The CEO of a start up venture calls you and seems quite excited to hire you. He is launching a new proprietary health care product and believes he is going to make a fortune. However, he needs some business coaching in some areas where you are an expert.
On the first call, you agree on rates and he gives verbal agreement to move forward.
Then he proceeds to call you three more times asking you for advice about current situations you are facing. He promises he will hire you next week and adds, “you can call any of my current vendors, who will tell you I pay my bills.”
Finally he calls you Monday of the next week and says, “I’m just putting some finishing touches on my financial projections. Can you give me some advice? Then we can move forward…”
Question:
1. Have you already given away too much “free consulting,” or is this how it works?
2. Should you answer his questions and give him advice one last time?
3. How can executive coaches demonstrate their credibility and value without giving free advice/coaching/consulting?
