Entrepreneurs frequently ask for advice as they are in the process of discovery for their business.

What we know for certain is that advice is not a blanket you can throw over your situation and expect everything to fall into place.

While we can sometimes give a quick answer to a question, more often we find that those asking for advice are not able to describe their scenario in such a way as to allow us to reflect on or provide adequate advice. More information is required, more questions need to be asked.

We’re not talking days or months here — we mean a few more questions, maybe ten or fifteen minutes. And those ten or fifteen minutes are worth the time invested, so we can better understand the situation being described, and all the consequences and conditions surrounding it.

This is why we advise entrepreneurs to invest some time in understanding what is really going on.

Getting good advice depends on the timing on the scenario. It involves the outside players, and what exactly you are hoping to accomplish based on these facts?

What can be realistically accomplished based on these facts?

Is there a third party expecting a different outcome than the one you are projecting?

All these things — and more — come into play.

So, think about advice only as an opinion that you should consider before you make your decision.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What tools do you use to ensure you are describing the best scenario to get the best advice?

2. How much information do you think you should provide in order to receive good advice?

3. What insights do you have on the advice you have received?

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Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.