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| Nichole Jordan |
How many times have you been asked,"Can I pick your brain?"
"Can I pick your brain?" is friendly-code for 'I want your professional advice at no charge'.
Of course, I am more than happy to help friends and family. But it does get tricky when the others put you on the spot. I'm talkin' about your dental assistant, dog groomer, doctor's receptionist, bank teller, and friend-of-a-friend. Also, for me, when a realtor tries to convenience me that he will hire me for other projects if I will ''take a look'' at his current listing. You know what I'm sayin'?
I mean, COME ON, don't shoplift my brain! We are professionals. As professionals, we have invested time and money into education to become experts. We've been battered about by the life school of hard knocks. Our work experience is beyond valuable. We do what we do because it is our passion and to get paid for it.
What say you, my lovelies?
Sometimes cutting people with whom you do business otherwise is ok. To your hairdresser or dental hygenist, give them one piece of advice ("Take the curtains off the windows," "Repaint that burgundy dining room a lighter neutral," or "Remove the window screen to let in more light and get a better view"--all of which are things they can find on your blog. After that, either excuse yourself because you have to go or say "I don't want to talk shop when I'm not working but I can give you my business card." As for realtors, just cut them off at the pass: "I don't give my opinion without seeing the property. I can send you my rate sheet."
ReplyDeleteI used to have a similar situation in a completely different profession but learned to say no politely but firmly. Really, do you want to really annoy the person who cuts your hair or puts sharp instruments into your mouth? On their part, at least, it might just be a way of making conversation. The realtor is just being a greedy jerk.
That first sentence should have "cut a little slack" in their somewhere but no matter how I phrase it, it comes out sounding funny!
DeleteAdele you always offer such thought proving advice. I do get a bit wimpy when backed into these situations. Love your line about not talking shop in certain situations. However, I hate to pass on something mutually beneficial. Thanks dear Adele for taking the time for your very thoughtful comments.
Deletewhoa! just had this conversation at lunch with Mr. PV. wondered so many times what would happen if I sent an invoice for thinking...discount or double???
ReplyDeleteIt 'is a tightrope walk. I don't like to turn down business, But I no longer run out to give free quotes on staging Realtors are looking for the lowest bid for stating.. Furniture is not going to fix a house that is in need of repairs and updating.
DeleteTrue that! We are all just trying to make a living right ?xo
ReplyDeleteIt helps to know others have been in the same situation as I have.
ReplyDeleteI am glad this has been a topic for discussion. It needs to really be addressed!
"Free" advice is not "free" to the person giving it - you've got years of experience behind you to get to the point where you can give "advice". I agree with Adele about one piece for the hairdresser, just a casual opinion. But a realtor should always pay for advice - he charges for his services after all.
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