Eeek. I am sorry in advance. Please know that we are all guilty of the things listed below, but I want to change the way we ALL handle professional vs personal relationships. I want to let you know why you can’t pick my (or anyone else’s) brain for coffee.

WHEN YOU CAN’T PICK SOMEONE’S BRAIN FOR COFFEE

Looking for free advice on your business, career, skills or other tidbits of information that someone spent years learning? Well…that is a hard no.

Here is the thing, the people doing the things we want to do have spent a lot of time, money, and energy learning what they know. Sure, it may seem like a completely fair trade to buy a $7.50 locally roasted artisan latte for this person you admire, but lets get real…would you be willing to leave your work, your family, and your little bit of free time in this crazy world, to share the information that you painstakingly learned with someone you probably barely know (if you know them at all)? Probably not.

WHEN YOU CAN PICK SOMEONE’S BRAIN FOR COFFEE

Looking for parenting advice from a friend? Pick away! Looking for support from family as you navigate a rough breakup, house hunting, life changes or a career choices? Sure!

Do you have a way to make it mutually beneficial? Go for it! Two professionals meeting for coffee to share knowledge, connect and grow together is always a win.

THE BOTTOM LINE?

We have to stop confusing peoples free time with their availability. We have to start respecting peoples time, talent and energy. If it isn’t mutually beneficial, than it is time to ask about rates for education or mentorship. Not willing to pay? Well…then I guess it might be time to do the research yourself.

No one owes us their time just like we owe no one our time. Be mindful about who you invite to coffee. No, you shouldn’t avoid coffee dates, YOU SHOULD BE DOING THEM ALL THE TIME…just not to pick someones brain for free. Mutually beneficial sharing of information is a win, always!