Asking business advice—it really matters who we ask what
When we seek advice from peers or colleagues we are usually consider the person’s expertise and ability to advise on the subject matter. For example, we would not ask the newly divorced about the wonderful aspects of marriage, the financially independent about the best place to purchase inexpensive items or the childless person about dealing with disciplinary problems. However, when small company owners seek business advice, I often see them forget this fundamental concept.
When we search for business advice, we want to make sure the person has the experiences and insight into our particular situation. A “one size fits all” strategy does not apply to business problems.
I am not suggesting that we only seek advice from those with direct application to our situation. To the contrary, we should seek the opinion from a variety of sources thereby gaining a well-rounded view. What I am suggesting is that we consider what questions we ask of whom.
If a successful discount retailer was to comment on marketing tactics for a high level Spa, unless this person was educated in marketing principles they are only equipped to prescribe from their own biography. Therefore, the advice may not be applicable. However, the discount retainer can be asked about developing discount programs for the Spa, thereby tapping into the person’s unique experiences.
With the recession on the minds of most business owners, there is an increased tendency to frantically search for advice. Frustrated and scared by economic conditions, they turn to friends, family and colleagues to whom they feel close and connected with, independent of that person’s business acumen. As a result, they make decisions based upon well-intended but often misdirected advice.
As nervous business owners seek more advice during these troubled times, applying the right advice to the right situation can make or break the company. Be sure to consider the source and strive to align the appropriate question with the advisors background, experience and expertise.
When we search for business advice, we want to make sure the person has the experiences and insight into our particular situation. A “one size fits all” strategy does not apply to business problems.
I am not suggesting that we only seek advice from those with direct application to our situation. To the contrary, we should seek the opinion from a variety of sources thereby gaining a well-rounded view. What I am suggesting is that we consider what questions we ask of whom.
If a successful discount retailer was to comment on marketing tactics for a high level Spa, unless this person was educated in marketing principles they are only equipped to prescribe from their own biography. Therefore, the advice may not be applicable. However, the discount retainer can be asked about developing discount programs for the Spa, thereby tapping into the person’s unique experiences.
With the recession on the minds of most business owners, there is an increased tendency to frantically search for advice. Frustrated and scared by economic conditions, they turn to friends, family and colleagues to whom they feel close and connected with, independent of that person’s business acumen. As a result, they make decisions based upon well-intended but often misdirected advice.
As nervous business owners seek more advice during these troubled times, applying the right advice to the right situation can make or break the company. Be sure to consider the source and strive to align the appropriate question with the advisors background, experience and expertise.
Posted by LW and Associates at 2/10/2010 10:01 AM 
Categories: From the desk of Lori Williams, Leadership
Tags: business consulting recession business advice
Categories: From the desk of Lori Williams, Leadership
Tags: business consulting recession business advice
Great insight, great article, and thanks for sharing it.
How to subscribe on your blog ???
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