Beware the Business Advice "Noise" – Vet Your Experts Carefully

In today’s business world, there is no shortage of self-proclaimed experts, advisors, and coaches eager to sell you the latest formula for success. They promise rapid growth, foolproof strategies, and "secret" tactics to scale your business. But before you hand over your money—or even your time—ask a simple question: Where have you done this before?

The business landscape is filled with individuals who have never built or run a successful company yet sell advice as if they have. If they haven’t lived through the challenges they claim to help you overcome, they are no different from carnival barkers—entertaining and persuasive, but ultimately selling nothing of substance.

Experience Over Theory

Business isn’t theoretical. It’s a battlefield filled with unexpected challenges—economic downturns, competitor attacks, cash flow struggles, hiring failures, and marketing misfires. The best advisors have been in the trenches and survived. They have scaled companies, managed crises, and learned from their own mistakes. When seeking guidance, you want someone who has not only studied business principles but has applied them successfully in real-world situations.

How to Spot the Real from the Fake

1. Ask for Their Track Record – What businesses have they built? What challenges have they personally overcome? If they can’t point to tangible results, be skeptical.
2. Look for Depth, Not Just Flash – Are they offering insights that go beyond generic motivational talk? Real experience shows in the depth of their advice.
3. Beware of Overpromises – No real business leader guarantees instant success. Growth takes time, and legitimate advisors acknowledge that.
4. Check Who Trusts Them – Have real business owners seen success under their guidance? Testimonials from unknown sources don’t count.

In business, experience matters. Don’t fall for the noise—find an advisor who has walked the path before you and can guide you with wisdom, not just words. I have 9.2  million competitors who claim they are business consultants, advisors, mentors and coaches. When I validate their backgrounds, most have never owned a business outside of their selling advisory services. Connect with me today and learn from someone who’s actually lived it.

Written by Darlene M. Ziebell