I get asked for a lot of free advice. You wouldn’t think so since I’m not really an “in-demand” sort of professional–not a lawyer, or doctor, or nurse or anyone you’d think has a bevy of well-earned education. My background is in nonprofit management–particularly fund development, public relations and marketing for start-ups and organizations in transition. Throw in my freelance writing work and, well, any conversation that starts with “What do you do?” ends up with me being asked for advice.
I imagine that it is similar for a lot of you who specialize in “something.” Over a pleasant cocktail with friends or a chat at the bus station, you may be asked where to go for such and such information, how to do something, who to contact for whatever and whether or not you’d like to sit on this nice little volunteer committee or board. We are faced with the “pro bono question”–do we give away the information, advice and knowledge we make a living with for free?
Well, it can be a sticky question. For me, I tend to take it on a case-by-case basis and try to be aware if I am feeling resentment (a sure fire way for me to tell that I’m giving away more than I feel comfortable about). If it is a close friend or colleague, I might offer up more information than someone who I happen to meet at a networking event or cocktail party. And, it depends on the question. I’ve learned that when people ask me questions about grant writing, non profit governance or fundraising, there are ways I can offer just enough information to cause their eyes to glaze over and they’ll be aching to change the topic. If they are really, genuinely interested in what I might be able to share, I offer to meet with them another time for a free one-hour chat/consultation. I actually have this in my business literature, so it’s official and I hope that people will realize that we’ve crossed over from friendly chat to interacting on a more professional level.
For friends who approach me and ask for help with grant writing, putting together press packets, organizing fund raisers, etc.–I try to give them information so they can do things for themselves. In my early days, I seemed to find myself getting roped into all sorts of planning events and committees. It was all my own fault, of course, I was flattered and caught up in building experience and contacts. Well, I’m all over that and now I’m a bit more about “show me the money.” Now, I’ll offer an article I’ve written about the subject in question, or suggest to provide a list of who they can contact and community resources. I save the pro bono work for people and causes I really care about.
See Also: Do You Have a Home Business or a Drop-in Child Care Center?
A Home Biz Is a Real Job