Unsolicited Advice

Years ago I had an opportunity to work at one of the preeminent investment firms on Wall Street. Even though I didn’t actually work on Wall Street the power and recognition of the brand carried immense weight and added instant credibility when speaking with clients and potential clients.

A friend still insist he didn’t, but I’m convinced he got me the job, would frequently come into my office and offer unsolicited advice. At the time those lessons were lessons I was seldom able to decipher the meaning of his would be lessons/advice. It was quite frequent I would barely follow his suggestions.

Today and for several years, I’ve noticed I’ve developed the same tendency. Some within my circle have been facing challenges and I’ve been offering unsolicited advice. I’ve been offering my advice and tales of my experiences in overcoming similar obstacles which they currently face. “Free has no value” is a saying I’ve heard for several decades and the value of my experiences/advice seems as if it has no value to those, in my opinion, who need it most.

Today, Friday, June 14, 2019, I am grateful that:

I am willing to assign a value to my experiences. I may be undervaluing my experiences at the moment but I can always amend that behavior and pricing.

I’m willing to remain silent even when I want to speak. Discipline is required in various forms and for me, today, it’s best to exercise discipline and only offer my experience when asked.

Will offered me unsolicited advice all those years ago. It’s become a lesson today, more than a decade later, of how I can be of service to my fellows.

Stem Unsolicited Advice. Be Impactful!