[warrensway]

Through discussions with many people over the last few days I have put into practice my idea of what really detracts from Entrepreneurs being successful. Although there are countless things I have found, the single most deadly instigator of failure is close mindedness.

Here is the problem. YOU want it YOUR way. YOU are starting a company, so that YOU can do what YOU want. Even if people try and give YOU ideas all you do is act negatively towards them and what they have to say because it will be done YOUR way.

The main reason I am writing this is because I triedd to help a few guys out who were starting a company. They didn't take my advice, but came running back to me when the company began to fail. I asked them one simple question "How did you implement what I said into your company?" The response was what I had expected they decided to do it their way.

The one thing you should take from this is. ALL ENTREPRENEURS SEEMINGLY KNOW THEY NEED TO ASK QUESTIONS, BUT THE SIMPLE FACT IS THEY DON'T DO THE MOST IMPORTANT PART "listening", THEY WANT IT THEIR WAY SO THEY FAIL.

only real message... dont ask for help if you really are just looking for someone to AGREE with you and you are doing it your way anyway

[rogercbryan]

Originally Posted by warrensway

The main reason I am writing this is because I triedd to help a few guys out who were starting a company. They didn't take my advice, but came running back to me when the company began to fail. I asked them one simple question "How did you implement what I said into your company?" The response was what I had expected they decided to do it their way.

More details please.. this could be an interesting conversation.

[jasaunders]

AKA - Confirmation Bias.

[Dale King]

warrensway, just because you give somebody advice doesn't mean that they are obligated to accept it. Get over yourself, dude! I give people advice all the time, with full knowledge that most of them aren't going to utilize it. That's their prerogotive. That's their choice. You can't take that stuff personally.

Here's how I approach giving advice: If just one person takes advantage of my knowledge and experience, I've done my job.

Anything more than that is a bonus.

Dale King

[Fanatik]

Well said, Dale. I agreed that I've given advice, and some have taken it - some have not. If they don't, just sit back and know you did your part. The rest is on them. Hell, I work in the Mental Health careerfield, and I give patients advice all the time. If they don't apply the techniques I give them, whose fault is it? I did my part... time for the other person to apply it or leave it.

[warrensway]

When it is one of your best friends who is arrogant I can. Because I now feel bad for him and feel as though I have to give him a hand out because he can't listen.

[HarveyJ]

I'd chalk it up to them not doing enough research in the first place.

I DON'T ask for advice from people (excepting things that require aesthetics)...
I DO research the hell out of a given topic I'm looking into. My library fines are pretty steep...

If they actively asked for advice, take it for granted that they won't actually use it. What they're looking for is something to affirm the course of action they've already decided on. It'll be construed as good advice if it gels with their current beliefs, even if it leads to ruin.

By them a beer and say "Told you so"

[cosmocentral26]

Different people work differently. Some like to do things on their own Sure they would say more listen less.

[warrensway]

let me guess dale your a GUINNESS at marketing huh? Since your site is ranked 224,000+ okay thanks for your input sir.

[tazman9r]

People learn best when they think something was THEIR idea. Your friend may have thought that your ideas about his business plan would work, for whatever reason.