January 2004

Everything Ain't Free

Sharon Williams

by Sharon Williams

I know. I’m using improper grammar, but this title really expresses how I feel. For a while I’ve had this thought in the back of my mind about people who want something for nothing. Need an answer to a simple question—don’t do the research, ask someone else for an opinion—a solution that just may not fit your situation. What about making a serious and important business decision—ask for everyone’s input—while not contemplating that their experiences and situations may not relate. But, you take their word for gospel, implement what they recommend, and then fault them when it fails, instead of first seeking professional advice. Why ask the masses instead of contracting with a personal or business coach? Oh I know, because advice by the masses is free!

But, is it? What if we accept someone’s FREE advice, implement it and it fails. Worse yet, what if you lose money and your credibility in the process? Was the advice actually free, or have you paid a very high premium, momentarily and with the destruction of your self-esteem and respect in your chosen industry? You be the judge.

Some time ago, a person, I’ll call Maryann, asked a business associate for advice regarding changing careers. Maryann sought Jo’s (the friend) opinion because Jo was very active in her local networking group and worked in the same field. However, unbeknownst to Maryann, Jo was having a difficult time herself and was going through a “business crisis” too. Jo lied to Maryann and said, “Business is great, it’s a growing field and you will definitely prosper by transitioning into it.”

Now don’t get ahead of the story, Maryann did a little bit more research and actually asked a few additional networkers for opinions about her idea. She continued to receive rave reviews and was told “go for it.” One person, however, advised her to seek professional advice, contract with a mentor or trainer who has experience in the field, and then make a more informed decision. Of course, Maryann laughed at this advice and didn’t want to make the monetary investment to seek qualified, professional assistance.

Beaming from ear to ear and trusting her associates’ advice, Maryann ventured into uncharted waters and quit her job to start her fledgling business. She stepped out on faith and opened her doors, expecting business to rush in. She made every mistake imaginable, wasn’t prepared, found out she really didn’t know much about the business side of her idea, and became the laughing stock of her new industry. Not because she didn’t have a great concept, but because she hadn’t developed a solid foundation and a viable working model. She had no clients, no contracts. However, she did have a pocketbook full of FREE advice.

The moral of the story? In life, you get what you pay for. Don’t just ask everyone you know for advice. Seek out experienced and successful professionals. How do you determine their level of experience? Check their credentials. Are they talking the talk, but more importantly, walking the walk? In other words, everyone who has a college degree is not smart. Their degree only signifies they completed the curriculum and passed the exams. Did they apply their knowledge and have a “thriving business?” Don’t take everything for face value. Those with less education but many years actually working their business, full time, have “in the trenches” knowledge and experience to share too.

Everyone who says they are an experienced trainer, coach or mentor really isn’t. Some have placed that shingle on their Internet front door waiting for you to come knocking.

Remember, in life, we all pay. We pay for gas, electricity, food, clothing—you get the picture. So if you want advice, based on experience and a proven track record, don’t be afraid to pay for it. Enroll in that additional class, or mini-course. Read recommended books. Contract with a professional coach who works in the same industry. Still ask questions, but listen to those individuals who are experienced and respected in their field. By retaining a coach/mentor that has a proven track record, and taking all advice at face value with only a smidgen of contemplation, you’ll start placing money in your pocketbook, instead of just FREE advice.

In the next edition, I will begin a series of articles about Marketing. The first topic, Sound Marketing Strategies Make Good Business Sense, will talk about the elements of a business plan. If you have a question regarding the tenets of marketing or a marketing strategy to share, contact me at: marketing@thevirtualalliance.com.

About the Author

Sharon Williams is a Master Virtual Assistant and president of The 24 Hour Secretary. Subscribe to her free monthly ezine about Virtual Assisting support that creates freedom at www.the24hoursecretary.com. She is the author of Marketing Your VA Practice: It’s Not About Money, It’s About Having the Right Strategy, offering business-marketing strategies that won’t break the bank. For more information about the VA industry, business support, or the book, send an E-mail to: info@the24hoursecretary.com.