There’s no such thing as a free lunch

This isn't a post that I'd normally make, as I prefer to keep my content directed to my job seekers. But I feel compelled to share with my network that I'm not interested in buying business consulting programs, or app development services, or business development services. If the day arrives when I'm interested in something like this, I will reach out and ask someone I trust for their support and assistance.

One of the things that nobody tells you when you start a business is just how many business-related services people will try to pitch you. If you share your email online, people will spam you with emails. If you share your work phone, people will call you nonstop.

Very recently, I left a business group that I was so completely excited to be part of. There were members in the group whom I'd known for years. It was really nice to chat with them again and catch up on their lives. But the business group turned out to be a false front. The group's owner was inviting business owners to join his "free" collective, and then, after we were in, would pitch his sales and business development services. 🫠

We've all heard the saying: there's no such thing as a free lunch. If anyone ever offers you something for free, the "product" in the transaction is almost always you or your data. Yet I'm grateful, because the experience reminded me why I'm still here, working with job seekers, almost 12 years after I sold my first resume package.

To the very best of my ability, I treat my job seekers with respect. I never pitch my services to a job seeker without asking permission first. When I network with anyone, especially here on LinkedIn, I always respect that person's space. I won't spam their DMs. I won't send them messages that are false fronts toward making a sale.

If anyone wants to buy a resume package, I make it very easy to find me online, look through my packages, and make an informed decision. It's easy to ask me questions. I always try to give responses that are helpful and detailed. And I do this because my job seekers are intelligent human beings, with critical thinking skills. I want them to feel that I respect their agency. That I'm someone they can genuinely trust.

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