The Client Letter
February 21, 2013
Way North of Lake Wobegon
Cloudy -2 Degrees
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As time goes by, I realize that giving away free things works against my goal of doing real good in the world.
So I’ve learned to minimize it.
You would think that if someone “needed” something and was, for that reason, “gifted” that something, it would be valuable to them.
This is clearly not the way the universe works.
This is not the way it works with your clients, with your friends or with your family.
If your goal is to actually help someone, then it’s becoming clear to me that too much “free” is the absolute worst thing you could offer that person.
Yes, dear Reader, yours truly, Mr. Nice Guy is finally growing up.
By giving out “free” value, you actually contribute to suppressing the skills and talents in the recipient they would otherwise have to draw on to get what they want.
Is there anything more noble than to help draw those out and play a part in activating them?
So how much “free” is too much?
That’s a question that only you can answer. Figure out your answer and be confident in it.
In the latest issue of The Rainmaker Letter, I talk about figuring out where to place the “Tollbooth” in your business. That’s my name for the line you draw, past which, free turns into fee.
If you want to stop giving out so much free advice, you have to get clear on this.
Where is the line for you?
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I could send it out for free. But I would never do that to you. I respect you too much.