“Listen to advice, but always consider the source and their intent.”
Everyone has an opinion, but not everyone’s opinion matters. It’s essential to know how to filter advice, identify credible sources, and listen to experts who truly know what they’re talking about. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and ignore the noise from those who don’t have your best interests at heart.
As the saying goes:
“Not everyone has the same level of experience or knowledge. Learn to discern who to listen to and who to ignore. Your success depends on surrounding yourself with the right people.”
A Quick Story:
Recently, I attended a business event and met a fellow entrepreneur who was struggling with her digital marketing and SEO. Despite having a passion for her business, she didn’t have an optimized website or a professional online presence. When I asked who was leading her marketing efforts she responded, “Oh, my friend is helping me, and I’m going to read some stuff on Google this weekend.”
This encounter highlights a common issue: relying on inadequate or inexperienced sources for crucial business advice. It’s a reminder of how important it is to seek guidance from professionals who have the expertise and experience to provide valuable insights.
Think About It:
Do you trust the person currently in aesthetician school to give you advice on which laser to buy or the person who has been working in the industry for years?
Would you rather have an experienced injector poking your face or a nurse who took a two-day class and is practicing on her friends?
Knowledge and expertise come from experience in every part of life.
Key Points on Taking Advice:
Evaluate the Source:
Consider if the person giving advice has relevant experience or knowledge.
Do they understand your industry, demographic, or the specifics of your business?
As Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman says, “We are often confident even when we are wrong.”
Always evaluate the credibility of the advice you receive.
Intent and Support:
Reflect on their intent. Are they genuinely trying to help, or do they have other motivations? Are they long-term supporters of your business? Surround yourself with those who uplift and support your vision.
Decision Making:
When making business decisions, especially changes to your website or marketing strategies, base them on data and analytics rather than solely on external opinions. Steve Jobs famously said,
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”
Trust your data and instincts over unsolicited advice.
Problem Solving:
Women often feel the need to overhaul everything when encountering problems. Instead, approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Break down issues into manageable parts and seek advice from those with proven expertise in those areas.
Advice to Remember:
You will encounter many people in your life who will offer advice about what you’re doing. While some of this advice will be positive, a significant amount might come across as negative. It’s essential to understand that these people are sharing insights based on their life, job, and generational experiences.
When receiving advice, it’s crucial to listen but also to consider the source. If you’re working on a project and believe in its value, but your partner—who isn’t your target demographic or lacks business and marketing experience—disagrees, remember to trust your intuition.
By evaluating the source, understanding the intent, making data-driven decisions, and approaching problems strategically, you can navigate the noise and focus on advice that truly matters
