Today, I'm getting real about times when I've tuned out the so-called experts and trusted my gut instead. It's made a world of difference for my business, and I want to share that with you.

I've always valued outside perspectives on my practice. Big shoutout to my past mentors – your insights have been golden. But let's be honest, sometimes advice can feel off, even from the pros. Ever felt that way? Stick with me; we're diving deep into this today.

Fresh perspectives are great, but what if they don't align with your vision? I've learned that not all advice is worth taking, especially when it doesn't resonate with you or your business goals. Here are three times I chose to ignore the gurus:

1. The Accountant Who Didn't See My Vision: An accountant once advised me to shut down part of my business. It didn't sit right with me. I believed in its potential, and guess what? Sticking to my guns was the best decision I ever made.
2. City Image Over Regional Pride: A business guru suggested hiding my regional roots to appear more 'city-like.' Nope, not for me. Embracing my regional identity has brought authenticity and success to my business.
3. Values Misunderstood: At a retreat, an expert challenged my personal value of being 'unsheep-like.' It took me a while to realise that this value is core to who I am and how I run my business.

So, when should you trust your instincts over expert advice? Here are some tips:

When you're navigating the sea of advice, especially in the allied health industry, it's crucial to know when to trust your instincts and when to walk away. A major red flag is the "one size fits all" approach. If you sense that someone views every allied health practice as identical—same clients, same services—you're right to be cautious. This lack of personalisation can make the advice feel irrelevant because it doesn't take into account the unique aspects of your business.

It's important to be skeptical of advice that seems too generic. Even if it's aimed at your industry, if it doesn't resonate with your specific situation, it might not be beneficial. Another key point is to pay attention to contradictions in data or advice from those who aren't familiar with the research you've done.

Listening to your gut feeling is another critical aspect. It's a complex mix of your experiences and knowledge, and sometimes it's the most reliable guide you have. If something feels off, don't ignore it. Your intuition has helped you get this far, so give it the credit it deserves.

Also, watch out for advice that doesn't match your core values or long-term vision. If the person giving advice hasn't taken the time to understand your goals or doesn't ask about your vision, it's a clear sign that their guidance may not be in your best interest.

Lastly, be wary of advice from those with no skin in the game. People who won't be affected by the outcome of your decisions may not be as committed to ensuring that the advice they give is truly sound for you.

Keep these points in mind, and you'll be better equipped to sift through advice and make choices that are right for your practice. Remember, while expert advice can be invaluable, it's also okay to let some of it pass you by. Trust yourself – you've got this!

If you're seeking mentorship or looking to connect with other allied health practice owners, check out our membership at theconnectionco.com.au. Can't wait to see you there!