In the last blog post, we discussed what to say when people want to pick your brains for 20 minutes.
In this three-part mini-series, we explore three ways this might show up in what people say to you and how you can deal with it.
Scenario 3
When You Have Five Minutes, Could I Pick Your Brains?
If it’s someone who could do with your help, a great way to reply is this:
“That’s a great question; pop it in my group on Facebook, or I’ll write a newsletter about it when I have a spare moment. If you’re not subscribed, make sure you’re on my list. Often, these answers can benefit everyone else, too, but if you prefer 1:1, let’s book a Pick My Brains Session. It’s 20 minutes for £67 or £97 for a 30-minute session. You can ask me whatever you like. I can guarantee you’ll go away with loads of ideas and a mini-action plan to get you started.”
You’ll still be sharing all of your expertise, and that’s not just since you’ve been in business; it’s all of your life experiences, the training you’ve done, the things you’ve learned along the way, the books you’ve read, etc.
There is one question to ask yourself about people picking your brains, though: is there something in it for you?
I mean this in the best way possible. If it’s a two-way thing, and you’re going to help that person, and they’re going to offer you something in return, i.e. a session, free ticket to an event you’re excited about, a coffee/lunch or whatever you like, then that’s okay.
This is about you honouring your worth.
I’ve had loads of pick-your-brains conversations, and they haven’t even offered to buy me a coffee! And if you know me, then you will know how much I like caffeine.
Maybe they will give you a glowing testimonial, which is just what you’re looking for to add to your website. Then that’s all good.
Usually, though, the reply is something like, ‘Oh, I wasn’t expecting to pay. ‘ An excellent reply to that is, “Oh, really?”
Enter sarcastic Ruby: “Ummm, yeah, I’m a business owner.”
Now, I’m not saying don’t help. We all know how that one will work out; we can’t help ourselves. We’re hard-wired to help!
What I am saying is there is a line. If you’re putting lots of helpful content out there and being of service in many different ways, you don’t need to worry.
Send them that free content and invite them to join your community. You’re still serving and helping; you’re just not being taken for granted.
You probably have lots of things you’ve already created for your business and are sharing heaps of valuable stuff for free, so that way, you don’t have to feel guilty about charging.
People can either do the work to find what they’re looking for (searching keywords on your blog about a specific area, for example), or they can pay you for giving them fantastic coaching and mentoring guidance bespoke to them and their business.
Remember: You’re running a business.
Action: If you haven’t done so already, think about where you’re giving away your time and put some wording/systems in place to support the people who want your guidance for free.
Please see the other two parts of this mini-series on saying no:
- Ways To Say No To People Who Want To Pick Your Brains For Free (Part 1)
- Ways To Say No To People Who Want To Pick Your Brains For Free (Part 2)
We hope you’ve enjoyed this mini-series. What else would you like to learn about business in bite-sized chunks?
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