Sils, that’s very strong feedback, thanks. I did a reality check, and perhaps it was a tad harsh. Let me rephrase it, and see if my policies still seem unfair:

First, I link(edin) with almost anyone where I can see some connection to learning, technology, and/or design/strategy. Because it has frequently been the case that if they’re in biz dev and sales, I immediately get a pitch (see Donald J Taylor’s message as validation), I simply add a codicil saying that I don’t want that. I don’t connect out of the field; that seems counter to the spirit of the site.

I think my ‘talk ideas for free, help someone for drinks/dinner (and that’s just a hint ;), if someone’s making a quid I get a cut’ is a very fair approach.

So I contribute to the field (hopefully not least thru this blog), including reviewing journal and conference submissions, interviews, and requests from students and people starting up. And more little things than I can list. Ideas for free, helping someone personally.

The only thing I get a wee bit twisted up about, and it’s frequent enough that I have some ‘cut and paste’ responses, is people who expect me to work for free, or for ‘exposure’, or even to pay for the privilege! So, I won’t look at your product and provide my expert opinion. I won’t do a webinar for free if you’re charging other people. I won’t blog about your press release. And I won’t accept your post for my blog, nor write a post for you for free. Just search on “work for exposure” to see the cynical side of this. This is the ‘making a quid’ piece. I’m open to all sorts of relationships, but they have to be mutually fair. And many people have happily taken me up on one or the other of these.

Does this help?

Yes, I write and talk a lot. That doesn’t feed the wolves (it’s pretty much just pocket change), it’s consulting that pays the bills. The speaking/writing acts as marketing for the work, and finding new work is a continual process. And I’m still learning (e.g. my biz dev skills are a work in progress). I have to manage my time, and I try to do it with compassion. Even my boilerplate messages explain why, and I believe the messages are respectful (I’ll check ;), if forthright.

I welcome your thoughts. Thanks again for your contribution.

I guess you’ve been so successful for so long that you forget how hard it is to learn and establish your career. There is a naivety that comes with the process of learning to build a business: some might not know that they should offer you money for your advice because they haven’t themselves experienced what it is like to be paid for their work yet.

Shame on you, Clark. People look up to you as a mentor. It’s sad to see how you’ve lost perspective and compassion for your fellow human.

This myopic, self-indulgence is beneath you.