Business Acumen: Beware of Useless Advice

There are brilliant people that study for years to provide brilliant advice based on solid, empirical evidence.  Then, there are others that just talk well.

Financing, Outsourcing And 7 Other Tips from an Expertby Shira Levine, touts the advice of two business women, Amy Abrams, and Adelaide Lancaster who are releasing a book in September based on 100 interviews of entrepreneurs.

The article sets forth the following advice:

1. You’re never finished with your homework
2. Really ask yourself what you want out of your business
3. Focus on what is meaningful to you vs. what you are passionate about
4. Figure out your business goals
5. Determine what to outsource
6. Find access to capital
7. Specialization is key

Now, I have not read the book.  And based on these seven points, I probably won’t buy it.  The reason is because these points don’t present a case that is no more than common sense.  Business people do not need motivational speakers or cheerleaders.  Instead, they need experience, knowledgeable and trained people to give them real advice of what, how, and when to do things.

To prove my point, if you were to buy this book, may I suggest that you spend an extra $50 and buy the following:

Good to Great  by Jim Collins

Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee’ Maugorgne

Predictable Success by Les McKeown

If you do not have the time or budget to read those, at least buy a smaller guide, Achieving Strategic Alignment by Barry MacKechanie.

Most of these books are critically acclaimed with sound business advice based on years of research by highly educated and experienced strategists.  In these books, you will find recurring themes.

Compare what they say to Abrams/Adelaide book if you choose to buy it.  Small business owners cannot hire the seasoned professional, but can learn from them through their writings.  Business acumen has a price, but the inability to develop it has a much bigger price.