Thread by @minethatdata

1 - In my Consulting work, I use unpaid stuff as a tactic to weed out those who aren't willing to pay enough.

https://twitter.com/sandofsky/status/1329116385629245440

2 - Here's how it works. Person emails me and says they want Consulting help on a topic and are "willing to pay me". That's often a red flag.

This frequently means they are "willing" to pay me $20/hour.

3 - I'll offer 20-30 minutes of consultation time for free, and I'll tell somebody that my typical rate ($400/hour) applies thereafter ... but they can ask whatever they want to ask during the free call and I'll answer honestly.

4 - First, folks get angry at a $400/hour rate.

Second, 95% of people NEVER take me up on the free half-hour of consulting.

They find both concepts offensive ... paying a real salary and taking advantage of somebody for free.

5 - This tactic keeps the Consultant out of the never-ending quest for people to take advantage of the Consultant at "rates" the client wants to pay (i.e. $20/hour).

I mean, you've worked a lifetime and somebody wants to gain that knowledge for $20?

6 - Consultants have to be Marketers and Product Managers at the same time.

So you clearly state what you are worth ($400/hour) and you clearly state that you will offer knowledge for free.

Nothing in-between.

Only serious folks take advantage of either option.