Advice

Would you like some advice?

For the last 15 years, I have operated a business called The Wisdom of the Campfire. The inspiration was the experience of sitting around an early 1970s roaring campfire (hot, smokey and comforting, primeval) whilst out on maneuvers in a foreign country when I was in the Army.

I was a company grade officer in the company of German and American senior officers and senior non-commissioned officers, some of whom had fought in World War II as younger men.

I sat there, warmed myself, and STFU and listened.

A Sergeant Major said, “Don’t take advice from someone whose life you wouldn’t trade yours for.” [For the record, I did not correct the Sergeant Major for ending his utterance with a preposition.]

That stuck with me to this minute. I am not certain I understand it completely, but it has forced me to think. Here’s some observations:

• Never give unsolicited advice. I always ask, “Would you like some advice?” I have had a few folks say, “Thanks, no.” Saves wasted effort.

• Advice is renting experience. It’s inexpensive and smart.

• Don’t take advice from someone with zero experience in that line of work or endeavor. As an example, I have heard some spectacularly terrible advice vomited up from VCs who have never started or run a business. Run your own lane.

• As to the issue of trading your life for theirs, I have negotiated a slightly different slant on that — “Don’t take advice from someone whose outcomes in that domain you would not trade for yours.” Seems to be more on target for me.

But, hey, what the Hell do I really know anyway? I’m just a Big Red Car. Call me if you need some advice.