Over the years I’ve received a LOT of great small business advice. And, after compiling it all into this one post for your reading pleasure, I realised all that advice had one important thing in common.

You should always do the hardest task of the day first. Eat the frog, as they say.

No way, you should always start your day with journaling – it’s important to take the time to reflect on both business and life.

If you’re working from home, always get dressed like you’re going into an office.

Seriously?

Don’t wear pants if you don’t need to. What’s the point having your own business if you can’t work without pants?

Listen to your body and work the hours you know you’re most productive.

Are you kidding?

Routine is the key to productivity. The only way to get things done is to sit your butt down from 9 to 5. Even when you don’t want to.

You should always start your business lean and use your profits to grow in a sustainable and organic fashion.

Nup. You have to get an investor. It’s not the big that eats the small these days, It’s the fast that beats the slow.

A paperless office is the way to go. It keeps your mind clear and your systems all online.

What? Old school all the way baby!

Get out your pen and paper and write your to-do lists and letters long hand. It’ll encourage you to be more creative.

Trademark, trademark, trademark, and patent what you can. That way your concept and IP are yours.

Forget about trademarks and all that legal stuff. If someone wants to copy they only have to change it by 5%, so don’t waste the money.

Get a business coach straight away – it’ll stop you making so many mistakes and be the best money you’ll ever spend.

Do as much as you can without a mentor/coach, and then bring them on when you’ve run out of ideas.

Fake it till you make it!

Answer your phone in a different voice to mimic a receptionist if you have too!

Transparency is everything these days. Be honest with your clients. They will enjoy watching you grow and being part of your story.

Confused?

I’m not surprised. I would be too if I tried to take on board every piece of small business advice I’ve ever been given!

But I don’t. Because I know that all of the above has one thing in common – they don’t apply to everyone.

As soloists, it’s important to be discerning when it comes to advice. Different things will ‘work’ at different times in our business lives depending on our situation, experience and knowledge at that time.

The most important thing we can all do when it comes to advice is to keep an open mind … while taking everything with a massive grain of salt.

🙂

What’s your favourite piece of clashing small business advice?