Empathy is NOT a Business Model

You must stop saying YES to free calls when just anybody asks for help.

I believe small businesses are dreams not jobs and I have so much respect for anyone with the courage to try that early on in my business I would take calls and offer support to everyone - client or not. I thought saying yes was part of being a good person and there was some karmic bank account I was stuffing for the long run. It felt like doing the right thing.

But empathy became a trap.

I was giving my time but also my energy and focus to non-clients. I pretended it was just one quick call, but it was never was just the call. It was the preparation, the interruption in my day, and the quiet frustration that follows when you see someone not implementing what you created together.

And that is the rub with many people who ask for free support. In my experience most of the time they never do anything with it. They do not act on the advice because they have not invested in it.

Eventually, I decided that had to stop. I created a simple rule: if you want my help, you can book it. When I started charging for my time, something interesting happened. The people who said yes were the ones ready to take action. They showed up prepared, they followed through, and they valued the experience.

Free work feels generous, but it is one of the fastest ways to burn out. If you want to protect your time and sanity, learn to say no to free work and charge for your time.

How to Say No to Free Work (Without Feeling Bad)

• Create an online booking calendar with a rate and credit card link at checkout.

• When a request for your time comes in, simply reply with the calendar link and share: “I would be happy to help. You can book a session with me at here.”

Setting boundaries is not rude. It is respectful to both you and the other person.
The right people will understand that your time has value.

The ones who do not were never going to act on your advice anyway.

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Quick Hit: 2026 Small Business
Planning With a Twist

If you’re a solopreneur you CANNOT plan your business like the big building downtown. Why? Small Business is a lifestyle and that changes all the time. You’re balancing the needs of your business, family, and self all at once with an eye of making the mortgage and not stressing out completely.

I’m hosting in-person and virtual planning sessions for 2026 that keeps this reality in mind. Let’s make a plan for your business and for YOU so you can get it right:

• Three-hour, intense, small group, interactive

• We’ll build a one year vision with a 90-day Plan

• You’ll walk away with your one big business goal AND one big personal goal for ‘26

• Plus, we’ll build the system you need to put your goals on autopilot

• No BS, Focused, and Affordable

Stop letting the business run you and build a future where you’re taking care of your personal priorities AND your clients to make 2026 the best year, yet.

My first session is on November 17 - reserve your spot now!

Now, GO SELL SOMETHING!

Pat