Well-worth Reading

This is a sort-of article about the Best Advice that "23 successful people" ever got.  (Sort-of, in that it's one of those slide shows.  One person per screen and then click to the next one.)

A few of them are along the lines of "My father/mother/grandmother told me I could do whatever I wanted to," but most are interesting, and some even helpful.  One of my favorites is from Craig Newmark, who started Craig's List.  He was a big Know-It-All and was pissing people off.  His boss told him, "Don't correct people when it matters little."

Also, Nilofer Merchant, founder of Rubicon Consulting.  She was overwhelmed with so many things to do and went to her boss.  He told her to Feed the Eagles and Starve the Turkeys. "Feed the Eagles. There are only a few things that matter. Know what they are. And place your energy into them. They aren’t always right in front of you so you need to look up and out more. Starve the Turkeys – lots of things are right in front of you … pecking around, making noise, and demanding attention. Because they are right in front of you, it’s easy to pay attention to them most and first. Ignore them. They will actually do fine without you."

Or this, from Dave Kerpen, CED of Likeable Local.  "When you want something from someone, give them something instead, with no strings attached or expectations. Ask how you can be of service. Act like a true friend, even before you’ve established a friendship."  He says you aren't guaranteed anything from this, but "the point is that when you act unselfishly – when you behave as you would to a great friend – trustworthy and trusting, respectful and kind – then more often than not, good things will come in the relationship."