Value the worth. Respect the expertise.
The Business Doctor Keitumetse Lekaba
MBA (GIBS) | Enterprise and Supplier Development Specialist | SME Development and Funding specialist | Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Funding Readiness Lecturer and advocate | Brightest Young Mind 2006
In the service industry, especially as consultants and entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves faced with requests for free advice or services. This is top of mind, as I've recently heard several entrepreneurs complain about this, seeking advice on how to deal with this dilemma. It's crucial to remember that expertise and knowledge are valuable assets that take years to develop. Just as one wouldn’t walk into a shop and expect to walk out with a product for free, the same respect should be applied to services and consultants.
Every minute spent sharing insights, offering advice, or brainstorming solutions is a testament to the countless hours of education, experience, and hard work that consultants have invested in their craft.
When buying a product, there's a clear understanding that the product holds value, and therefore, a fair exchange is made. The same principle should apply to the services provided by consultants and entrepreneurs. Our knowledge and expertise are our products, and they hold immense value.
Why did I write this newsletter?? Well, in the hope that we break the cycle of undervaluing consultants' contributions. As a consultant or entrepreneur providing a service, start setting clear boundaries and expectations with clients and prospects. Encourage them to understand that, while initial consultations and brief discussions can help establish a connection, any in-depth advice or service must be compensated fairly.
Remember, when you give away expertise for free, you're not just diminishing your worth, you're also setting a precedent that devalues the entire industry. Stand firm in your worth. Invoice first, then deliver the value. It’s not just about money; it’s about respect and the recognition of years of hard-earned knowledge and experience.
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So, to all the service professionals and consultants out there, you need to elevate your industry together. #ValueTheWorth #RespectTheExpertise
Yours in value and worth,
The Business Doctor, Keitumetse Lekaba
Founder and Director at Kasi Catalyst | Speaker l Underserved Market Penetration Strategist l Community Engagement Whisperer l Thinking Partner l Kasi Consumer Insights Interpreter l Financial Inclusion Activist
6 个月The Business Doctor Keitumetse Lekaba This is so true! I don't know whether it's due to the proliferation of non profit organisations operating in townships that urban consumers think it is acceptable to extract value from us and compensate us in "exposure" we didn't ask for. There's also a paternalistic throwback to apartheid when an urban consumer makes the decision on behalf of the township service provider that they don't need actual money for their craft but rather some token or voucher. It leaves such a bitter taste. #extraction #exploitation #slavery #apartheid
Welding Engineer at Transnet Engineering (Pr. Eng Tech)
6 个月Sephure Mashiloane, FMVA?