Like all consultants, I deal with my share of casual acquaintances and strangers who look for a ways to get free professional advice. The requests often come disguised within their idea being clever, "Can I buy you lunch?" or "Can we meet for a cup of coffee?"
Too many times I have been lured into situations that make me uncomfortable, frustrate me, and are disrespectful of my value as a marketing/social media consultant when I realize that the person across the table is a taker.
Now, don't get me wrong, I give away plenty of free marketing advice. This blog and my Facebook Fan Page are full of tips, tricks, and advice. I speak frequently and contribute to online communities through comments and discussions. I write articles and create how-to videos that demonstrate the process of doing something and why I recommend it. I also guest post on other people's blogs, and I consult on a complimentary basis with favorite non-profits.
I am a giver. That's my core philosophy.
Things are different for those within my personal circle, but there is a line. If I don't have a close, personal relationship with someone, is it appropriate for them to expect special treatment over and above what I freely offer to everybody else?
I tossed this out through my social channels and received some terrific feedback about how others handle such requests to essentially pick their brain for free:
Peter said that whenever a casual lunch turns, he laughs and comments, "Wow, look at that, you've just turned this into business!"
Rob said that he politely comments, "Let's not turn this into a working lunch. We can set up an appointment for that."
Ron said, "You really have to frame it that way. Your time is valuable and you charge your hourly rate for lunch meetings."
Tish said, "...networking has to have a purpose for me. Who are the people who want to network? What do they bring to the table? Will the interaction have a benefit for both of us, or is it one-sided?"
John said, "... Everyone is thinking of themselves, 99% of the time. They invite you to lunch because they want something from you, and you accept because you want something from them."
On the other hand, others said that they view it as an opportunity to impress someone who may become a potential client or referral source one day.
Valuable advice from people I respect.
So I guess I need to dig deeper when an acquaintance requests such a meeting and determine if the exchange has the potential to be win-win.
How do you handle such requests for free professional advice?
Photo credit: Deb Harkness
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