Context matters:

When I get asked these types of questions, I ask more questions back. I also try to reframe what they are saying.

Are you trying to figure out how you should do marketing for your business? 

Are you starting a sales team and trying to hire the first person? 

Are you thinking about raising money for your company?

I want to provide as much value as possible to the people I meet with which is why I don’t enjoy talking about myself or my own experiences.

What’s most valuable for them is to give specific advice based on people’s own situation. It’s also how I can be most helpful, not by telling them about my experiences but by getting context about their situation and then helping them think about it.

I get the greatest joy when helping other people think about what they should do.

The next time you meet with someone to get advice don’t ask them about their past experiences. Share your situation with them so you can learn how they would think about what you should do next. Simply give them the context and have them help you think. It will lead to a better conversation that’s more helpful to you.

Don't ask how someone did something. Explain the problem you're trying to solve.