Starting a business is a rollercoaster. One moment, you're on top of the world; the next, you're second-guessing everything. It's natural to look for guidance but let’s face it, most advice out there is outdated, overly generic, or simply not relevant to your unique situation.

What worked for a unicorn in 2010 probably won’t cut it for a lean, scrappy startup in 2024. So how do you sift through the noise and find advice that truly moves the needle?

1. One-Size-Fits-All Advice is a Trap

You’ve likely heard phrases like “fail fast,” “hustle 24/7,” or “raise as much as you can.” Sounds motivating but context matters. A bootstrapped DTC brand and a venture-funded SaaS company don’t follow the same playbook. Your strategy should reflect your business model, stage, and goals.

2. The Startup Playbook Has Changed

AI is disrupting industries, remote work is the norm, and capital is harder to come by. Yet, many “experts” are stuck offering playbook strategies from 2012. The new normal calls for updated, adaptive tactics not recycled frameworks.

3. Survivorship Bias is Real

Most advice comes from the small percentage of founders who made it big. What’s missing? The thousands who followed the same path and didn’t make it. Learning from both wins and losses gives a more honest and complete picture of what works and what doesn’t.

4. Investor Advice Isn’t Always in Your Best Interest

VC advice often prioritizes rapid scale because their returns depend on big bets paying off. But that doesn’t always align with building a sustainable business. It’s okay to say no to growth-at-all-costs if long-term health is your priority.

5. Trendy Advice is Often Just Hype

Remember the rush into the metaverse? Or when Web3 was going to change everything? Trend-chasing without understanding can derail your business. Timeless principles beat buzzwords every time.

6. You Need Practical, Actionable Insights

Motivation is great, but you can’t run a business on vague inspiration. The best advice is clear, specific, and rooted in real-world experience like how to land your first 100 customers or manage cash flow during a slow quarter. Less theory, more execution.

So, Where Do You Find Better Advice?

• Talk to Founders in the Trenches: Connect with those currently building businesses similar to yours.
• Join Communities That Keep It Real: Look for spaces where people share struggles, not just wins.
• Listen to Your Customers: The most relevant feedback often comes from those already using (or rejecting) your product.
• Study Failures: Analyze what didn’t work it often teaches more than success stories.
• Stay Flexible: The right advice adapts as your startup evolves.

Startups don’t need more advice—they need better advice. The kind that’s grounded in practicality, relevance, and experience. Forget chasing hot takes or viral thought leaders. Your real edge lies in clear thinking, honest feedback, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing landscape.