Get Smart. Get Good Advice.

You’re supposed to be the shining example, the solid rock your company was built on. The mighty King of your castle. Why does it not feel that way sometimes? Ever feel lonely, closed in with no one to share your thoughts and concerns?

A few years back, we sold our consulting operations arm to a Top 10 public accounting firm. Initially, only the partners knew what was going on, and we later brought the team into the loop. Thankfully things went well through the process, due in part to our own experiences, as well as having some good advisors. This is key. Do you have someone to go to when you have big decisions to make? If not, here’s what I’d suggest:

1. Build an Advisory Board. This is critical. I’m not talking about the super formal, fiduciary responsible, Board of Directors. It is good to set up an agreement freeing your Board members from fiduciary responsibility, perhaps even getting Directors and Officers Insurance (“DNO”). Five to eight members is a good number.

2. Meet with your Board quarterly if possible. Strong board members like to get together with other “big boys.” Open your books, let them blast you with advice and help you steer the ship. Then, take them golfing, eat a steak dinner, have some drinks to show you appreciate them.

3. Talk to your Pastor and to God. Yep. I said it. Regardless of your faith, this is a great way to pour out your heart and get some good advice. God exists whether you believe in Him or not, so maybe it’s about time you have a chat with Him. And talking with a pastor/priest/rabbi/etc., can’t be a bad thing. After all, you’d be talking with His right hand man, right?

4. SCORE. No, not a touchdown. I’m talking about the Counselors to America’s Small Business (http://www.score.org/). The site is chockfull of business advice, tools and templates, and SCORE mentors can assist and mentor you as your business grows.

5. The Small Business Administration. Whether you’re thinking Uncle Sam is a beating right now or not, the SBA (http://www.sba.gov/) is an excellent source for your business. If you are thinking about getting a loan, building a business plan, etc., they can offer good advice.

6. Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO). This is a great way to meet entrepreneurs just like you. Join a group of business owners that are not in your industry (so you don’t have to worry about what you say) and bounce ideas off of each other. You can join the group by going to http://www.eonetwork.org/ and be on your way to greater success.

7. Vistage Coaching and Leadership. Vistage (formally TEC) is a worldwide executive coaching organization with chapters you can join to meet with CEO’s in small group settings. Each CEO is from a different industry to prevent competition and to allow you to “speak freely.” The monthly sessions are confidential, and the groups are usually led by an executive coach (http://www.vistage.com/).

8. Talk to Fellow Entrepreneurs. You can get insight from your grocery store manager, your lawn service owner, insurance executives, CPAs, IT support companies and more. Every industry has common problems like human resources challenges, technology issues, hiring / firing scenarios and more.

9. Listen to You. As you build a company, you’ll need to learn to rely on your internal compass. Some call it your conscience; others call it your gut. Whatever you call it, sometimes you have to make the call when the path is not clear, and if you bog yourself down in countless hours of indecision, you may miss the boat.

10. Google It! There’s nothing like a search screen and “I’m Feeling Lucky” to do some quick and dirty research on what you’re looking for.

11. Go to the Library. I know … it takes so long, you don’t have time, blah, blah, blah. However, remember the library isn’t just for your kids. Your local librarian has a wealth of knowledge and a penchant for research, so dust off your school shoes, grab your backpack and climb the steps to your library. You’ll be amazed at what you find.

12. Talk to your CPA or your Attorney. This goes without saying, and you can add financial advisor, insurance executive, wealth manager and others. You pay for their advice, so get good ones and let them help you. Just remember that ultimately, you make the decision.

There are countless of ways to learn, and the wisdom of millions of others who have gone before you is available to you if you’ll seek it. Stay grounded, open to new ideas and always harvest your thirst for knowledge. It will take you far. In the meantime, if you have other ideas, please send them my way. I’m always open to others’ insight!