Friends, I’m ALL about the power of feedback (it’s the unspoken fifth part of my coaching framework), but there’s a big difference between mindfully seeking feedback in an area of your business you’re ready to look at and listening to anything and everything that’s flung in your direction labeled as ‘advice’.
It can be very tempting to listen to anyone who has a suggestion for you, especially if your confidence is wavering. This can also be a short walk to distraction and business setbacks.
When you’re constantly open to input from the outside world, it can cause you to start and stop, burn down strategies you’ve committed to, and constantly test the waters of what everyone else thinks you should be doing.
Want to know what doesn’t grow a profitable and sustainable business? The corrosion of trust with yourself when you begin to second-guess what you’re doing.
Here’s what I tell my clients: unless someone knows the intimate details of your business, vision, and current plan, they don't get a vote.
I remind my clients and coach them to step into the role of CEO in their business and life.
As CEO it’s your job to mind who you outsource opinions and feedback from, and it’s your job to put those earmuffs on the rest of the time. Because while I love the power of feedback, let’s be real, not all feedback is created equal.
It’s your job and responsibility to protect your vision from the multitude of voices vying to give you their two cents.
It's easy at ANY stage of business to be susceptible to the well-meant, unasked-for advice that can cause you to sabotage and stall your growth. It’s everywhere, whether you’re looking for it or not!
More often than not, unasked-for advice is a distraction in disguise that plays on your fears and insecurities.
It takes serious focus, dedication, and mindset work to believe in what you're doing enough to double down on your commitment instead of jumping through every hoop the world will gladly give you.
Stepping into the role of CEO in your business requires filtering for relevant feedback and trusting yourself to tune out the noise of well-meant, unasked for advice. Otherwise, you can sway like a weathervane and are at the mercy of whatever opinion blows your way.
My rule of thumb is to be open and free with the content and value you share. Be vulnerable and let people get to know you. Break down the walls of communication and connect with your audience. Get to know your clients’ and customers’ wants and needs.
Then, be protective and selective with who you allow to influence your mindset, vision, business strategy, and plan. Unless someone knows you and your business intimately, they don’t get to influence your business decisions and direction.
Stay locked in on your true north and seek guidance and feedback when you feel off course.
Wishing you your version of success.
