Acheive more with faster results.
10 Proven Ways to Say No To Someone Who Wants To "Pick Your Brain"
by Maria Marsala
Summary: Are you giving away business and don't realize it? Are you finding that your time is spent with people who are using you because you're letting them? If so, read on.
Many service-related business owners these days are "giving away" their business services - and then wonder why people aren't hiring them in droves. In the name of "marketing," business owners are providing way too much information for free. Some shifts in thinking are necessary if these business owners expect to be in business years from now.
No one expects to go into a shoe store, ask for free shoes, and walk out of the store! If you don't value your services, no one else will. So if you're holding back information that you rightfully should be paid for, and you believe that you're hoarding or being stingy, please look to see if that belief is based in reality.
Setting boundaries on just how much free information, or free services, you'll give away is not easy to do. And what can you say to people who 1) ask outright for free information, or 2) just start talking to you about something and you realize that they're trying to "borrow" your valuable resources without becoming a client? Here are some ideas. Try them on to see what "fits" you best.
- My charge for an initial consultation is "x". If we turn out to be a good match, and you hire me, I'll apply 1/2 of "x" towards your commitment.
- Yes, I do work with clients on "name the issue." Would you like to set up a consultation?
- That will cost "x" per hour.
- There's a lot I can do for you that's similar to the work I did for "xyz" client. Would you like to get together and build a marketing plan? (And then charge for those services.)
- Are you looking to hire _____? Well, I'd love to talk to you about that; my fees are "x" per hour.
- "Well, the answer to that question depends..." and then spend a few minutes explaining some of the options and considerations. For example, I may explain that the best way to identify the "solution" is to work backward from the desired end result and process. That provides a natural lead-in to: "If I were to work with you on this project, here's how we would do it..."
- A complete answer to your question is going to take more than 15 minutes over the phone. Would you like me to send you a proposal on this?
- I have really enjoyed talking with you and would like to help more. May I send you one of my brochures and a rate card?
- Do you have a time line and/or budget in mind for solving this problem?
- It's not a good time for me to discuss this right this minute. Would you like to briefly discuss project guidelines and fees?
As a service business owner, part of what you "offer" clients and what they value from you is your knowledge and expertise. It's as much a part of your "services" as any tangible materials you produce. So make sure to treat it as such, and get compensated fairly! When you value your services, others will, too.
Enjoy this article? It's part of the of "Get Paid What You Deserve" program. Learn more here
© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds. In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners to double their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at www.CoachMaria.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, Blog OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds.
In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners double to their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at
www.CoachMaria.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE DURING A PAID ENGAGEMENT?
You cannot use our articles in your ebook, to teach a class, or during a speaking event, or if you are paid in any way without our written permission, period. Contact Maria
Celebrating 10+ years online
1999-2010
Get My Free Business Checkup Assessment & Audios Today.
(a $129 Value)
*You'll also get a free subscription to my popular weekly articles and tips (a $197 value)
Enter your details for instant access...
* Required Fields
Privacy Policy:Your name and email address will never be sold, rented, or given away. You have my word on it. Cancel your subscriptions any time by using the link on the bottom of every email.
Ezine Testimonials
"I'd like to say sincere thank you for helping me even without knowing it. Reading the articles in your e-zines and on the website made me look at my career from a different angle. You encouraged me to pursue a dream about my own business instead of chasing another paycheck.
Tanya Cobb, Virginia
"I have subscribed and unsubscribed to many newsletters in the past, but not this one. I also wanted to let you know I love your new layout - clean, yet the colors liven it up."
Beth Dargis, Life Coach
Zeeland, MI
"Just wanted you to know that I've read and appreciated your articles on boundaries and letting visitors choose your keywords. Keep up the interesting and valuable work! "
Marcia Yudkin, Author,
Internet Marketer
Goshen, MA
"I love your ezine and read it to the end - yes even through your shameless plug every time."
Gretchen Blank, Plymouth, MN
"Maria, I enjoy your newsletters and find a lot of insight in them."
Wolfgang Schmidt
"Wow ... what an ezine. You should have told us to get a nice cup of cocoa before beginning to read your ezine and linking up to your Resource Queen web site. -- Caroline McIntosh, S.E. Spiritual Electrician, Author
Connect with me:
 |
 |
 |
