The Best Business Advice I’ve Ever Had Didn’t Come from a Guru

Thinking back over the years some of the best advice I have had has been a nugget of something from a book or audiobook, or a child I have been working with.

I’ve signed up for all sorts of help over the years. I’ve been the “mug” that was enticed in by flashy marketing and big promises. But the problem was it didn’t always follow through.

Sometimes the ones who offer the most, provide the least.

There was one course that I signed up for that promised that if you watched the videos and went through all the steps of their course but didn’t see the results that they promised you would get every single penny back “they were that confident!”

So, I signed up. Logged on.

The video played an error message. I tried again, and again.

Nothing.

I contacted them and asked for either help or my money back. But their response was we can only give you your money back if you watch the videos and go through all the steps as it says in the guarantee. The message was very much sorry but you’re on your own with this.

One mentoring group I belonged to for a few years when I first started was obviously (in hindsight) aimed at far more established businesses and although a lot of what they offered was great, the business just wasn’t in a place that I could afford to sign up for all the extra support and ad-ones that I would need to do the steps that they were suggesting.

The fashion at the moment on every social media platform seems to be saying that they can get you earning thousands each month as a tutor working anywhere in the world. Sadly, my experience has proven that is so far from the truth. It takes time, effort and dedication.

The most valuable advice has often been the simplest.

What has actually helped more than anything has been reliable. When someone gets in touch get back to them as quickly as possible. Being helpful, building relationships and listening. Adapting to their needs and working hard both in the lesson but also in the business.

Children as teachers

Consistently over the years some of the ideas I’ve had from the children I work with have been amazing. They’ve varied from adapting a resource to do it like this, to a revision technique, to asking for help from AI.

I often feel I have learned as much from some of the kids that I’ve worked with as they have learned from me. They have definitely inspired me more than some of the courses and mentors I’ve had.

Like I say you don’t need every piece of advice.
Some things work for some people and not others.

If you would like me to pop a copy of my book in the post for you (completely free, no ties) I am more than happy to. It's the steps I wish I had been given when I was starting out as a tutor. If wanted, or if you have any other questions, please do ask: [email protected]