Shooting Self in Foot

Dear Alisa and Gina,

I know a solo practitioner who is eager to build her business. She often forwards interesting e-mails to me – and I assume a lot of others on her e-mail list. Recently she sent a piece of news in an e-mail written by someone else who does the same kind of work. I found myself looking into the other person’s Web site and I’m seriously thinking about taking a class from her – rather than the person I know. This is clearly not what my contact wants. How do I tell her she’s doing herself a disservice by sending these links? ~ Obvious to Me

It sounds like your colleague needs business building help. Or time management, so she can focus on writing her own e-mails. By speaking up and telling her what she’s doing, you are giving her a gift she might otherwise pay a marketing consultant a lot of money to discover. Let her know: In order to build your business you need to set yourself apart from the competition and be clear about what you offer, in your own words. Go for it! ~ Alisa

Reply to her saying, “The classes sound really interesting – I’ll probably take one.” Maybe she’ll get the hint - or maybe not. ~ Gina