Raul Colon - photographer, digital marketer & writer living on the beach in Puerto Rico.

I support causes by supporting individuals.

Are You a Fan of Unsolicited Advice?

by

IMG_5673-1024x763 Are You a Fan of Unsolicited Advice?

I am a big fan of giving unsolicited advice. The problem I have is that on many occasions those receiving it might not be as excited or interested in what I have to say.

I make a living advising and helping companies and individuals create healthier online communications. Since I started in the role of a consultant fresh out of college people and companies have paid me for unsolicited advice.

Since I usually get paid for my advice I think I am doing someone a favor by sharing my advice (at no $ cost to people.) Over time I have come to realize that many people don’t like to hear what others have to say especially when they did not request your opinion.

Fan of all types of Advice

Being a fan of advice from people who wish me well and want me to succeed, I have learned how to accept and embrace what others say. I don’t follow all the advice, but I will analyze every opinion and see how it impacts my environment.

Occasionally, I have received advice from people who I admire greatly and this advice has come at the right time. Their words have helped me cross over big hurdles. In other situations I have received advice that has saved me from making a big mistake or getting myself into a toxic environment.

Do I still offer unsolicited advice?

These days I offer less unsolicited advice. I only do this with those I feel will appreciate it and are close to me. If I see a possible threat, I look for the most polite way to share my thoughts.  I make sure that the advice I am giving can be tailored to fit the person’s needs.

There are times when I see people ready to crash and burn and I have no choice but to look away. I feel that sharing what I think might create friction and create an unhealthy environment for our relationship.

If you are a fan of receiving advice, let me know. If I can be helpful in offering free business advice, contact me directly; the first 15 minutes are on the house.

Two Way

I am very privileged that you are visiting this blog, if it is the first time or you have been here before and there is any advice you have for me I want you to share it.

All Feedback is Welcomed

If you see there is anything I can improve, any topics I should write about, advice on how to improve the structure of my blog posts, or any other advice you want to share please do so in the comments below.

 

Giving Free Advice or Getting Paid for IT

by

4235545299_6bee8a5378_z Giving Free Advice or Getting Paid for IT

I love giving free advice; the problem is that giving free advice has gotten me into trouble on many occasions. I am a firm believer that if you give you will receive plenty in return. I have given free services or given some of my services at a discount especially for people that read this blog and support many of my other efforts.

Is Free Advice Valuable?

The only way I see Free Advice being valuable is if the person on the other side is really interested in receiving it and more importantly taking any actions based on the advice.

Free Advice can come with a Heavy Cost

If the person receiving the advice is not interested, then your Free Advice comes with a cost to you. It costs you time when you thought it was an investment. It becomes a waste of your time and that other persons time.

Who should you Give Free Advice to
?

Those who have requested your help and continuously support you. I get requested for advice all the time. I try to help as many people as possible but I really have to help out those that are continuously supporting my efforts. I wish I could clone myself and divide myself. But time is something I have a constant battle with and I try to make the best of it.

Make sure they want your opinion

Another key part of giving free advice is making sure that even though the person asked you for it they really want to hear your opinion. People might ask for advice waiting for you to validate what they think is correct. They want an affirmation that they have done something great! If you see their is resistance to any of your advice ,try to cut your conversation as short as possible. Resistance is an indication that the person might have their own agenda and just want your approval.

Let them know you support them

I read a few months ago a post on @raffel’s blog on how you need to stop playing Devils Advocate and support those who have an idea, even when it might not make sense to you. This is true for those individuals that requested your approval. Be clear that you support them and wish them the best.

If you Asked for Advice Be Ready for My Follow Up

If I took the time to help someone, I make sure I  monitor the actions they take. Feel free to ask them about the progress and how they went about the situation for which they requested advice. If you see they are not committed, then you need to invest your time and energy elsewhere.

Seeing how the person approached it can give you a clear indication if the time talking with them was an investment or a waste of time. I usually pay attention to body language and other indicators that let me know if the person is listening and interested in what I am saying.

How do you approach others for advice? How do you approach those that requested your advice?

photo credit by Digital Magic Photography

 

I know you want to find other ways to help!