There’s a BIG difference between opinion & experience.
Often, a person offers an opinion but states it as if it were an experience. Many people give advice without distinguishing its quality.
You can determine the quality of the advice you receive by simply asking: How do you know that?
The explanation should give you a good idea as to where the advice sits between opinion and experience. If someone has been through the same situation and appears honestly successful, then you can make a pretty safe bet the advice is based on fact.
Here’s how I rate the quality of advice…
- Direct experience—the advice-giver was successful, has been doing it for years, offers many variations, and can distinguish many nuances in the situation
- They were taught by a known expert
- They talked to someone with expertise who learned through his/her own direct experience
- They observed someone else apply it and succeed
- They read it in a book
- They overheard a conversation
- It seems like a good idea
Above all, the advisor must clearly understand your situation and objectives.
A good sign is that he or she takes the time to ask a variety of questions.
The ease with which the advisor asks uncomfortable-to-answer questions is a plus.
One who leaps to solutions is dangerous.
Remember to ask, “And how did that work for you?”
Even if they weren’t totally successful, you can still benefit from the experience they did have by asking, “
What do you think would have made a difference?” and “Why do you think that would have worked?”
Author: Burke Franklin
https://www.burkefranklin.com "It’s crucial that your innovations succeed in our world.
This means that your business must be profitable and sustainable
without you losing control, your mind, or your shirt!" says Burke Franklin the entrepreneur, author, and speaker best known for creating BizPlanBuilder® business plan software, and founding Business Power Tools®, the company behind a massive collection of management tools for entrepreneurs, business owners and their advisors. He has over 40 years of experience in business and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Long hours and diligent work got you this far, scaling to the next level requires an edge.
We developed these tools to accelerate your business while staying true to your vision.
Our real-world systems streamline operations and drive profitability so you can focus on strategic growth.
Please, leverage our tools and expertise to stay ahead of the imitators and become an industry icon.
Burke is also the author of several books, including "Business Black Belt" which provides practical advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners on how to build successful businesses. He is also a popular speaker and has given talks on entrepreneurship, mindset, business planning, and marketing at conferences and events around the world.
Burke Franklin is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and believes that anyone can start and grow a successful business with the right tools and mindset. He is committed to helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals and has dedicated his career to providing the resources and support they need to succeed.
