Where Would You Get Advice???

We’re awash in an ocean of experts. You can’t flick on a cable news or daytime-talk show without seeing some expert chatting about child psychology, reducing personal debt, losing weight, the political climate, global warming…etc.

Whether It's Black Diamond Skiing
or plumbing - sometimes you need an expert

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good expert!  When I used to be a news reporter, building and fostering a strong network of quality experts was an important part of the job.  You needed someone to help place the events of the day within a proper context for the news consumer at home.

If there was a huge intra-day drop in the stock market, it was essential to get perspective from a financial investment expert to discuss how that type of event would impact the 401(K)s of Middle America.  Or if there was a violent attack at a high school somewhere in the country, a bona fide news angle was trying to line up an interview with a local child psychologist who might offer tips to parents which might help the child work through the tragedy.

Again, I love a good expert!

But when you’re seeking advice regarding a potentially life-impacting decision what KIND of expert would you prefer?  While there’s a continuum of skill, ability and knowledge that an expert possesses, the vast majority of experts either tend to rely more on their personal “real-world” experience of having gone through the situation themselves versus experts who may lack first-hand experience but have learned from others through observation or through education.

Which type of expert are you more pre-disposed to seek or doesn’t it matter?

I’m well aware that the only answer to that broad a question is, “It depends on the situation as well as a variety of other factors,” – I get that.  But generally speaking would you prefer an expert that has a lot of head knowledge or hands-on knowledge?

For example, would you prefer a marriage counselor who has a healthy marriage themselves or one who was divorced and knows that dimension as well?  Would you want to learn weight loss tips from someone who’s lost a lot of pounds or from a perfectly fit trainer who’s never had a problem with weight?  If you’re just starting a business would want advice from someone who may have run their own business and failed, or would you seek counsel from a start-up consultant who has helped dozens of businesses get off the ground yet lacks day-to-day operations experience?

I’m curious to hear what you think…..