Listening to the right voices

People often listen to someone not because they need the information, but because they want that person to like them or be impressed with them. It doesn’t usually turn out well.

Others will always have their own agenda when giving opinions and advice. That’s why it is important to rely on those who have proven through past experience that they have your business interests at the forefront and can be trusted to work toward your common goals.

Of course, we all have occasion to accept the opinions and information input from new people. So how can we effectively gauge the worth of unvetted persons?

Consider how the individual is or is not achieving success in their own life and work. Are they well respected and well-spoken? Does this person offer unsolicited information and push their opinions on others? Try to find out how this person’s assistance has affected others.