What can you say to people who 1) ask outright for free information, or 2) want to "pick your brain" or 3) just start talking to you about something, and you realize that they're trying to "borrow" your valuable resources without becoming a client? Here are some ideas. Try them on to see which ones "fit" you best.

23 things to say when someone asks you - a service business owner – for free information!

1.My charge for an initial consultation is "x." If we turn out to be a good match, and you hire me, I'll apply 1/2 of "x" towards your commitment.

2.I'm happy to give you 5 minutes or less of free time, however, most issues are more quickly & effectively resolved in an undisturbed session(s). May we schedule a meeting so I can give you my undivided attention?

3.If someone is very persistent, whip out a stopwatch & say "For $2 a minute I'd be happy to go into this now. May I start clock & do you prefer to pay with cash or check?"

4.What I can do is refer you to a free resource on "_______."

5.I do work with two pro-bono clients, who are in desperate need financially. I'll take your card and add you to waiting list.

6.Yes, I do work with clients on "name issue." Would you like to set up a consultation?

7.That will cost "x" per hour.

8.There's a lot I can do for you that's similar to work I did for "xyz" client. Would you like to get together and build a marketing plan? (And then charge for those services.)

9.Well, I'd love to suggest something; however, my fees are "xxx" per hour.

10.Are you looking to hire me?

11.Are you looking to hire _____? Well, I'd love to talk to you about that; my fees are "x" per hour."

12.You may call me for a 15-minute talk, very focused, on that issue.

13."Well, answer to that question depends" and then spend a few minutes explaining some of options and considerations. For example, I may explain that best way to identify "solution" is to work backward from desired end result and process. That provides a natural lead-in to: "If I were to work with you on this project, here's how we would do it..."

14.Sorry, I can't answer that unless you pay my fee (or hire me).

15.A complete answer to your question is going to take more than 15 minutes over phone. Would you like me to send you a proposal on this?

16.I have really enjoyed talking with you and would like to help more. May I send you one of my brochures and a rate card?

Have you ever experienced headaches, respiratory infections, asthma or fatigue? Do these ailments occur at work? What happens when you go on holiday or at weekends, do they still occur or do they miraculously disappear?

You’ll often find people’s desk drawers contain a variety of pills and potions to alleviate ailments they experience at work.

John’s Story John commenced work in a large open plan office a few months ago. He had been promoted from Team Leader in another division to Manager of this new department. Since that time he has been continually unwell. He went on holiday for two weeks and all his ailments disappeared. A week later he returned to work and again he became sick. This of course greatly affected his productivity because when you feel unwell you don’t feel like doing much work…no matter how motivated you usually are.

Further investigation revealed that absenteeism in this department was high. People would often be away sick. John discovered whole office had not had a thorough clean in two years…the carpet needed steam cleaning, blinds had spider webs and thick dust, partitions which divided workstations had never been vacuumed.

John immediately organised for entire office to be cleaned from floor to ceiling. I also suggested that he contact local nursery to install plants in specific areas. Not only do plants make environment look good, they assist with air filtration.

When I spoke to John again, he said he was feeling much better… and so did many of his colleagues!

Robyn’s Story Robyn is Human Resources Manager in a computer company. She began experiencing bad asthma attacks since moving to her open plan area.

She discovered that office partitions had never been cleaned since their installation many years ago. The dust was exacerbating her condition. She has since had them thoroughly cleaned and her asthma has subsided!