’re a business owner,” I said, “everyone will offer advice whether you ask for it or not. You’ll have people who have never owned a business telling you, ‘this is the way to do it.’ One of the best lessons I’ve learned is to consider the source of the advice.” (So I guess I inadvertently gave her more advice.)
It’s human nature that the people you speak with want to help you succeed, especially when it comes to money, investments, or business ownership. I think this is because when people make decisions that may be right for them, they want you to validate their choices by making the same decisions, so they offer their opinion. Unfortunately, most people aren’t qualified to comment on these areas, and in my experience, the ones who are most qualified are the least willing to offer the advice freely (free will or free money). There’s an old truism that free advice is worth what you paid for it.
When I do receive free advice, I try to look at what adds weight to (or subtracts weight from) this person’s opinion. For example, if I receive advice on financial management or investments from someone who has a lower net worth than I am trying to achieve, I give less credit to their words. If I am receiving business ownership advice from someone who has been a life-long employee, I thank them kindly and generally disregard the information altogether.
What I have begun to do is compartmentalize who in my life I go to for what advice. I now have specific people I go to with management questions, ethical questions, financial questions, writing questions, legal, accounting, relationships, life, investments, etc.
So how do you filter the advice you receive (solicited or unsolicited)? What measures could you take to ensure that you are getting the best advice available to you? Remember: consider the source!
Your Top Five (as viewed by the readers, ordered by date):
How To Create A More Memorable Brand
Nine ways to create a more memorable brand. I wrote this while examining the question, “Is it getting more difficult for people to remember your brand’s message?”
What You Don’t Know About Branding
Five important branding concepts you may not be thinking enough about. I was inspired to write this when an MBA professor mentioned to me that he only had six seconds worth of material … Continue reading →
We’ve all seen the commercials and heard the radio advertisements:
At Bob’s Concrete and Lumber, we treat our customers like family.
Wrong! Treating customers like family is a nice sentiment, but it doesn’t work in practice. This idea probably comes from the “family first” mantra we’re all familiar with, but let’s be honest, when things get hectic, many people (especially business owners) put family last.
I have a wonderful family, and I enjoy spending time with them. What I love so much about … Continue reading →
I held a small branding workshop last month at a local golf clubhouse that is managed by the Coralville Marriott. Working with the Marriott staff to coordinate everything was simple, and the space was perfect (nice facilities beautiful scenery). That was the good.
Then last week I received a charge for the space that was more than double what I was expecting. Needless to say, I was shocked. I didn’t receive an itemized invoice or anything, just the charge on my … Continue reading →
Answer this question: What business are you in?
If you answered with the type of product you sell (i.e., “I’m in construction”), you’re wrong. Products are commodities, and companies that focus only on the products are a dime a dozen. Companies that focus on the service they deliver have the opportunity to create uncontested market space.
Every single industry in the world has commodity players and service players, be it insurance, restaurants, or coal mining.
The commodity players are easy to identify—they’re the … Continue reading →
I’ve had my pair of Vibram FiveFingers Classics for a few days now, and I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had because of these shoes alone. I’ll be the first to admit that these shoes are different—but not too different. They are just different enough to make me seem more approachable and give people a reason to start speaking to me.
I didn’t get these shoes for the purpose of starting conversations, I wanted to see if they were … Continue reading →
I had a nice brunch over the weekend at a little restaurant in a bedroom community outside of Iowa City. After our meal ended, the four of us sat at our table chatting.
At 1:30 p.m., we were one of two tables in the restaurant, and the staff was starting to relax from their day’s work. Then one of them got up from the table they were sitting at, walked over to the window, and flipped the sign from “open” to … Continue reading →
Last week, I was asked, “Is it getting more difficult for people to remember your brand’s message?”
The short answer is, “yes.” Let’s look at some of the factors that make it difficult to be remembered today than in the past.
What You’re Up Against
Competition is always increasing, and it’s not just from traditional sources (i.e., you are a real estate agent and another real estate agent opens up shop). Replacement services, services that consumers choose to satisfy the same need as … Continue reading →
Sports teams spend hours each week practicing unique end-of-game situations and crazy situational plays that may never get utilized. Why? Because if a game comes down to the last play, there isn’t time to practice, there is only time to execute.
The teams that practice these rare situations often have amazing results and win close games, while the teams that only practice for “normal” game situations must rely on luck.
Do you regularly practice for the rare situations and customer requests in … Continue reading →
“Imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time.” - Mitch Axelrod in an interview with Paul Hartunian.
I love the simplicity and zen-like nature of this statement, and I have been doing my best to embrace this idea in my daily life.
We all battle certain fears and preconceived notions when we look to make our business or personal lives better or more fulfilling. Whether it’s procrastination, perfectionism, lack of confidence, fear of failure, fear of change, etc., taking action in some form … Continue reading →
Drew Schiller is a brand consultant and graphic designer who helps small businesses create and communicate their brand. Contact Drew at blog@drewschiller.com
I was speaking with someone last week who is starting her first business, and predictably she was a little overwhelmed by how many things she had to do. As we were talking, she said things like, “I heard that I should do this,” or, “So-and-so recommended that.” She was also actively looking for validation and answers to her questions, so she kept asking me, “What do you think?”
