Business By Hormozi #267: What Will Work for You – Why Following Generic Advice Isn’t the Answer
0
0
0
The Pitfall of Following What Will Work for You
“Most advice is people simply pointing out the difference between what you’re doing and what they did and has nothing to do with what will work for you.” This quote touches on an essential truth: while advice from others can be helpful, it often misses the mark because it’s based on their experiences, not yours. People’s paths to success are unique, and while learning from others can provide valuable insights, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for you.
Let’s take the story of two entrepreneurs, Alex and Natalie, both of whom sought advice from others in their quest for success. Their journey through the world of business revealed a powerful lesson about the importance of finding your own path.
Alex’s Experience: Following What Will Work for You on Someone Else’s Terms
Alex had always dreamed of starting his own digital marketing agency. He was passionate about social media and SEO and was ready to build a business that reflected his interests. However, when he shared his idea with his mentor, Mike, he was given advice that worked for Mike but didn’t necessarily apply to Alex’s goals.
Mike had built a successful marketing business by focusing exclusively on corporate clients. He recommended that Alex do the same, advising him to avoid working with small businesses, as they “weren’t worth the effort.” Alex, trusting his mentor’s experience, followed this advice, targeting only large companies.
However, Alex soon realized that his true passion lay in helping small businesses grow. His agency’s focus on corporate clients didn’t align with his vision. He was working tirelessly to close deals with companies that didn’t resonate with his values, and his business felt directionless. Alex’s struggle was a direct result of following advice that didn’t align with what will work for him. It was advice based on someone else’s journey, not his own.
Natalie’s Approach: Finding What Will Work for You Based on Her Own Goals
Natalie, on the other hand, approached business advice with a more open mind. When she decided to launch her fitness coaching business, she didn’t immediately turn to people who had built fitness empires. Instead, she asked herself questions about her personal goals and values. She focused on what she loved—helping women build confidence through fitness—and built a business that reflected that passion.
When she sought advice, she didn’t follow everything she was told. Instead, she picked and chose insights that aligned with her vision and goals. While others might have advised her to focus on broad audiences or aggressive marketing tactics, Natalie stuck to her niche and built a brand based on authenticity and personal connection. By focusing on what will work for her, Natalie created a business that truly reflected her passion and connected with the right audience.
Why What Will Work for You Is More Important Than Generic Advice
The problem with following generic advice is that it’s based on someone else’s experience and assumptions about what works. While their success story might be inspiring, it doesn’t mean that their approach will yield the same results for you. Each person’s journey is different, and the strategies that worked for someone else may not fit your unique situation or goals.
In Alex’s case, following Mike’s advice led to frustration and disillusionment because it didn’t align with Alex’s personal passions and values. Similarly, in Natalie’s case, tailoring her business model to what will work for her allowed her to build a strong, sustainable business that resonated with her customers.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. The most important thing is to listen to advice with a critical ear, then tailor it to your unique circumstances. When you focus on what will work for you, you can build a business or career that reflects your true aspirations.
How to Find What Will Work for You
Here are a few steps to help you identify what will work for you as you navigate your own path to success:
Define Your Goals – Before seeking advice, clearly define your personal and professional goals. What are you passionate about? What do you want to achieve in the long term? This clarity will help you filter out advice that doesn’t align with your vision.
Evaluate Advice Critically – When you receive advice, evaluate it critically. Ask yourself if the advice fits with your goals and values, and whether it’s based on the advice-giver’s experience or your own unique circumstances.
Experiment and Adapt – Don’t be afraid to try things on your own. Experiment with different strategies and see what works best for you. If something doesn’t work, adjust your approach until you find what resonates with your goals.
Trust Your Instincts – Sometimes, the best advice comes from within. Trust your instincts and make decisions that feel right for you, even if they don’t align with what others are doing.
Surround Yourself with Diverse Perspectives – While it’s important to listen to others, make sure you’re gathering advice from people who have diverse perspectives. Don’t limit yourself to one viewpoint, but instead consider different approaches to see what works best for you.
Conclusion
“Most advice is people simply pointing out the difference between what you’re doing and what they did and has nothing to do with what will work for you.” The most valuable advice you can receive is the one that aligns with your unique goals and values. While others’ experiences can be insightful, they should never define your journey. By focusing on what will work for you, you can build a business or career that reflects your true aspirations, passions, and potential.
Moral: "Most advice is people simply pointing out the difference between what you’re doing and what they did and has nothing to do with what will work for you."
