How to Get the Best Advice

Making decisions is part of the life of a small business owner. You make so many decisions daily, it becomes second nature. As your business grows, there are often challenges and decisions outside your comfort zone. When that happens, it's wise to look to others for advice and information.

Over the years I have turned to my husband, brother, employees, friends, other business owners and paid professionals for advice.

Sometimes advice is great, and other times, it just doesn't feel right. If that happens to you ask yourself questions about why your don't like the suggestions before you decide to ignore the advice

Why don't you like the advice?

Is it because it isn't something you would have thought of? 

Before you say no, ask yourself if the advice is bad or just different, particularly if it is suggested by one of your employees. If the risk of failure is low, give the employee the benefit of the doubt. They will be vested in the outcome because it is their idea. If it doesn't work, it is a terrific learning experience. In more high-risk situations, explain your concerns and look for ways to mitigate the risk.

Did you give them all the facts? 

If not, why are you asking them for advice? If some of the relevant information is confidential, find someone you trust to talk to, but don't ask people to fill in blanks. It's like building a table but only putting three legs underneath it. It's going to wobble and probably fall over.

Did you ask the wrong person? 

There are many smart people who may not be able to help in some situations. My husband has a Master's degree in finance and my brother is the best salesman I know. When I am facing questions about capital expansion for the business, I talk to my husband. If the question is about a sales incentive program or preparation for a big sales call, I reach out to my brother or my sales coach.

Did you ask to many people? 

If you don't like an answer, sometimes it helps to get a second opinion. Be careful you don't ask too many people. I see this often as business owners are faced with decisions far outside their comfort zone. Unsure of their judgment, they ask everyone in their life for an opinion. The conflicting opinions from people who have even less knowledge of the situation leave the business owner paralyzed. If this happens to you, it may be time to turn to a professional.

In the end, it is your business and you can't abdicate complete responsibility. And remember whatever you decide, real success is less dependent on what you decide to do and more dependent on how well you execute whatever you decided.