Advice, like many other things, comes in both the good and the bad. Some people dispense excellent advice, based on a sound understanding of the circumstances, while others simply fling phrases at random, with little or no regard for their helpfulness.

We work with businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs to established family businesses, all of whom have received advice of both varieties. Entrepreneurs in particular seem to be in receipt of an astonishing amount of unsolicited advice. Here are a selection that we have come across:

“You must have the smartest offices,” – you don’t need a smart postcode. More and more business is done online. In general people will be more impressed by good customer service than a good address. Save your money.

“You must have an expensive website,” – you don’t. You must have a good website that showcases your brand effectively, but good doesn’t necessarily equate with expensive. There are fantastic cheap or free website templates available. Equally it is often better to pay a professional to do this for you, as they will be quicker and more efficient than you.

“If you build it they will come,” – they won’t. People will buy your product if you market it effectively, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by stories of overnight success. They do happen – but not often.

“Your product or service needs to be unique,” – it doesn’t. A niche is an important part of your unique selling point (USP) but your product doesn’t need to be unique; there are plenty of people already selling bread – it doesn’t mean that you can’t sell bread too.

“You need to work 12 hours a day to set-up a new business,” – you don’t. If you work 12 hours a day you will burn out, which is not a recipe for a successful business. Pace yourself, use your time wisely, focus on the important aspects of your business.

There is an awful lot of bad advice floating around. If you are looking for good business advice, from people who understand how business works, take a look at our Business Builder Club. We can support you to help grow your business and realise its potential. Whether you are aiming for a multi-million-pound turnover, or a part-time business to provide you with the lifestyle you want, we can help you. For accountants who understand that business is about more than just the bottom line, contact TLA Business Services today on 01905 21411