Build A Better Box

Here's a corollary to the last post: don't make the dangerous mistake of giving too much away. Like the saying goes, "Why would someone buy the cow if the milk was free?" Too many people give away too much of their intellect free of charge. If a business consultant did this, he or she would be on the street faster than the first month's rent would be due. For the most part, any expert in their field is essentially a consultant at some level. Let your audience know that you have the goods; the know-how and experience to help them. Offer to meet and learn a bit about them and their need. Offer some references and case studies of past work. See if there's a good mutual fit. But be clear to them that your ideas, advice, and solutions have equity to both parties. In the strategy-tactics equation, this is the "blueprint" counterpart of building a new home. Nobody expects their architect to work free... so why would you?