What are the three worst words in the English language?
For some, it’s “President Donald Trump” (and for others, “President Hillary Clinton”.)
Of if you’re heading into a restaurant, it’s “Sorry, we’re booked.”
I’m going with something else:
“Pick your brain”
That’s right. Every day, I have people asking to “pick my brain.”
I’m not alone, a lot of coaches are fielding these types of requests too.
The requestors aren’t bad people, or intentionally trying to hurt anyone.
Heck, I’ve done it. I didn’t think it was a bad thing to touch base with someone to “pick their brain”. Everyone likes being helpful, right?
But my opinion on it has changed over time.
I believe that brain-picking shows a disrespect for the other person’s time, and an ignorance of the fact that the other person has spent a lot of time (and money) accumulating their experience and knowledge.
So why would someone expect him/her to give it away for free?
Ironically, I’ve discovered that brain-pickers often complain about not being able to get people to pay them for what they do. So having an attitude of trying to get free advice is likely hindering their businesses – without them realizing it.
I recently hired someone to help me improve my webinars. I’ve known him for awhile, as he was a guest on Natural Born Coaches. I could have asked to “pick his brain” about webinars, and I’m sure he would have hopped on Skype to chat.
But I instead paid for his group coaching program, which includes a 1-on-1 call to go over my webinar strategy. That way I respect his time and expertise (he’s a pro at this stuff), and I can get his help without feeling guilty.
Don’t half-ass building your business and try to wing it with free advice from a variety of different coaches. It’s not good for you, and it’s not good for them either.
It’s lose/lose all the way around.
Choose someone you trust to help you, and invest in yourself.
If you want to invest in my help, check out my next group program which starts soon:
