You know the type.

The person who slides into your DMs with “Can I pick your brain real quick?” … and suddenly you’ve written them a full consultation — for free.

It happens to every business owner and blogger at some point. And while generosity is part of who we are, here’s the truth: you can’t build a sustainable business if you give away all your time and expertise, all the time.

Since becoming a new mom, I've had to rein in my tendencies to voice note and message complete in-depth solutions to their problems, just because someone asked!

I also realised the people asking me had money to pay for expensive holidays, dinners, and luxury items... but suddenly had no money to pay for my expertise. It was a choice they were making, and I was helping them make that choice by working for free!

Here are a few ways to handle brain pickers gracefully:

But before we get into it, here's a quick note from our sponsor today!

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Back to brain picking...

1. Have free resources ready.
Instead of writing a long reply, point them to a blog post, podcast, or free guide you’ve already created. It saves time and positions you as helpful without giving away everything.

---For example, here are all my helpful FREE resources, there are loads!

--I also point them to my IG content and stories, as I share lots of free tips there!

2. Create a boundary script.
Something like: “Thanks for reaching out! I cover this in detail with clients during consulting sessions. If you’d like to book one, here’s the link.” Short, polite, clear.

3. Offer a paid next step.
If people keep asking for the same advice, that’s your signal to package it into a workshop, template, or mini-course. Let the brain pickers fund your digital products.

--This training was created because everyone kept asking me how to make money blogging

--This one came about because people kept asking me to 'take a look at their site and why it wasn't working'

-- And this one after everyone kept asking the best way to start a side hustle and which paid the most

4. Don’t feel guilty.
Your time and experience are valuable. Boundaries don’t make you rude — they make you professional.

So the next time someone tries to “pick your brain,” remember: you’re not a free buffet. Point them to your resources, offer a way to work with you, and keep your energy for the people who truly value it.

Also, its important to note, never to shame or make anyone feel bad if they can't afford your paid products/ services. I was there once! Livin la vida broka. Gracefully remind them you can't afford to work for free and offer your free options.

Who knows, later on, when they CAN afford you, they will come back and become paying customers!

That's all from me today, thanks for reading!

Aisha Preece from Outandbeyond.com

P.S. If you like quick tips like this and if you want more behind-the-scenes like this, come hang out: @aishapreece

PPS: Some recent pics of the glorious Irish summer! I've discovered a beautiful community allotment and I've taken my daughter on another hike! So much fun ! :)

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