Advice and Opinions are not the same thing.

By definition, Advice is: guidance or recommendations concerning prudent future action, typically given by someone regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative.

Whereas an Opinion is: a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge

Whether or not you embrace Christianity is a conversation better left for another place and time.  However, regardless of your personal beliefs, the Bible does contain some wise words as it pertains to this subject:

• The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
• Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
• Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
• Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
• Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

A common mistake made by those who are new to direct sales or who are considering signing up to be an independent consultant is to ask the opinions of family and friends.  “What do you think? I’m thinking about joining… should I do it? Do you like this? Which do you like better?  Would you host a party?”

The answer to those above questions, if posed to your family and friends is: “It doesn’t matter what they think!” GASP! Yes I did just say that. Of course you want their approval, blessing and support. Who doesn’t when starting out a new venture? But you’d be asking for their opinion, not their advice.

Who cares what they think about what you want to do? Are they qualified to give you solid advice about the direct sales industry or about owning a business? Is their feedback based on experience, knowledge, skills and abilities? Generally the answer is no they are not qualified; at least not based on that criteria.

The same holds true for online platforms – forums, Facebook, online communities.

Daily I see women (sorry to call my gender on the carpet but I rarely see men do this) pop up online and ask for opinions. They think they are asking for advice, but they’re really shopping for answers. In many cases, they’re looking for validation of what they want to hear. [Read more…]