When you are embarking on your new adventure of sailing off into the relatively uncharted territory of the independent business world a lot of people are going to give you advice. Some of it will be good and some of it will be not so good. Some of it will be downright appalling. Always keep in mind that you are the entrepreneur.

Remember what Polonius said in Hamlet? “Keep thy own counsel. And this above all else…to thine own self be true.”

This is timeless advice.  It doesn’t only apply to people going off to University, but generally in life and most especially in business.

Listen to all you hear and then make up your own mind, which to heed and which to turf out like yesterday’s dishwater.

Learn as much as you can and then when the time is right …execute your plans.

Simple? Actually it is.

All you have to do is always be true to yourself, your ideals and principles. It is actually far easier than the not-so-straight way of doing business. While the old adage honesty is the best policy applies, it’s a lot harder to put into practice in the real world. People’s opinions can get in our heads and twist us around so we are actually going backwards.

So the best advice is:  always examine your principles and your gut-feel on something.

We all know what is right and fair inherently, and if you always strive to give your client base a huge abundance in exchange for their hard earned cash, you will be set. And don’t believe people who say it can’t be done. Because it can. Self reliance is a heartbeat away.

“Before taking anyone’s advice, do your due diligence, educate yourself and then do what feels right to you.”

Shannon Lavenia- Polaris Media Group