post by Stephanie Nelson
A few weeks ago, a friend referred a friend to me to help his business. I chatted with him for a bit about what he saw as the issues with his company’s social media presence and agreed to take a look at what he had going on. Being that he was the friend of a friend, I gave a bit more information than I typically do on how to fix things.
His response? “I don’t believe that.”
Are you kidding? You came to me for help. I gave you help for FREE, at least on how to pick the low-hanging fruit of the problems. And your response is “I don’t believe that”?
I’ve noticed this issue coming up for me and for others that I hear from regularly. Folks come to those with an expertise in a particular field, ask for advice (usually intending for it to be unpaid, mind you), then completely disrespect the person(s) of which they asked the advice.
My take on this: If you ask for someone’s advice, keep in mind that he or she is taking time out of his or her schedule to help you. You don’t have to like the advice you’re given, but you also don’t have to be a jerk about it. And you also shouldn’t keep asking the same question, trying to get to the answer the answer you’re hoping for – that’s a waste of time for everyone. Finally, if you don’t want that person’s advice, don’t ask him or her.
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