Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  October 05, 2023

When In-Person Expertise Is Better Than a Google Search

Our summer was filled with adventure and family fun. Unexpectedly, I also learned a powerful lesson about the value of on-the-ground, in-person expertise.

Here’s the backstory:

I felt sick at the beginning of our mountain trip to Breckenridge, Colorado. Headache, sinus problems. An internet search gave us ideas (altitude sickness) but no concrete answers. Two conversations with locals, however, shed light on my situation and debunked common assumptions. Those folks gave us information only known by those who live there. Within 24 hours, I was good to go.

We all turn to the internet for answers, including when we need help with our business. Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. are great for exploring and giving general direction. But there comes a point when you need one-on-one help from a fellow human to grow your business. You must be willing to invest in that in-person expertise rather than settling for free help from your friends and/or the internet.

Listen: When to Use Free Help and When to Pay for In-Person Expertise 

During these uncertain economic times, you may be tempted to “make do” with free help or (worse) figure out solutions out on your own. You may need more than that, though—like I did. There are different levels of help, and you must be able to discern the level of assistance you need for the situation at hand. Your business (and maybe even your health) may depend on it.

Now Read This:

• Why Famous People Can’t Help You
• Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road