Be Careful Who You Take Advice From

Taking advice willy-nilly is one of those topics that totally befuddles me.

First and foremost, I am not a cynic. I just have lived long enough to see patterns and predictable behaviour.

“You wouldn’t ask your car mechanic to cut your hair… “

So why would you take business or professional advice from just about anyone who offers it?

Recently, I was communicating with one of my clients who attended an Internet Marketing event…

What advice do you think she received?

Create an Internet-based model for your business…

There is no surprise when I tell the story is there?

That’s my point – why does it take a 3rd person’s perspective to create that clarity?

I teach a concept I learned as a Ph.D. student – Critical Thinking. To assess EVERYTHING on its merits – CRITICALLY. Not cynically, but scientifically, logically, objectively.

Admittedly, it’s easier said than done.

My message for today is quite simple – simply ask yourself whose advice you’re taking and what vested interest does the provider have in your success? All too often, I see a “provider’s confidence in him/herself” overwhelm the recipient such that it becomes “gospel” – that’s dangerous.

My client was smart enough to realise the error of her ways. She recognised that Internet Marketing people – especially the iconic ones have ONLY ONE LENS they see the world through – The Internet.

Internet gurus don’t reveal to their “followers” how expensive it is to create an online brand with a value proposition that gets people to MOVE TO ACTION (convert to sales)… But it sure sounds exciting to think you’ll be the next “Internet sensation” at next year’s conference…

Go ahead and follow that lofty dream and let me know how it all works out for you.

I am not into low percentage, high risk ventures. I don’t promote that to my clients. My clients are smart people who want to build strong, sustainable business with minimal risk taking.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a HUGE fan of the Internet. I have sold hundreds of products and programs 24/7 around the world. BUT it’s not a get rich quick approach. Everything I sell and provide online is legitimate and based on sound business principles that have proven themselves to be SOLID, profitable and valuable to the recipients.

Give this some serious thought.

I can tell you from extensive anecdotal experience that approximately half of the business failures I have seen are due to misdirected efforts from advice gleaned from “questionable” sources.

All you have to ask yourself is…

• “Does this person (providing the advice) have your best interests at heart?”
• “What happens to THEM if this doesn’t work out?”

That is a VERY HIGH BAR to hold your “advisors” up to, but then again aren’t your goals, dreams and aspirations worthy of that level of scrutiny and protection?