No, thanks! (That advice is free, but could be costly.)

Everyone has an opinion of what solopreneurs should do. How much do you let in?

My husband and I stopped by Costco last Saturday to pick up a few items before enjoying burgers outdoors at our favorite local pub. I knew the three things we needed and didn’t want to squander any minute of a pleasant Chicago summer evening.

Approaching a rear aisle display, I reached out for an oversized jug of green dish soap. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an elderly gentleman motion to get my attention. Oh, perhaps he wants one, too, and can’t reach them, I thought.

Didn’t see that coming

As I leaned toward him to better understand his needs, his eyes blazed a warning as he said: “Oh, you really don’t want that brand. The blue stuff is so much better. All the magazines and ratings say so.”

Record-scratch noises pierced my brain as it tried to process this interaction. Was I in that auto insurance commercial about how not to be like your parents? Did this man feel so strongly about dish soap that he felt compelled to alert me about my choice?

I managed a nod and a weak smile and walked away, green jug in hand. But by the time I got to the self-checkout line, I knew I had the topic for this week’s newsletter. Because, as solopreneurs, we face an avalanche of unsolicited advice.

Lost in advice-land

Even before a solopreneur launches their business, everyone has advice — and it continues nonstop as your business grows. Parents fret about you leaving a “good job” with a steady paycheck. Colleagues who secretly envy your courage warn you of the many risks. Fellow entrepreneurs cheer you on. And the solopreneur advice industry overflows with books, websites, programs, and coaches to guide, encourage, and warn you about every element of your business.

The unrelenting advice makes newcomers’ heads spin. It generates self-doubt in those growing their companies and can be a distraction even for experienced solopreneurs.

How to navigate this sea of suggestions? At the risk of offering advice (hah!), here are 3 filters I use when encountering the tsunami of tips, tricks, and opinions.

You’re a solopreneur, not a suggestion box

The foundation for screening solopreneurial advice is knowing yourself and your business.

1. Filter useful advice from the not-so-useful.

   Start by understanding your business well enough to determine what advice is pertinent. For example, if you have no interest in creating YouTube marketing videos, ignore that entire swath of recommendations. Time is your most valuable asset. Don’t waste it on guidance not aligned with your goals.

2. Set boundaries.

   Be strict about who gets into your advice-giving sphere. Politely yet firmly decline advice that’s unnecessary or comes from unqualified sources. Ignore opinions that don’t serve your business objectives. (Here’s lookin’ at you, threadbois.) “Consider the source” is a well-worn adage for a reason.

3. Use the right advice.

   Once you’ve filtered the input, take action on advice that aligns with your business goals. Be open to tweaking your approach, but avoid rethinking decisions you’ve already made. Trust your instincts, so you can turn constructive feedback into real business growth.

On your solopreneurship journey, navigating tides of advice is inevitable. Remember, you’re at the helm of your business, and not every wave leads to shore. Learn to filter, set firm boundaries, and strategically implement the appropriate recommendations. Steer your venture with self-awareness and confidence, and turn well-intentioned advice into fuel that drives your business forward.

Always remember that it’s a one-person business — and you’re that person.