Why You Should Pay for Premium Business Advice: A Reality Check
Ever heard the story of Picasso and the napkin? Legend has it that Picasso was at a Paris market when an admirer approached and asked if he could do a quick sketch on a paper napkin for her. Picasso politely agreed, quickly created a drawing, and handed back the napkin — but not before asking for a million dollars.
The lady was shocked: “How can you ask for so much? It took you five minutes to draw this!”
“No”, Picasso replied, “It took me 40 years to draw this in five minutes.”
Imagine walking into your favorite barber shop, sitting in the chair, and getting a fresh haircut. When you leave, you pay the barber for their service. It’s a simple transaction—service rendered, payment made. Whether that barber has been cutting hair for a year or a decade, you pay the price they ask because you value their skill. The same goes for dining out. Whether the chef has been in the kitchen for years or is fresh out of culinary school, you pay what’s on the menu. The same is true when you visit a tattoo artist or buy a product from a store; you pay the listed price.
So why is it that when it comes to business advice or consulting, some people expect it for free?
For nearly 20 years, I’ve honed my craft, developed strategies, and delivered results that have propelled businesses to new heights. My rate is $1,000 an hour, and for that investment, you’re getting the very best of my expertise. Big corporations understand the value I bring to the table, and they have no problem paying for it because they recognize the return on investment. My service isn’t just about time spent; it’s about the depth of knowledge, experience, and insight that comes from two decades of success.
In the past, I’ve been generous with my time, offering free advice to those who sought it. But too often, this goodwill has been met with disregard—hours of my life wasted by people who didn’t follow directions or failed to take action, costing me both time and money. Time is the one resource we can never get back, and I’ve learned the hard way that my time, like my advice, has immense value.
When you pay a barber, a tattoo artist, a chef, or even a retail store, you’re not just paying for the tangible outcome—the haircut, the tattoo, the meal, or the product. You’re paying for the years of practice, the skill, and the dedication that these professionals have poured into perfecting their craft. The same principle applies to business consulting. My service comes with a premium price because I know what I can deliver, and I’m confident in the value I provide.
The next time you think about seeking business advice, remember that it’s no different from any other professional service. Quality, experience, and results come at a price. Just like you wouldn’t expect a free haircut, don’t expect free business advice. When you invest in my services, you’re investing in a wealth of knowledge that can transform your business. That’s value you can’t put a price on—except I did, and it’s $1,000 an hour.
