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HOW DO YOU SAY NO TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO PICK YOUR BRAIN?

3/18/2014

2 Comments

 
"Just do it!!!"

"Like this 'NO.'"

"For instance, 'My work schedule is full so ____ (insert: breakfast/lunch/coffee) is not doable these days.
Are you interested in becoming a client/customer or do you just have a quick question?'"

"Please sent an appointment. My rate is... we can talk then."

"No" 

"
If someone wants to pick your brain it is a compliment because they believe that spending time with you is valuable. Don't say no."

"
You send them an Invoice and let them know what you charge per hour."

"
I actually leave around 1-3 hours per week to support people that need the support."

"No."

"No."

Boy oh boy. "No" sure does seem pretty popular these days. I don't think you can just say "No" to that particular question. Because, what they're asking you is not a 'yes or no' question. Essentially, it's "May I borrow your brain," but the reply "no" may perplex them. 

Here are sMore answers ...

"A very short process will allow you to discern as to weather or not these individuals are potential clients or not."

"Disinformation."

"Do you want a quick, off the top response, or one that has real value? To give you my best will take a little time. When would you like an appointment?"

"A free consultation can be a great way to get a new client."

"Look for ways to have an equal exchange then make the request."

"Mike would you elaborate a little more?"

"Jeffrey and Chad there comes a time when you have to say no because if you said yes to free all day long, you wouldn't have the bills paid or food on the table. How do you discern when to say yes? Pointers?"

"Tell them that you get paid $50. just for a consultants fee. Plus lunch."

"It's about knowing the value of your own work and having a pay rate for it. Once that is in place, it is up to you to express the cost to the other person. If they do not recognize the value of "investing" in your services then you may need to educate them. Once you do that you can justify the cost at which point you can decide whether the exchange will be made in dollars or barter- either way, it must be an equal exchange. I really like Bob Welly's approach. We must know the value of our own work and uphold that -otherwise it will lose its value."

"Jay you're cheap."

"Ok maybe that's a different question. Value."

"No."

"I believe that when you know the value of something you don't just give it away."

"I my first consultation is free, but my rate is ....... Now, would you like to set an appointment?"

"I definitely agree with that Mike !"

"Sometimes I say, "are you hiring me?" And they get the point. I usually give away a lot of my brain for free. "

"Loll Michelle that's awesome!"

Try Marie TV's suggestion:

"I'm not available for _____ (insert: time of day they are requesting), but you should really consider getting my X (product, training, or program) -- it's all of my best thinking in one place and it's for people in your exact situation."

At the end of the day, like many of the comments above, you have to put a value on your time, because if you don't, no one else will.

You can reserve 1-3 hours per week on "freebies" to accommodate people who really do need a quick answer.

Hope this helps.

~ ~ ~
GC Group Blog Team
GadboisConsultingGroup.com
2 Comments
Lynn Ottimer link
4/17/2014 14:38:01

Freebies depend on where the person is calling from. If they are calling from a network group with which I am involved, its good PR, because they will remember your generosity and speak well of you to others in the group. Advice or information about your product or service to a prospect can usually lead them to the next step of making an appointment....follow up , follow up, follow up is the key!

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Sharon Gadbois link
4/18/2014 09:11:11

How much advice is too much advice, though? How long are you willing to let someone pick your brain? Do you think that it is based on per industry? Is it possible that giving someone your secret sauce is beneficial to your business?

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