casting a reality check on real-world conundrums
When Talk Isn’t Cheap
n i would stress that i have a
tight schedule and cannot
answer her questions immedi-
ately. if she persisted, i would
instruct her to call me on a
specific date and time, empha-
sizing that i can spare only
15 minutes. hopefully, she
would get the hint. i also would
encourage her to join the
chapter’s Pro Track program
to increase her knowledgebase
in a more efficient way.
—Sandy Dumont, Norfolk, Va.
In a short email, I
would explain that our
one-hour meeting at
the coffee shop was a
courtesy, and any additional assistance would
require me to start
running the meter. I’d
also ask her how she
would like to pay for
my services—Visa,
MasterCard, Amex,
check or cash?
—Anonymous
NSA member
I would thank the
member for finding my
advice so valuable
and politely explain
that based on the
number of inquiries
I receive, I must set
boundaries to ensure I
have time for my own
business. Therefore, I
would prefer to touch
base occasionally. I
also would direct this
member to the many
resources available
through NSA coaches,
meetings and workshops.
— Marjorie Brody PCC,
CMC, CSP, CPAE,
Jenkintown, Pa.
A new NSA member in your chapter
asks if you will meet her at a coffee shop
for an hour so she can pick your brain
to accelerate her learning curve. You
agree to meet to share your insights
and experience. After the meeting, she
repeatedly contacts you for advice and
information about the speaking business.
How would you handle this situation?
n i believe every NSA chapter has a wealth of experience
and each member has a unique
business model, so i would
advise her to get in touch with
other members to get a variety
of opinions and recommendations. i also would remind this
member to utilize the resources
available through the chapter;
for example, the NSA Web site
and conferences.
—Donna Cardillo rN,
Sea Girt, N.J.
