Welcome to Episode 4 of The Startup Chat with Steli and Hiten.  Today we’re talking all about giving and receiving advice.  Both of us get a lot of advice and give a lot of advice in business.

First, remember that advice is a 2 way street  

Getting Advice

Don’t ask someone advice on how they did something, but on how You Should Do something.

Don’t spend too much time telling the backstory behind it.  You need just enough information to give informed advice, but this can be a way of steering a conversation and asking probing questions.

Get advice from someone one step ahead of you, and give advice to people one step behind you.  Otherwise it’s just inspiration.

Giving Advice

Have it be timely, something the person you’re giving it to can actually take action on.  People too far away from a problem just can’t relate to what problems you’re facing.

Focus on the Framework, not just the specific target you’re trying to achieve of that question.

The best advice is when someone guides you through how to think about a problem, asks good questions, and removes barriers between a current situation and the future goals.

In the end, we’re just trying to help people be a better version of themselves.

Tips of the Week

Steli:  If you’re seeking advice, at the end of an interaction think of the one thing you can take action on immediately.

Hiten:  Have a defined purpose and intent before going in to a meeting.

If you're enjoying the show head over to iTunes and leave us a 5-star review. You'll be joining countless other uber-successful startup founders in doing so.

Want Steli & Hiten to record more episodes of The Startup Chat?

Help us promote the podcast by subscribing on iTunes and writing a review! After you've published your review, send us an email with your mailing address. You'll get Steli's book The Ultimate Startup Guide to Outbound Sales + a free 15 minute call with either Hiten or Steli to talk about your business (limited availability; first come, first serve). Click here to make it happen!