Advice vs. Opinion
Ever since I started telling people that I wanted to make a living as an online entrepreneur, so I’ll have the freedom to travel the world and pursue my passions, I’ve been getting a lot of feedback. This feedback can generally be divided into two categories: Advice and opinion.
What’s the difference?
Everyone has an opinion, and they’ll gladly share it with you. In the last several months, lots of people who have never even tried to start a business have given me their 2 cents on the topic. I’ve also heard from many people who have tried and failed to start a business. They’ll often start by saying, “Let me offer you some advice…” but what they’re really offering is an opinion. I’ll usually be respectful and listen to what they say, but I don’t take any of it to heart.
Advice, on the other hand, only comes from people who have already done what it is that you’re trying to do. They’ve been there. They’ve done that. They’ve actually succeeded and so they can advise you how to do the same.
That’s why I pay serious attention to the likes of Corbett Barr, Everett Bogue and Colin Wright. Those guys are where I want to be, and they share how they’ve succeeded on their respective blogs. I read every word they write, and have learned a lot from each of them.
The next time you receive feedback, consider the source. Don’t take relationship advice from the loneliest guy in town. Ignore the triathlon tips coming from the drunken hobo. Shrug off the business lesson given by the lifelong cube-dweller. Folks like that obviously don’t know what it takes to succeed. Listen only to people who do.
Thank you for making the clear distinction between personal opinions and good advice.
I’m having a hard time with people who give answers to questions I never asked. How do you filter out all of the negative opinions and the reactions of the people who are closest to you when they say “you are making a huge mistake”?
It feels like I got “stuck” by confusing opinions with advice and now I’m at a point where I have to “fix” it for myself and follow my own gut intuition…even if my family and friends are disapproving.
Thanks for the comment, Kristin.
As tough as it is to hear, if your family and friends disapprove of what you’re trying to do, you need to stop being around them. It’s one thing for someone to not “get it”, but it’s quite another for someone to criticize you and belittle your dreams. Don’t accept the latter. There are plenty of friendly people out there who will get what you’re trying to do and be happy to lend encouragement.
Glad to hear you’re following your gut. That has served me well over the years.
Let me give you a piece of advice…
Just kidding.
Actually, I try to follow these rules when I hand out my “expert” opinion on something:
1. I need to know something about it. Moreover, I need to live it, and live it successfully.
2. I give advice only if asked for it and I feel comfortable helping (see No. 1).
3. I give a person options, based on my own experiences, and explain what the consequences of each option might be.
Good luck!
Very nicely put, Dave. Thanks for that.
I especially like #3. I always try to keep in mind that something that doesn’t work for one person might work for another, what didn’t work then might work now, what didn’t work in one situation… etc.
“Ignore the triathlon tips coming from the drunken hobo.” I laughed out loud on that one. Nice article!
Cheers, Matt! Glad you enjoyed it.