When I started playing golf a few years ago, I remember getting advice from all directions. “Hold the putter this way”, “raise your arms higher (or lower)”, “turn your body this far after your tee shot”, and the list goes on and on. But once I learned the fundamentals, ultimately I had to decide what worked for me.
To find what worked for me, I had to play the game, make mistakes, fix those mistakes, and keep playing the game. This led to more mistakes, fixing mistakes, and more playing. You get the idea.
The same thing applies to business. When I first started my business a few years ago, I got advice from every corner. Well meaning people would tell me I had to use this software, or that tool, or charge a certain amount for my services.
They didn’t know me or my business but they knew what worked for them. They wanted to share what they had learned and contribute to the success of my business. And the guidance they provided was extremely valuable in helping me build my business.
But, just as I had to do when I started playing golf, I had to figure out what worked for me and my business by making my own mistakes and fixing them. Sometimes I had to make the same mistake several times before I “got it”. But in the process, I found what worked and learned to trust my gut when making important decisions.
When I consult with clients on how to build their business, my goal is to help them to find their own way whenever possible because it is their business and they need to find what works for them.
I always consider myself a facilitator to help my clients discover the truth for themselves … to help them discover what works for them. Nothing irritates me more than seeing a “business coach” telling their clients what they should be doing without even knowing anything about their client or their client’s business.
Making mistakes and finding what works for you is probably the most important component of becoming successful in your business. Many people fear making mistakes and failing but I welcome both with open arms because I know each mistake and failure gets me one step closer to finding what works.
Here are a few results of learning what works for you in your business:
- You will make better decisions.
- You will learn to trust your initial gut feeling and take action quickly.
- You will have less stress because you will know what works and doesn’t work.
- You will know what to do on a daily basis to drive your business forward.
- Your brand will be stronger because you are more clear on what you do and who you serve.
- You will manage your time better and be more productive.
It’s okay to take advice from well meaning people, but temper that advice with your own personal experience and knowledge of your business. Take the time to learn what works for YOU.
