The 5 words that every freelancer hates...

Actually, I think everyone hates this question but being freelance myself, I find it bloomin' annoying. And it seems to be becoming more and more common...

"Can I pick your brains?"

Another variation is " Can I bend your ear?" or sometimes it is thinly disguised as "lets grab a coffee/catch-up"

Now, I can see how this sounds like an innocent request, perhaps its just a very quick question? Well, if it is, why not just ask it? and I can answer there and then or via an email. But for me, there are reasons to hate it...

1. More often than not, that I've found anyway, it's a work around for "I'm not willing to pay for your expertise, but I want it anyway so I'll try to appeal to your love of tea"

No, a cup of tea is not a substitute for my hourly consultation rate.

2. There's usually no exchange

If you go into a store and take merchandise without paying, that's theft. Why would you consider someones intellectual property or expertise less valuable than a physical product? So, if for whatever reason, you cant pay for the service, what value can you offer in exchange?

3. It's too vague

If it sounds like a waste of time, it probably is. Picking my brains on what? Is there specific help you need? How do I know I can even help you so it might be a complete waste of both of our time.

So what can you do?

• Be upfront

This is where good old fashioned honesty comes into play. Be upfront about what you want to ask and if need be, have some questions prepared. The conversation may flow naturally but if not, you don't want to fumble about and lose your opportunity.

You see, if someone says "Can I ask you some questions on *insert subject I know about here*?" I'll answer, best I can, and probably be able to send them some resources if I can.

Or on the flip side if they ask me something I am not able to answer, I would be happy to point them in the direction of someone who can help them.

AS LONG AS they....

• Show appreciation.

Time is the only thing that we can't get back, so if someone is willing to give up some of theirs to help you out, show some appreciation, be courteous and if there is even a small way that you can give back, do so.

(on a tiny side note, don't expect them to fit around your schedule to meet, be flexible and willing to meet at a convenient place if necessary.)

• Keep to the point.

Going back to the first point, it's often useful to have some questions prepared so that you can stay on topic. You want to make the most of the time you have, so don't dilly dally. Small talk is tedious and a busy person will likely only tolerate it while you get comfy or order coffees.

and last but by no means least,

• Do your research

I recently sat on an interview panel where one of the questions was "what do you already know about XYZ company?" Unfortunately only ONE of the candidates had taken the time to do some research, which is disappointing to say the least.

Taking some time to check out company websites or social media pages can prove to massively beneficial in making the most of your time with them and also helps make sure you are actually speaking to someone who can help you.

LLAP.

--------------------------------------about Clare---------------------------------------

Clare Marshall started The Marketing Geeks with view to helping businesses grow through understanding their customers, education, and utilising marketing tools.

The TMG Academy provides courses on developing your business marketing strategy and encourages good practice, relationship building and collaborations.

If you would like to contact Clare you can do so via Email