18.Have you looked at cost estimates from others who would like to help you solve this problem or complete this project?

19.It's not a good time for me to begin a session right this minute. Would you like to briefly discuss session times and fees?

20.Are you seeking generic free information on "the topic" or to work with a "your profession here" to address your specific situation? [If I have a free resource, I'll ask for their email address and send it to them.]

21.I provide a general 3-4 sentence overview of how I would address their concern with them. Then I say that I've found that sorting of information available and subsequent application of that information is so specific to each individual that I always recommend hiring a "your profession here" for getting that one project completed.

22.Well what I can offer you on that subject is an ebook (CD, audio, etc) called ________. I’ll email you link.

23.Refer them to these "free" or "almost free" resources: ØThe library has books/tapes/audios/CD/reference librarians. ØTo an outsider, your local SBA and SCORE Offices "look" free. They're really not "free" either. Their classes "cost $" and their advice is paid for by all of us as part of our taxes. ØFind a professional who needs your services and see about some sort of in-kind exchange or barter. Again, this isn't totally free, as you do need to report it on your taxes, but in most cases, there isn't any money exchanged. ØJoin lots of ezines by experts in area you're looking to learn about, but do it quickly while they are still free. And know that 'best of best' contain ads and affiliate programs, too.

Marcia Yudkin, Marketing Consultant, Speaker and Author says this in Marketing Minute: http://www.yudkin.com/marksynd.htm "You can head off a good portion of that from paying clients by settingdown in writing what your fees cover and do not cover. While you don't want to come off as some sort of dictator with a stringent rulebook, it helps to set forth guidelines for a productive relationship. For folks who are not yet clients, feel free to copy what I do. If I can answer a question in five minutes or less, I generally just go ahead and do so. If a question is more complicated than that, I reply, 'I couldn't do justice to your question without a consultation. My consulting rates are ...' Prevent hassles by making expectations explicit!"

Remember, as a service business owner, part of what you "offer" clients and what they value from you is your knowledge and expertise. It's as much a part of your "services" as any tangible materials you produce. So make sure to treat it as such, and get compensated fairly! When you value your services, others will, too.

============== With special thanks to members of CoachU Alumni Helping Alumni List http://www.coachu.com/, Digital Eve Seattle and Freelance Seattle, www.freelance-seattle.net discussion lists for sending me their questions and observations, which contributed greatly to this article.

Within 6 weeks there was a noticeable increase in absenteeism through sickness. (And there wasn’t a flu epidemic at that time).

Save Time, Save Money, Save Yourself If you want to save time and money and most importantly your health, look at environment you work in.

Check out some of these areas and ask yourself or whoever is most appropriate person: When was last time following was cleaned and is there an ongoing maintenance programme ?

Ducted heating Air-conditioning Fans Café Units Curtains/Blinds Floor Windows/walls Computers/keyboards Workstations Empower Yourself Here are a few preventative measures you can take to ensure you remain healthy and happy at work.

Leave office Go for a walk at lunchtime; get some fresh air in your tea breaks. …and you don’t have to have a cigarette as an excuse to go outside.

Ensure your work area is cleaned regularly Don’t wait for cleaners to do it. Clean your desk; vacuum area, including partitions and blinds.

Live Plants Place live plants near office equipment …photocopiers, computers, printers etc. Plants help filter air.

Exercise regularly and eat healthily If you want to keep fit and stay alive…just do it!

Electric Oil Burners Use an electric oil burner and suitable essential oils to improve your productivity and enhance environment For more ideas on how to have a healthier and happier workplace see our e-book Get Organised – Get A LIFE!

The Final Word When you’re busy being busy, you often overlook little things that make a huge impact on your productivity.

You have every right to work in a safe and healthy environment. If "the powers to be" are serious about health and welfare of their employees then these issues need to be addressed.

If no-one will to take responsibility and appropriate action, then you take control and do what you can yourself. After all if you're not prepared to look after yourself, don't expect others to do so.

Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist and Leading Life Coach. Her business The Office Organiser specialises in showing small business owners and managers, how to get organised at work so they can have a life! Lorraine is also a dynamic speaker and has produced many products including "How to Survive and Thrive at Work!"