Have you ever been burned? There are so many people masquerading as experts these days that there probably should be a Halloween costume for the category of expert. During my first two years of blogging, I spent a decent amount of hard earned cash [that I did not have] chasing a dream, looking for help in all the wrong places, and I made a lot of mistakes. Often after a conversation, then payment with an “expert,” I would receive a PDF file with questions geared to self-guided discovery. There proved to be little interaction with the actual expert. And in most cases, that is what I thought I was paying for yet the expert did not state up-front that their availability was limited. I would later discover –sometimes– that the expert did not have the skill set to tie the findings from my PDF to an action plan. This has led me to conclude, as Tweakyourbiz says, “There really is no such thing as a social media expert, just people that do social media well.”
To identify an expert who can help move your business to its next level you need to put real thought into what you need. So here are my top 3 things to think about before paying an expert and that includes anyone who purports to be an expert:
Beware the smooth talker
Walk away from the Zen-talker. These are often the best salespeople who have an innate ability to read human nature. They know the degree to which you are frustrated or anxious. They read your frustrations like someone would read tea leaves. Most of the time, they do not talk much. They listen intently then repeat exactly what you want to hear. You will have told them all of this and they will say they can fix it.
Figure out exactly what this person’s actual expertise is.
Often what you are asking for and what you need are two different things. But some experts will not tell you that. It’s like going to a doctor whose modus operandi is to recommend an antibiotic for whatever ails you. So think about whether you are asking this person to figure out what you need or are you asking them to fix something in particular that you have already identified. Most times experts are not experts in everything. So try to get clear about your most pressing issue. Then match your need to expertise, not the person.
DO NOT pay someone a large sum of money in advance and hope for the best.
Just because you like the person, or admire their ability to catch fish/clients does not mean you have to be that fish if this is not a genuine match for your business. I once liked the mindset of someone whose business I admired. But they were not able to translate their success to my circumstances. I would not have felt so badly had I not paid them 4 figures. But this is what desperation will cause you to do. Make a deal that gives you some protection. If they are unwilling to do that, Don’t be afraid to walk away.
What do you do when you are faced with a decision in an area where you don’t have a lot of knowledge and you don’t want to get jammed. For while I am talking specifically about social media experts in this post, I believe the information holds true for hiring anyone you are depending upon to help you move forward in your business, hobbies or in your life.
If you think this post is helpful, please comment, tweet, pin, and/or share it. Feedback always appreciated.
Meredith says
I just celebrated the 2 year anniversary of my blog a couple weeks ago. While I have not experienced the things you mentioned, those are the exact reasons I’ve been skeptical to hire an expert. I’m basically self-taught. It’s a long, arduous process to figure things out. But, there is a certain amount of pride with knowing you did it yourself. I Google & YouTube everything. That’s how I learned. Also, there are now the MOOC classes you can take online for free. Look at Stanford and iTunes U for courses that may be available to help you figure something out. I have a small, small budget. I’m still in the red with my blog, but I hope to get it monetized properly soon, so that I can break even or make some lunch money 🙂 Let’s Skype again soon. Happy Friday!
Patricia A Patton says
I wish I could say I had not spent money but I have. Most of it did not deliver on the original promise I guess you can tell from this post. I was not aware of the MOOC or other classes you mention so I will check into them. There are so many more now than even 3 years ago. Just knowing what needs to be done will help you negotiate a price if you hire someone. Thanks for the resources.
Sylvia Lewis says
So true. Experts need to be checked, especially if recommended by a colleague. I just met a roof deck expert who was a colleague’s long-time friend. He had no website and a reference from someone whose house he re-built-no deck! Should I trust his bid for $15K. It’s not like he lacks ability or my colleague’s good word. So, I sought a 2nd opinion. This annoyed my colleague! She began defended her friend. The 2nd person recommended a simple power wash and stain NOT a total re-build–price-$900! what a saving!
Patricia says
Now you cannot tell me that what you did is not what someone with good sense would do. You absolutely have to use the good sense the Lawd gave you.
Lois Alter Mark says
This is such an important post, Patricia, because we all assume “experts” know more than we do. Deborah added a lot of good advice, and I agree with Helene — I only go by word of mouth now because I’ve gotten burned and paid far too much for people who have definitely not proven to be experts.
Patricia A Patton says
An experiential lesson is not quickly forgotten, that is for sure Lois. I am following the word-of-mouth advice for certain. Thank you for reading and sharing.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Excellent words of advice, Patricia. I have pretty much relied on word of mouth for recommendations.
Deborah Davis says
Yes, Patricia, I know just what you mean. I have spent good money on so called experts who delivered substandard goods and services. I have spent good money on vendors who took their sweet time delivering on their promised services and required months of emails and calls from me to complete the job. What did I learn from this?
1.I realized that it is very important not to believe the “marketing” hype that people write about the “so-called qualifications and expertise”.
2. I learned the hard way that it is critical to ask friends and colleagues who you respect for recommendations.
3.Ask prospective vendors for references.
4.Spell out your agreement in writing before payment is exchanged and if possible, pay in installments so there is some incentive to complete the agreed upon services.
5. Teach yourself, find an aquaintence who can tutor you or take an inexpensive class, webinar or workshop.
Yes, I’ve been burnt, but I swear by golly, I won’t be burnt again if I can help it.
Patricia A Patton says
These additions would have enhanced my post which is why comments are so important. The interesting thing about having been burnt is that once you get over the embarrassment associated with having made a stupid decision, you realize it’s not likely that you will be burnt again….at least not about that same thing. One simply cannot allow their emotions to cloud their business decisions. Thanks for sharing.