If you find these questions disturbing then see how you rate with these ones:

Do you work more than 50 hours a week? Do you dream about work? Do you feel that in order to succeed you must work late most of time? Are you a stranger in your own home? Do you constantly miss family and social events because you're always working? Do you schedule and undertake more than you can get done in a 40-hour work week? Do you get bored when you're not working? Is missing family and social events a regular occurrence because you have to work? When on holiday do you constantly check your phone messages and email? Your Score The greater number of yes answers, closer you are to fitting profile of a workaholic. If you've answered yes to more than half of questions, it's time to take stock before you lose your health, family and everything you hold near and dear to your heart.

Do a Stocktake First, of all take a really good look at your job, what you do and importance of your accomplishments. Are you appreciated for all those long hours you've put in? Does it really - I mean really - make a difference to your income? Let's face it. In today's economic environment, employees are often nothing more than expendable pawns. No amount of overtime and sacrifice will make a difference when a company has to make cutbacks.

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?