I’m a Consultant Not Your Pimp

I just wanted to make that clear to the blogosphere.  As I’ve gotten popular and I have more blog readers and social media followers, I’m receiving a new type of request and they are something that I didn’t expect.

When I made the decision to start consulting, I dreamed of phone calls and emails inquiring about my services and hourly rate.  I thought about training and online seminars I would be teaching and the clients who I would be working with.  Those were the days.

Right around the time I was half way through writing my book, Tweet This!  Twitter for Business, things started to take off for me as a social media consultant.  I received lots of phone calls and requests for proposals and training.  Of course I was elated because it’s one thing providing strategy internally within a large organization while it is completely another serving as a consultant working with multiple clients as a subject matter expert.  Things were happening.

About a year and a half ago, I got a call and was invited to lunch with a professional acquaintance I just met.  Not one to turn down a free lunch or the opportunity to talk about my business, I took a long lunch for the corporate job to meet.  Of course I was excited and intrigued until about 5 minutes into the conversation.

It was a MLM Pitch.

For those of you who know what MLM or Multi-Level Marketing is, let me be the first to say that I don’t hate or discourage MLM.  My biggest problem with MLM and selling multiple products at the same time is that it confuses my potential client base and audience.  Am I a Mary Kay Consultant or do I provide social media consulting?  How can I do both and will my customers confuse my loyalties and business?

Yes, I have an extensive network and I understand your methods.  Heck, I sold Mary Kay like 75% of the female population back in the day.  I love networking and building relationships.  I know people, but that doesn’t mean you’re not the first person to think I want to sign up for Fortune, Energy Drinks, or your affiliate program.  I get pitched at least 2-3 times a week on a regular basis.

This isn’t just about MLM.  It’s about all products and services that are outside of my business strategy and scope.  No, I can’t sell your ATS system, Legal Service, or Vitamins.  It’s just not me.  I am however, happy to help you build a strategy that can generate interest, excitement, and build a brand and recognition around you and your product. A strategy that allows you to better sell your services or product, whatever it might be.

Because I’m a Consultant.  Not Your Pimp.

Photo Credit Hip Hop Bling.

Save