From time to time, postings in this blog have discussed “free” items.  Here is one such article.  Talking with a friend today led me to realize that others might be laboring under the mistaken impression that there is such a thing as “free.”

Although people talk a lot about “free” advice or free assistance, very little advice or assistance is actually free.  One is paying for the “free” advice, in some way. 

The price of “free” advice may come in many forms such as:

1. Time
2. Effort
3. Efficiency
4. Reduced confidence
5. Additional resources
6. Damage to the relationship
7. Lower priority for the advisor

The recipients have the right to decide that the cost is worth incurring.  The person providing the assistance may feel that he or she has been taken advantage of.  Instead of looking at the situation as a negative, why not look at it as a positive? 

When one discovers that the other party is only interested in the free help, one knows not to invest a dime in saving or improving the relationship.  Instead of saving the relationship, one should thank one’s lucky stars that the person has learned about the other party’s true motivation and the value that one has.   Then, one should run, not walk, to the nearest exit. 

As soon as one gets shed of the prior relationship, ask what led to the situation.  By understanding what happened, one can minimize the risk of seeing it repeated.

Filed by Coleen Davis at 7:44 am under Business Acumen, Business Tips, Solving Problems, Tips for Students