Today, I received four emails from people who want to sell me something. I can't tell what that is, because they're being oh, so coy, about what they're selling. But they want me to sign up on their calendars for “just 30 minutes.” One of them told me, “It will be worth your while.”
Since I can't tell what they're offering, I'm not interested.
Same thing happened on LinkedIn. A couple of emails from very coy sellers. It will only take 15 minutes of my time to discuss an opportunity.
No thanks.
Without showing me their value, they're asking for my time. Why would I spend time with them? Unless I want to be like James Veitch in his TED talk about spam email.
Not interested.
The worst part is this: It's possible I am interested in what these folks are selling. But because they won't do me the courtesy of giving me 3 or 4 sentences, I'm not going to spend my time.
They didn't offer their value before asking for my time.
When consultants offer their value before asking for your time, you can see if they are the right person for you. Even if you're not in the market for a consultant's perspective now, you might be later. Or you might refer a colleague to that consultant. All of that is great.
But when people ask for your time before offering value—what would make you say yes to that?
I have no idea.
Instead of asking for time first, I offer you value in my newsletters, other writing, and talks. When the time is right, you might hire or refer others to me. I wish these other folks would do the same.
This is one of an intermittent series of consulting tips.