Should I Charge for Advice and Consultations?

A Factsheet from

“Just a quick chat…” can add up fast. Free or fee?

You’re an expert. People trust you. They slide into your inbox with “Can I just pick your brain?” It feels flattering until you realise you’ve given away hours of your time and made nothing back.

There’s a line between goodwill and giving away your business.

Time is value
If you’re spending 30 minutes on advice that leads to nothing, or helps someone else make money, you’re undervaluing yourself.

It’s not just lost income; it’s opportunity cost.

Create boundaries
Offer:

• A free 15-minute call
• A paid 1-hour session with clear deliverables
• A downloadable guide instead of 1:1 time

Structure helps everyone respect the value of your time

Use ‘free’ strategically
Free can be useful to build trust, showcase expertise, or filter leads. But it should be part of your strategy, not a constant drain

Package your knowledge
Can you turn FAQs into:

• A blog post or video?
• A paid webinar or PDF?
• A low-cost email course?

That way, your knowledge works for you even when you’re not working

Say no nicely but firmly

“Thanks for reaching out! I offer [paid session/product] which might be perfect for you. Let me know if you’d like to book.”

It’s polite, clear, and sets the boundary

Use call booking tools
Tools like Calendly or Acuity let you block time, add payment links, and avoid email ping-pong

If you don’t value it, no one else will
You wouldn’t expect a plumber or lawyer to give you free half-hours. Your time is no different.

Register at http://www.business111.com for more factsheets By Liz Barclay