Thousands of books have been written with advice for business managers. I have read many of them and gotten a lot of knowledge that I use in my day-to-day business life.

In the 30 years that I have been in professional management positions I have also been the recipient of just as important advice and management principals from mentors, peers and associates.

Those people were not considered gurus as the authors are, but their wisdom has often been of much more value to me. I’m sure that in many cases their thoughts were not original, but handed down from others as well.

Let me share with you the top principles that have guided me:

“There are only two things you do with market research. If you like it, you tell everyone about it. If you don’t, you bury it.” George H., former suburban newspaper publisher, 1978.

“When you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything.” Prof. Frank D., A financial investment class at Columbia University, 1976.

“If the bank calls in my loan, then it becomes their problem.” Bill S., printer, 2007.

“What good is clout if you don’t use it?” Bill D., publisher, 1993.

“You don’t always know what you don’t know. So, take it slow.” Dave W., newspaper association executive, 1980.

“All companies are screwed up, it’s just that some of them don’t know it.” Bill S., printer, 1998.

“You would be surprised how quickly you can forget some of these major frustrations when they get into your rearview mirror. Remember all these things will pass.” DJC, management firm executive, 1991.

“If the job was easy, I could have hired anyone.” Source unknown. I’ve always liked to tell this to an employee who was facing self-doubt about completing a job.

“That’s why they call it a job.” Comeback to an employee who was complaining about all the work he had to do.

“Problems are opportunities. Take a look at how you can turn this around with creative thinking.” Peter S., Canadian newspaper publisher, 1981.

“When the sale is made...shut up.” Joe F., newspaper executive, 1981.

“When you lose a good employee just figure it’s an opportunity to hire a better person into that job.” (see “problems are opportunities above”). Bill the printer, 2003.

“Just because you have a good policy manual, doesn’t keep anyone from filing a suit against you.” Ed S., attorney, 2007.

“If your mother tells you she loves you...check it out.” Ruby R., news organization switchboard operator, 1970.

“I don’t care what you (media) say about me, just spell my name right.” Phil C., attorney, 1970’s.

“Cut (expenses) fast & cut deep.” Tom K., business owner, 2004.

“Looking for a job is a fulltime job.” Bill the printer, 1990.

“Blow the whistle hard and call the foul loud even if you are in doubt.” This was advice from a college class on how to referee basketball games. Apply it to business. It works.

“Feel, felt, found.” (I know how you feel. Others have felt the same way. What we have found is...”) In other words, don’t argue with customers, sympathize with them and give them a solution. Patrick R., sales representative, 2008.

And the most important is: “Listening is the key, as it is in all professions.” Good general advice from many sources.

Contact publisher Jim Elsener at jelsener@thebusinessledger.com or at 630-428-8788.