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Saved February 14, 2026
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Charles Cook shares his method for gathering effective advice from experienced professionals. He emphasizes intentional outreach, preparation, and understanding the difference between diagnosing problems and finding solutions. The article offers practical tips for improving the quality of advice you receive.
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The author shares their approach to gathering valuable advice for improving their work at PostHog, emphasizing the importance of intentionality. Every six months, they spend two weeks reaching out to experienced individuals in the software industry, specifically targeting those who have succeeded in areas relevant to their company. They recommend identifying a topic where you lack confidence and then connecting with four successful individuals in that domain. Cold messaging on platforms like LinkedIn can be effective, provided the message is specific and the person has relevant experience.
In preparing for these calls, the author creates a one-pager summarizing their current situation and outlining key questions. This structure not only saves time but also demonstrates seriousness to the advice-giver. They focus on diagnosing problems rather than seeking direct solutions, understanding that the advice may not always lead to the right answer. Instead, the goal is to uncover the underlying challenges faced by companies, which tend to be consistent across different organizations. The author highlights the value of internal resources as well, suggesting that team members can provide rich insights based on their experiences.
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