I need some advice

[MissieK]

I hope you wonderful people will be able to give me some advice.

I run a support network/site for Mums running businesses. There is a paid membership system in place as well as advertising opportunites that people can pay for.

Almost daily, I receive emails from people asking for advice. I don't mind giving some tips, like I do on this and other forums, however recently I've received a number of emails along the lines of "I don't have any money, but can you help me and promote my business", and give me tales of why they aren't (often my first thought is "why aren't you charging for this service", but that's another post). Sometimes they are looking for mentors too.

Currently I'm not making heaps of money in my business, and don't have heaps of time - as well as business, I have 2 small boys to raise.

So, my question - how do I deal with these people? I don't want to completely alienate them, especially as I do want to help Mums in business, however I need to make money too!

Well, if you've got to the end of my rambling - well done! lol. I hope I've made some sort of sense. I look forward to your replies.

Oh, and I don't want to start being a business coach. The money was good, but it took too much time out of my day.

Melissa

[ray_223]

Write a blog post about it, when someone emails point them to your blog post.

You can even start your post with:

"Recently a number of people have emailed me about ...."

[competitions]

I think you answered it yourself: have a standard email that paraphrases "I don't have heaps of time - as well as business, I have 2 small boys to raise", along the lines of "Unfortunately I'm unable to offer free advice as this would be unfair to the people who have paid and as you're aware, time is money. Like you, I have a business and if I were to offer free advice to all, I wouldn't have a business. Glad you understand."

[ray_223]

Hi Melissa,

Isn't that also what your forums are for?
Just direct those people you email specific questions to ask them on your forum.

[LeelaCosgrove]

Wow Melissa! What an awesome opportunity!

What you have right there is a stream of QUALIFIED prospects for your business! They want what you have to offer ... they're coming to you ... you just need to convince them they need to pay for it.

I agree with Ray - but I would take it a step further.

Write an article that's very personal ... outline the issue and pretty much what you've said here.

Then, do an outline of the benefits of your membership and how it helps all of the things these people are asking about ... include testimonials from current members ... and ask for the sale.

If they are asking for it for free it's because they don't see the VALUE. If you can sell them on the VALUE of what you offer, they'll find the money for it. People only "don't have the money" when they don't see the value ... think about it. Traditionally, during a recession, sales in certain things increase - alcohol and cosmetics for example.

Why are people with 'no money' buying alcohol and cosmetics? Because they VALUE these things.

We will ALWAYS find money for the things we VALUE - you just need to sell them.

[MissieK]

Thanks guys I replied to the latest enquiry letting her know the free opportunities (for example a weblink in the business directory) and suggesting she join to access the forums and the 6+ years of information contained in them.

I'll definately work on blog posts & articles

Melissa

[competitions]

Great advice Leela! (Wish I had thought of that!).

[Burgo]

Some years ago there was a website that had tips for cleaning and anything else you could imagine stay at home mums sort. This lady ran a newsletter with tempting stories but you needed to be a memberthrough her website which cost something like $ 37.00 a year. She ran a very profitable business giving advice which other members had given her for free. things like what do you do with plastic bags. How to save money buy sending your kids to school with their lunch instead of letting them buy it all very common sence. You only found out about these things by becoming a member. Unforyunately i cant remember the website but it was about tips on saving money.

So dont be shy charge for your knowledge.

[competitions]

Originally Posted by Burgo

Unforyunately i cant remember the website but it was about tips on saving money.

So dont be shy charge for your knowledge.

The lady is Fiona Lippy, her website:
http://www.simplesavings.com.au

[Lisa Murray - Biz Coach]

Hi Melissa
I think Leela hit it on the head with the concept of what they value most - that would make a great blog post in itself!! Also, I have this happen quite frequently as well - there are a couple of things I do - direct them to my free resources, direct them to my services page (some of them will pay if they realise what you can offer), or direct them to someone else who may be better able to assist.

I do have a couple of pro-bono clients going at any one time, but I do it on really specific guidelines, and if they are not taking action and moving forward, then I set them free gently...!

Maybe you can consider one or two 'mentoring scholarships' for forum members that will enable you to set the terms of engagement, and choose who you help. All of us got somewhere good because there were people willing to help us along the way...

Hope you are well
cheers
Lisa