I absolutely welcome so many calls and requests from my vast (understatement!) network every day to add value, context, connections, discuss business and career opportunities,etc.
Literally, love it!
If I could spend all of my time simply connecting people to other colleagues, offering brilliant solutions off the top of my head, I would be thrilled.
But here are a few things you may not realize and certainly not intend that can happen here.
1) Credit
While I don't seek credit, it's easy, human actually, to let it slip your mind where your support + solutions came from.
2) Value
My value to your organization then is limited to only how one portrays it formally to the group.
Which typically, if you're 100% transparent, doesn't happen.
3) Maximum Results
If the call is too casual, you could take our solutions + strategies this way, not giving them their full respect due to the speed and access to the conversation.
4) My Time
This one is important. Hold on! 🕔
Believe it or not, most people calling receive an income from their employer.
This is my business, my job, my primary source of income. I have to protect my 'giveaway' hours and continue to grow and serve my current (paying) clients.
As much as I want to chat, like you, I only have so many hours in a day, a week, a month. Every hour has a dollar value. Actually every minute does on my spreadsheets!
As a Performance Strategist, I need to track and account for my time, assigning it value and purpose. Time is money. 💲
So yes, your call is valuable.
When I take it, I am consciously choosing to spend the time with you and not on my current or future clients.
I hope you can still hear generosity in my tone.
But these words are true.
Consider also when I chose to invest my time with you, I want to see it made an impact, whether you paid for it or not.
Otherwise, why spend 'our' time, as once we do it is gone forever?
5) Don't Go Quiet
One thing I've noticed is that many have me on speed dial to help at a moment's notice. But when I mention entering a formal (paid) relationship, they go radio silent, suddenly needing a committee...and they'll "get back to me later."
This sends to me a clear message that my time, support and solutions offered were either :
❓ Not shared with others internally
❓ Credit for these solutions or connections was not attributed to my company
❓ Desperation is in effect rather than the strategic planning we offer
and myriad other situations.
So when you reach out and ask for any business owner's time- be fully prepared to respect their time by:
💡Acting on the solutions they offer
💡Share liberally with others how they made a difference and
💡Be ready to pay for their professional services!
I will continue to value your time, take your calls, contribute with a spirit of generosity. I trust these thoughts help you get even more out of our shared investment of...time!
#BetterTogether
