The Problem With Free Advice
About a year ago I received a message on LinkedIn from someone asking me for help with their career journey. Like I do with most messages, I accepted and agreed to connect for a phone call. I happened to be living in Dubai at the time, and this person was on the West Coast in the US, which meant we had a 12 hour time difference. We agreed on a time to chat around 10pm in the evening for me, a time I had grown accustomed to for these types of calls. I did not previously know this person, although we had a connection through a program I’m involved with.
Upon connecting on the call, this person was running between appointments, with me half on bluetooth, half on speaker. I believe there was an uber involved, it was loud, and it was hard for them to concentrate. Over the course of our call, I gave the typical career advice that ranges from:
- Think about where you want to be 3–5 years from now. What role, what type of income, what industry, and what level of impact. (start with the end in mind)
- Let’s build a strategy to get your brand ready for this end result between visibility, education, and experiences. Who do you need to know, where do you need to be, what do you need to learn?
- Mindset: Say yes to opportunities, focus on growth mindset outcomes, and don’t be afraid to take risks when they come your way. Get in the room with smart people, ask for a chance to take on more, etc.
- Focus on your why. What motivates and inspires you? What are your drivers and why? What separates you from others as a result of your why?
- Network Network Network
Over the course of the call, it became obvious that the advice either wasn’t resonating, or this individual just wasn’t paying attention. I felt like I was talking to myself. Even worse, it felt like this individual was just checking a box. Perhaps someone said, “that Scott guy will give you some advice,” and low and behold, I accepted the conversation. They were able to go back to someone and say that they had a chat with me.
As the call wrapped up, I asked this person to please stay in touch as I’m here to help and willing to chat again as this information settles in.
I never heard back from them again; which wasn’t a surprise.
A few months later, this call stuck with me. I became frustrated with the idea of giving out almost 20 years of career advice to someone who wasn’t listening to it. It bothered me that I was spending my evenings or mornings while living abroad trying to help someone who wasn’t reciprocating. Then as I thought about it more, I thought about the countless hours of conversations I’ve had with people in formal phone calls, zooms, coffee chats, etc., in which someone didn’t act on the advice.
This bothered me.
Not because I wasted my time, but because someone didn’t reciprocate and take the information forth. Those two things together really dug into my soul. I thought about the hours of time I’ve listened to mentors of mine over the years and how I couldn’t wait to put that information into action. I valued their insights, and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t wasting their time and knowledge.
But to share information and not see someone run with it, for some reason, it drove me nuts.
So fast forward a few months, I started writing on Patreon.com/scottbond, posting daily content for subscribers behind a paywall for just $5 a month.
Then that career conversation came to mind again. What if I charged a fee for that type of advice? Something nominal, but enough to make it real.
So I created a $50 tier for 1x 60 minute phone call per month. Call it coaching, call it mentorship, call it advice, call it whatever, it’s a $50 fee to work together on a career related challenge. I’m available on email, text and calls as needed for these people too so I can bring added support. They also get access to the daily content.
Today, I have 8 paying clients at this tier level, each of them with different challenges or monthly issues they are facing. Each time we get on a call, there is a real topic to discuss that ranges from:
- Dealing with difficult leaders
- Scaling a small business
- Finding a new career path
- Career insights and advice from a mentor
- Interview support
- Support with networking and brand
- Growth mindset and how to think bigger
The list goes on, as the range of topics are vast. I even have one client who has created their own tier based on their needs at a higher price point.
“If you’re good at something, never do it for free,” said the Joker in The Dark Knight.
He’s right. But more than anything, the quote for me is about validating the effort. If you do something for free, you’re likely to get a free return. When you legitimize it with a fee, you’re more likely to create a return for all parties involved.
I’m not a certified coach, nor am I trying to be, but I am trying to ensure my time is spent with people who value it, and who are willing to put in the work with me as their partner. More often than not, I end up spending a few hours a month on the work and I’m happy to do it.
The next time someone gives you free advice, consider sending them a Starbucks gift card, donating to their favorite charity, or make sure you pick up the next lunch tab. You’ll start to think different before you ask for that advice, and you’ll maximize everyones time as a result.
Also, yes, I still give career advice for free to people. I’m happy to help. But there is a difference between a legitimate program, and a brief phone call for support.
by Scott Bond
