Everyone needs to get some solid advice from a trusted friend or partner at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the time to listen — or hears, but decides to go their own way.

It is the times when we chose to charge off to try an ill-planned idea that we think will work that we remember the most. Even years later, you may think back and wonder how things could have played out differently, and why you didn’t heed some good advice when it was given.

Below, 11 members of Forbes Coaches Council share the one piece of business advice they wish they had followed early on in their career, something that they now share with all of their clients. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Get Clear On Who You Want To Work With

I wish I would have screened potential clients earlier on to see that we align. Wanting to help everyone led to trying to help people who weren’t a good match, which was a disservice to both of us. I suggest getting just as clear on who you don’t want to work with, as much as you’re clear on who you do want to work with. – Derek Doepker, Doepker Global LLC

2. Don’t Take Things Personally

I wish I had learned to depersonalize feedback earlier in my career. I took things too personally and didn’t take action on behaviors that didn’t serve me as quickly as I could have. I encourage leaders to be open to feedback and to be willing to hear the “hard stuff” before it becomes a derailer. – Grace Killelea, The GKC Group