I got a message yesterday that read (I'm paraphrasing for time here): 

I had a look at the fellow's profile and he's not a fake spammer or a cold-blooded killer (that I know of).  He seems like a perfectly normal person, and he's probably a good guy. 

But I declined the invitation. 

Why? 

For one, there was no mention of what the meeting was about. In the past, I've often gone to such meetings only to be pitched hard by someone trying to sell me something (usually MLM or financial planning).

But worse than that is the dreaded "brain-picking" meeting. You know the one: you show up eager to meet someone who says they want to work or collaborate with you, only to be grilled with 100 questions and expectations of getting your valuable advice for free.

If you're lucky, they'll spring for the coffee ... 

I've felt like hopping in the shower after getting done with those meetings.  

Things changed last year, when I knew that I was too busy to do them anymore. And I also read a book that got my thinking right on this issue (it's called No You Can't Pick My Brain, It Costs Too Much by Adrienne Graham).  

Now, I have a few standard responses when brain-pickers/potential brain-pickers are grasping for my time: 

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-> "Hi, can you send me an email with what you want to discuss?" (a great way to weed out the people trying to sell you, or to judge if it's worth your time) 

-> "Sure, I'd love to meet! I charge $x/hour, and I prefer to be paid by PayPal.  Here's my PayPal link ..." (be prepared for shock and outrage if you use this one) 

-> "I'm sorry, but I'm wrapped up with a project at the moment and I won't be able to meet."

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Don't feel guilty for any of these responses.  Remember that your time is your most valuable commodity, don't just give it away for free.

The only people allowed to pick my brain now are those who have skin in the game - my clients and the subscribers in my new Secret Coach Club that launched on Friday.

Subscribers get email access to pick my brain if they need my help with their coaching businesses.  A lot of people have joined in the two days since launch, and I already helped a couple of them out this weekend. 

So with SCC you get the print newsletter packed with my best stuff, access to a private workshop every month, and a direct line to pick my brain (note: this doesn't mean 10x a day, but I trust that people won't abuse this!) 

And here's the cherry on top: you can get in now for the early bird price of $67/month instead of the $97/month that others will be paying: 

Marc