Recently I spoke at an event where numerous people asked me to meet with them, have lunch, etc. I responded: Sorry, no free lunch meetings – if you want to meet with me you need to pay my hourly fee.
I mentioned this in an email and got this reply from Dennis:
Perry
I love your stuff, you are obviously a very talented online marketer. In addition I bet your a good person, I don’t know but I get the feeling you are. However one thing really bothered me that you said in your newsletter dated Tuesday October 28th.
As far as I can deduct you where part of a program that went late into the night that people paid for and after it was over several people wanted to take you to lunch etc, to pick your brain. You response was sure, just pay me my hourly rate. Now I’m all for people getting paid for there time, God knows if you say high to a lawyer your going to get a bill. Wlth that in mind there is such a thing as going to far. It’s called GREED. It’s what the me generation did to this countries economy today. It’s the reason our economy is in such a mess.
I have been here for 58 years and have met many successful people, everyone of these people that I have asked to take to lunch and chat never charged me a dime. And myself being a very successful sales person earning over $100 K per year since 1974 have always given freely to others who asked. My opinion regaring your reponse to a request to do lunch was not being a smart business person, it was greed with a capital G. Come on, lets get real here if this kind of greed does not stop this country is headed for the dumpster.
Can you imagagine having to pay everyone who you asked for advice ? Why not put a hold on the greed and give a little back without getting paid for it. Even the blood sucking lawyers do probono work, even high priced doctors volunteer there skill to help people who can’t afford medical care. Even old John D Rockefeller realised his greed and started giving his money away. Then theres Perry Marshall he won’t go to lunch with eager students and share his knowledge without getting paid. You can rationalize all you want, but your response was arrogant and greedy. Let me summarise, what you did was Bull Shit.
Dennis
This was my reply to Dennis:
Dennis,
Thanks for your note and I can appreciate how my comment made you feel. Yes if someone told me 20 years ago I’d be charging people $700 for lunch and turning away people asking for help, I might have felt the same way as you. As you wrote your email I think you felt more and more angry about it all the time.
My wife read your email and said, “Perry, this guy apparently doesn’t know how many people want to take you to lunch.”
Dennis, I have over 100,000 people on my email list. You have no idea how many people email my office and ask questions – hundreds and hundreds every month. I could EASILY spend all day dispensing free advice. The demand for it it ENDLESS. I could spend every single breakfast, lunch and dinner time slot dispensing free advice and the line would never stop.
At the meeting, had I responded to all those requests I would’ve been out to lunch every day this week dispensing free advice. Remember: I’m not a salesman. I’m a consultant. Advice, not widgets, is what I sell. When you were a salesman you didn’t give away your goods for free and you didn’t feel guilty if they expected you to and you wouldn’t feel guilty for saying no.
There are several reasons why I don’t dispense free advice:
-It would be unfair to those who pay for it, and there are many who do
-People almost NEVER act on free advice, especially if it requires them to do something uncomfortable – so what’s the point in dispensing it?
-If people want free information there are hundreds of pages of free articles and MP3’s on my website and it’s good stuff
-If I gave away my knowledge I would not be able to be generous to those who truly are in need.
You accuse me of being greedy and not being generous. You do not know that. You do not know me at all. You have no business making such judgments. You do not know how many people and/or organizations I DO give free advice to. You do not know who or what I give my money to and it’s none of your business anyway.
Just know this: If I gave away free advice I would have no money to give to AIDS orphans in Africa.
So given that I have people lined up to pay me money (for example if you want a 1 day consultation it has to be booked 1-3 months in advance; phone consults are booked 2-4 weeks in advance) why should I allow people to cut in line and pay nothing?
Would that be right?
Finally, most of the questions people would ask me are already answered on my website or in my products. Most of the business ideas people pitch me with are a waste of time. People who have not read my books or website first usually wouldn’t understand the answer if I gave it to them.
I am known all around the world for my expertise and my time is valuable. I am a STEWARD of my time and I am responsible before God for how I use it. To give it away indiscriminately would be irresponsible and wasteful.
I will give my time to people who earn it and that is why I am then able to be generous with people who need it. Hungry children in Africa need help more than well-fed Americans who are trying to solve their business problems. If they want free advice, they can ask someone else.
When people pay for my time, they get value. In life you usually get what you pay for, and when you pay me $725 an hour [note: my rate has risen since this was written, it is now $4,000 per hour] you get your money’s worth. My job is to deliver that value and make sure that knowledge is put to use for maximal effect to ALL involved – my customers, myself, and the causes that are dear to my heart.
Sincerely,
Perry Marshall
Share This Post
About the Author
Perry Marshall has launched two revolutions in sales and marketing. In Pay-Per-Click advertising, he pioneered best practices and wrote the world's best selling book on Google advertising. And he's driven the 80/20 Principle deeper than any other author, creating a new movement in business.
He is referenced across the Internet and by Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, INC and Forbes Magazine.
421 Comments on “Perry’s Greed”
Once we’ve disposed of the “Perry should work for all for free” argument can we move onto the beard please – who one who prefers the clean shaven Perry rather than the goateed guru . . . . . Laura gets the casting vote of course . . .
. . I suppose it could be worse – how about the “Jack Sparrow” look Perry?? . .
I think it is grred at its best to charge that kind of money. The old uneducated man was right on with his comments though.
I can see Perry’s position pretty well. In fact, its something I’d probably do. I had an inkling that Perry is probably an active philanthropist as all good entrepreneurs are.
I liked what Ronnie said – Customer’s aren’t your friends. If Dennis was a close friend…things would be different. But Dennis isn’t. This is business.
As for charging for advice – Perry’s right. Its very irritating/enraging/infuriating when you give advice or information that you KNOW is worth…THOUSANDS…or TENS OF THOUSANDS….not to mention an ounce or 2 of emotional involvement and your time to someone who…doesn’t use it.
Its an indirect way of saying “Yeah, I took you for a smuck because you gave me all your time and this free stuff…and now I’m not gona use it.” Now he may not actually do that, or mean it – but sometimes you can feel that way. I know I have
And sometimes when you give free advice, somehow people get this idea that you can “debate” the free advice…and their opinion is better than yours (even though its the other way around results wise).
Or worse – they just wana use your free advice just to get an ego stroke or to improve their “self image” to themselves (by trying to reject yours…). “Oh this can’t possibly work, no thats not how you do it- my way is better” (Even though his way got him broke)
Result: your help isn’t valued as much (if at all).
I’ve had that happen to me once – and I never let it happen again.
Sorta reminds me of how Gary sent a check back to one of his clients telling him “Just because you paid me, doesn’t entitle you to waste my time”
There are times when you need to use the sledgehammer. Sometimes…not using tact can be a good thing. Its very useful for setting the record straight. Especially, if there was a personal attack.
Now Dennis may or may not have acted upon free advice or free information from you. But it is something of a cheap shot to be directly ATTACKING you. He shouldn’t have equated lawyers or Rockerfella as somehow being better than you.
When you “attack” someone personally…well its sorta like walking into a lion’s den. You can’t do it without expecting to be eaten alive.
When you charge for advice, when you charge for a consultation especially at $725 an hour – in a way – you guarantee they’ll make results. Because they will value your advice that both of you know works. And sometimes its the ONLY way to communicate “Hey, this is important, this is valuable, this is something you need to use – now”
If his plan was to invite you to lunch…and then milk you for free advice…that’s also a cheap shot. Its an indirect way of stealing. It makes you also feel like a smuck, being used and then when its all done, disposed of. And then probably not use the advice.
All else fails – its just annoying to all hell.
At the end of the day – your time is your life. You’re free to choose however you want to spend your life.
No man has any obligation over your money or time.
Only you choose how its spent.
Anyway – Happy Thanks Giving
PS
David, he looks better clean shaven =D
I can see both sides. At first, I agreed with Dennis, you sounded mighty greedy. My mother used to always pay whoever did any work for her – mowing the grass, raking, painting something, etc. She would always overpay them. Much more than it was worth. I would never let my sons take her money. I feel like they should do that out of decency and love for their grandmother, not for profit. I think Dennis is coming from a similar place.
But after reading your response, I can see your side clearly. All of your points are valid. If you went to lunch with everyone who asked….
Maybe you could have a more graceful answer ready when it happens again – Gee, I’d love to, but I am just worn out with shop-talk right now! Or, I’ve love to, but tomorrow is one of my few chances this week to spend some time with my wife. Maybe you could call me later this week and and we could set up a consultation?
Something like that would say that you expect to be paid, but in a nicer way.
That said, if this is a ploy to get more reader, it worked on me…I will be checking out your site. :-)
Hi Perry,
Yes I clearly understand both points of this argument.
However, I read one reply that I believe fits the most.
It’s not what you say but how you say it and to further expand;
“How someone understands what was said”
With that said keep up the great work Perry and don’t let people get underyour skin.
It’s a waist of time and energy.
Well said Perry. Dennis you need to go back to school. You must have flunked in grammar.
Perry if you start giving away the stuff I’ve already paid for I’m gonna be *pissed*! :-)
He’s just jealous (& probably financially hurting).
You’re doing great work, ignore him.
Cheers
First off, I’d like to say I am a complete “newbie” to internet marketing.
Last week I emailed Perry requesting a half-hour PAID telephone consultation in order to get started online “the right way”. I received a prompt, polite and *F.REE* response from Perry’s PA suggesting I try 2 other programs (no affiliate links included) before spending any money with Perry’s consulting service.
I thought I’d sooner get free food in an Indian restaurant than see a Internet Marketer turn away business (you need to be English to understand…)! I guess I was wrong – Perry is clearly more interested in adding value to his potential customers than grabbing pennies.
Oh yeah, I have a whole genre of mp3’s in my iTunes library dedicated to adwords, who do you think contributes 99% of the material to this *F.REE* stuff? That’s right: Dennis Whathisname – whoops sorry – Perry Marshall.
Way to go Perry (token Americanism thrown in for levity)!
PS. What do I have to do to get you to take ma monehhhh?
PPS. Dennis et al, you can take me out for some fish ‘n’ chips anytime as long as I get to grill you about how to get free stuff. Any takers?
Peace!
OK…so it is perfectly acceptable to go up to someone you don’t know and expect them to give you something of extreme value in return for the cost of a coffee and grilled salmon salad?
I don’t think so!!
My response would not have been as measured as Perry’s. I would likely have said:-
My hourly standard rates are $700+. Since you are wishing to ask me for advice during my leisure time, the fee is $1500 per hour. We both know the value is far greater than that. Oh, and I assume you will leave a great tip for the staff?
lol
Hey Perry,
Great post. I’ve been following you for years and also paid “good money” to attend your 80/20 seminar in May. That’s how I got to meet you and get valuable advice.
I think your approach may turn some people off, but it’s a time management necessity for you. This guy can’t fathom the demand for Perry vs. the supply of Perry curves and that it requires raising the price on your time for you to function.
Keep up the good work!
There was a corporation that had problems with all of the computers not working in their company; they just stopped. So, they called a computer tech to come and fix them. The tech pressed a couple of buttons and fixed them all in 1 minute. He left and sent the corporation a bill for $1000.00. The corporation asked why it cost so much if it only took one minute to fix them. Tech guy said, “It took one minute to fix them and 10 years to learn how to.”
Dennis –
I think you meant “Hi” not “high”.
Perry is not the reason for the failed economy.
Rather, it is due to Entitlement, clearly something you are familiar with.
Perry,
I think you were very nice to dignify the email with a response. You could have just “graded” his poor grammar and sent his note back to him with a C-.
RO
Why feel guilty about putting a value on your time? It has taken you many years and at your own cost to acquire the knowledge that you have. Knowledge that people value otherwise they wouldn’t pay the cost to attend your seminars or buy your books etc. Otherwise they wouldn’t value it enough to try and get it out of you. But therein lies the contradiction in terms. Yes, to ask for one on one over lunch etc, suggests that they do indeed value it…but are cheapskates, arrogent enough to assume that they can get it out of you for nothing. Methinks the greedy one is not Perry. As a person who is learning more and more about putting a value on my knowledge I applaud you Perry. Good on you mate!
The problem with people who want things for free, want to ‘pick’ someone’s brains or try to be a Perry Marshall or anyone else is that they are too lazy to do the work it takes to be a Perry Marshall and think that if they just ‘pick a Perry Marshall brain’ that they will discover all the secrets it takes to be a Perry Marshall; and have short cuts to success instead of having to do everything that Perry did to get to where he is today.
The truth is that no matter how many blue prints of Perry Marshall is given to anyone, no one is going to be a Perry Marshall. You are you, and if you can’t or won’t develop yourself then it’s your fault. And, if you aren’t willing to pay for Perry’s advice then that is your loss because he is actually offering his time for a fee. Try to get a movie star, doctor, lawyer, Donald Trump or anyone other professional to sit with you one-on-one and listen to you whine for an hour for $700. I don’t think it’s going to happen. There are reasons for it.
Someone like Perry Marshall who actually takes the time to even answer a freeloader, regardless if it’s in the right or wrong tone is to be commended for just taking his time to answer someone who has little concern or consideration for Perry’s time and just has the “What’s in it for me” thinking. Most successful people wouldn’t even acknowledge this type of thing. But in my opinion Perry sees something of value here and has chosen to display this type of thinking not because he wanted to belittle this guy, but to show that no matter what you do for anyone there is always going to be someone who will let it be known that you are not doing enough for them. And, in my opinion the amount of free information Perry gives away for free shows a guy who gives back to society, not because he has to but because he is philanthropic as most successful people are. You would know that if you took a little time out of your life to read something by someone like Norman Vincent Peale. Your response is quite a “tell” about you.
Greed? Greed? The only people who even talk about greed are the ones who can’t and won’t work as hard as those who make enough money to be called greedy.
Frankly, many of the so called greedy (or, successful, let’s be honest) are more giving than the name callers will ever be in their life. Why does anyone successful owe anyone who isn’t? I’ll never understand that. Most people who are successful did what you won’t do to get there. And, your thinking is that they owe you? What? Why?
I’m sick of losers who try to win the lottery or “pay $1 to get a scratch-off ticket that will garner them 50 million dollars” so they can spend the rest of their lives doing nothing but bragging about their lotto winnings or, how they coerced a Perry Marshall out of their hard earned knowledge.
Divvy up mentality is disgusting and will get you absolutely nothing in life – especially anything from a philanthropist – which is what you are looking for, you pitiful little man who wants it all for free.
Think about it. You want information from Perry Marshall. Who wants information from you? Who will even take you to lunch to pick your brain? I say no one and assuredly no one that matters. You know why? Because you don’t have anything to offer, nor, do you have what it takes to be a major role model for anyone so you cut down those who do have something to offer because you can’t get it for free and you can’t have a Perry Marshall mind. And, that is the very reason you want to pick Perry’s mind, so you can be as good as Perry. Well, maybe you could even be better than Perry if you just believed in yourself and pushed as hard as Perry has to learn something.
So why don’t you work around the clock, give up time with your family and friends, work weekends and nights, take major risks, losses and wins and do what the majority of others are not willing to do to be successful then you can start charging for your time, because there is no doubt in my mind that you are the type of person will not be so willing to give out your life’s work and hard learned lessons that made you successful – for free.
You think there is a secret to success? There is and you really need to pay for those secrets in blood, sweat and tears, but more importantly in belief in yourself. After you do that you will come to learn and understand that whether your product is a toy made in China that you had to take a lot of time to find the supplier of, work with pricing and risk of importing it and every other nuance for selling that type of thing, or you decide to charge for advice based upon your blood, sweat and tears that others are willing to pay for then you will sit quietly humbled and realize that if there is a man with info that you badly want, you will be happily willing to pay for that commodity because you will know what it took to get that commodity.
Stop being a cry baby and pick up a book, study, take some risks, update your thinking and put some of your own effort and mind muscle to work like the Perry Marshalls of life do. And, pay for his product just like you’d expect someone to pay for something you were selling. No body owes you anything but you owe Perry an apology.
There is a saying that a famous musician has that fits you, “You can copy me, but you still have no identity.” –Marilyn Manson
You probably could have addressed the situation a little better. I know I would be offended if I invested in a workshop or event, and then got a ridiculous upsell after offering a kind gesture to one of the speakers. I’ve seen ball players at the stadium hangout for over an hour after a game signing autographs. Although not all players do it, it is a nice courtesy and gains a lot of respect from those who admire them. I am sure you are well aware that ball players have many, many, fans.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t try to sell your one-on-one services. I’m just saying that handling an offer a little more delicately will gain you more respect, and potentially a client that will spend a lot of one-on-one time with you in the future which will end up making you money instead of someone calling you a greedy bastard. AND avoiding an unnecessary blog post altogether.
Perry, you didn’t need to give this character the courtesy of a reply, but I may have done so also, but not quite as “gently” as you did. Anyway, I know it feels good to get it off your chest.
God bless, and have a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas Season!!
I always enjoy your eMails,–JTG
Perceptions are often misperceptions. Misperceptions can, as in this case, come about from the lack of complete information. Adding fuel to the fire is the emotional trigger of money/economy in these days and times. It is how we individually respond to the current economic conditions that makes a difference both personally and publicly. We can whine, worry, and complain or we can take whatever steps are necessary to learn how to handle ourselves, including purchasing information or advice to enhance our businesses and our success.
Some while ago, I had reason to hire an attorney. I guarantee you that I paid for every second that was spent on my case by the lawyer and the legal staff. The lawyer even called on me asking me for my services. I provided the services but I did not charge this attorney. Let me tell you, it was the last time I did not charge for my services.
When a businessperson provides a service, I think it borders on insanity to not charge for the service. It is not, as some people have suggested to me, a form of good will and advertising. Instead, it makes me look needy and makes the free-loader look greedy. Today, I charge what I charge without hesitation. This doesn’t make me greedy. It makes me a businessperson
I also support those in need. How and when I do that is no one’s business.
Thanks for your wisdom and the willingness to make it available for everyone to obtain.
Its HOW you say it.
You guys mentioning his english are the same people paying perry for your time.
LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE AND STOP NIT PICKING. God. No wonder you people cant figure out google.
Perry could have worded it nicer. Plain and simple. I am surprised a guy like this doesnt have better people skills.
maybe too many idiots paying 750 an hour, instead of learning for themselves. LIKE PERRY DID.
B I G P I C T U R E
LOOK AT IT NOW!
Hi Perry,
This sounds like the music star’s show and the after hours dinner party.
I feel your position is probably quite reasonable, and everyone who’s got a major ongoing career success to deal with will have a different take on how they themselves share their time out that is right for them. Where I feel a trick has been overlooked is the audience didn’t know in advance. What a number of hi profile people do is get their ‘PR’ person to forward a communication to speaker organisers to set out some light ground rules in advance, so reducing the chance of such disagreements. Then if the redoubtable Dennis type does appear again having been told what to expect by the organisers they haven’t a leg to stand on.
Response to Tom Chechatka.
There is no need to criticise the Brits. We have been drowning in a cesspit of socialism for the past 10 years and don’t need any flak.
There is no nation on earth that hasn’t greatly benefitted from being part of the British Empire. Problems occur when you hand control back to the ‘locals’.
Who are the controllers in the City of London? As I recall, Tony Blair was often described as Dubya’s poodle.
Who is your aristocracy – the Kennedys and the Clintons?
Regarding British behaviour in Africa – who massacred your Red Indian population?
Don’t blame the Brits for today’s problems on how the world was 232 years ago!
Ian
Perry,
I very much respect your knowledge and respect the fact that you made this public. Your “inventory” is your time and you covered that well. Time is something you can’t get back either once it is lost. It is not about being greedy, but being fair and honest. If you do this for one person everyone expects it, and you create a double standard. Good for you for standing up for what is right. Time is a precious commodity. Way to stand up for yourself! Keep on bringing the great content!
Paul
Well said Perry! I work with small businesses doing web design and online marketing. I also run a computer repair service.
Every time I am at any type of gathering of people, if the talk turns to computer related topics, I end up with someone wanting my to “take a look” at their computer. After saying “yes” too many times, I quickly learned not to do ‘pro bono’ work.
If you are in the business of consulting, you shouldn’t give your ‘consulting’ away for free. Just like if you are a butcher, you shouldn’t give your meat away for free.
The reason we have problems in society is because of attitudes belonging to people like Dennis, and that is: WANTING SOMETHING FOR NOTHING.
The guy should think a bit before opening his mouth and accusing a guy like Perry of being greedy. If what Perry did is greedy, then we should all be “greedy” and the world (and our wallets, and those who benefit from our generosity) would be all the better for it.
Are you kidding me?
Your talking about your TIME. Another guy is worried about spelling, and yet another wants to teach us supply and demand. Perry, you ARE greedy, simple truth. I am guessing you have done very well for yourself. Good, good for you, nothing wrong with that. But how much is enough? Do you or your family NEED for anything. Probably not. I on the other hand have to live on disability checks and hear my phone ring all day from bill collectors. I have cancer, which took away one kidney. I also have blood diseases( Coronary)which have to date kept me from getting back to work at a job I hate.I am a manager for Home Depot and I have the privilage of working 65-70 hrs a week for a lousy 56 grand a year and all the family time I can loose. I have been fleeced by the Berrytree, the Richjerk, and others because I did not know what I was doing. I could have used some FREE help. No matter now as I am broke and could not do anything even if I knew how. Point is, even Bill Gates is a philanthroper. You could afford to give some free value and you know it. Your no better than the CEO,s with thier golden parachutes. You have 5 million you want ten etc… Remember, you made this a public forum, so none of the none of your business crap. Give some back!
Bob Layte
Dave thank you! The reason I used the term Psychological Terrorism was to have my post read. You just proved words matter…
…including the subtlety of how they are delivered. Dennis was offended by words, the way they were delivered and Perry’s unintended meaning…the same way my words apparently offended you.
If a panhandler comes up to you on the street and asks you for some spare change or a couple of bucks, you decide whether or not you give it to them. After all, it’s your money.
If you’re a professional — like a doctor or lawyer or marketing consultant — and someone comes up to you and asks you to spare your time, once again, you decide whether or not you give it to them. Because, after all, it’s your time. And in this case, we’re not talking spare change or a couple of bucks, we’re talking hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value… it’s time you never get back.
Things work best when we get to choose who we give our own time and money to.
If we panhandle — ask for someone’s time offering little or nothing in return — and they grant it, we should be grateful. If they say no, we shouldn’t be resentful. After all, it’s their time to give.
David Blaise
Sledgehammer Marketing
Get our free report on the MVPs of Marketing at
http://www.sledgehammermarketing.com
Anybody who would pay 750.00 an hour for a consultation is either an idiot, desperate, or is already extremely wealthy. However, what Mr. Marshall chooses to charge is his own prerogative. If he can get that kind of money, then all I can say is more power to him and I wish I could be as lucky. People need to do their own due diligence to determine the value.
I really thought about this and wonder, how many of the comments are for you and how many comments are not for you. We all know that you are in the information business, but if those people have paid for a session that night then my thoughts are, why did you not use a little more kindness and maybe just have said that they needed to call your office. You have , in my eyes, made a bad decision to be arrogant to people that have just paid you for some information. You have just broken a rule in business that might follow you. Most of the time I can defend what actions that most people have taken, but Perry you have to know this is not going to enhance your reputation. You can come down much faster than you go up, so when people ask those type questions, use more tact and know that a lot of people do not understand what they are asking for. Most people are just fascinated with knowledge and just want to hear more. Go back to the day you left you real job and think how it would have felt if someone would have been that rude to you. Money is not evil, but the way money makes a lot of people act is evil. I know you justified your actions in your own mind, but there is a larger picture. I hope my spelling is correct for all that wrote about the poor guys spelling. Bob C
Perry,
Perhaps you could have used a little tact.
As in baseball, there are those players who love to take a minute and give their autograph and there are players who walk away.
I was considering ordering your products, but not now. There are many of your competitors who would be glad to take that extra minute.
Hear that? It’s the sound of me clicking on the unsubscribe button.
Hey Perry,
I enjoy your emails and like the way you think. It is strictly your prerogative to either go to lunch and let them pick your brain on a probono basis or set up a consulting meeting on a fee basis. There is no reason for anyone to accuse you of greed since you already share a lot of your material without charge. If you need more information than that I will have to send you my rate schedule myself.
All the best and Happy Thanksgiving.
Jim
Taylor calls Perry’s response “psychological terrorism” and defines it as “subtle forms of put downs that have the effect of making people who receive the message feel inferior or not worthy of your attention, kindness or generosity…”
To call define any kind of so-called “terrorism” as “subtle” is just plain asinine, reprehensible, and a lie.
Even if you have been mainstream media brainwashed about the post 9-11 “war on terror”, that’s no excuse for this preposterous use of that word.
Further, Perry’s response, just like Taylor’s, mine, and others, has absolutely no power to “make” any person receiving the message to feel one way or another. The fact that Taylor (and others here) falsely ascribe that power to Perry’s message reveals more about them than their complaints do about Perry.
Dear Perry
I think we both know Dennis would be too “smart” to listen to you anyway Perry – and certainly too potty mouthed to ask to dinner. Probably the sort of smartness means he doesn’t value other people’s time and certainly hasn’t been reading your newsletters or listening to your material.
Dennis hasn’t “twigged” that you are NOT “John D Rockefeller” – you don’t have mass of factories and workers to live off – you feed your wife and kids from your fees for giving advice.
Some people do recognise your value though . . . Certainly anything from Planet Perry is located, bought read, absorbed and tested by me . . my kids read it too – good education. I did your “blue” course and got a lot of good stuff straight from you (and your merry men) while trying not to hog the phone line!
In the direction of planet Dennis I did I try for “equity-based” advice from you – I was in a position where I was talking to some of the product leader level people at Google (One level below Brin and Page) about Google’s possible acquisition of some IP. I had and would have happily traded 20% of the equity for some Perry help – so I can easily see that “Perry experience” might be worth six or even seven figures a day – not a measly $750 an hour.
Nevertheless I respected 100% your right to be interested or not – or even reply to message about something like that. Maybe you get offers like this every day (no doubt to be filed with the *viagra* and the whatsit extension emails??) – or quite likely you doesn’t want to be seen by the Google guys brokering so other non adwords related deals.
All I can say is feel free to tell cheapskate clients this when they moan about your fees.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving (whatever that is – I’m in the UK) with your family!
Cheers
Mark
First of all, to clear up a situation:You have full right to charge for your time and work-its your life and a way of earning for living,even more i have read you give money to Africa people about i’m thinking as well/ not able to give help myself yet/
Who is guilty?
second
Nobody can just call you/never met you/to dinner or lunch ,in order to receive some advice of you/or a short lecture.
To say:i charge for my time/if you asked to a dinner/ however makes a feeling of discomfort.
Ordinarily,business people meet each other take a conversation and make new connections and contracts,all during a lunch.
But,i say businessmen not anyone out of hundreds of people.
third:you charge for your scheduled time in a determined place/your office for example/
I think here, just happened a misunderstanding.
Everyone has the right to charge whatever he likes and Perry’s information, although out of reach to many, is very valuable.
But, I think it is better to be political sometimes to avoid being criticized, which in turn could bring down a business.
If you read the general thust of ALL the comments made I think you should be proud of the quality of readership you have Perry. There is a vein of humility and common sense that seems to course through the whole conversation. You should be proud of yourself. Well done.
Hello:
I cannot put a value on the information that you have shared with those of us who need it. I
have learned so much from you and haven’t had to pay for much of it. Thank you for sharing your hard-won knowledge with those of us who are just starting out and need all the help we can get. You’re completely within your right to charge for your time. People who expect something for nothing are the greedy ones. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Margaret.
I have been in business for years now and I agree with Perry.
There is ALWAYS somebody wanting something for free.
I have people who bang on my store door relentlessly, even if there is a HUGE closed sign out front.
They could say I’m “mean” to not let them in, but honestly, it is NOT my job in life to give every Tom, Dick and Harry what they want when they want it!
I started this business to provide a good life for my family.
We give back to others in many (large tips, family loans, etc).
I include free stuff in my shipments/emails/blogs/websites all the time.
Perry is absolutely right.
And sometimes you “have” to vent publicly because it is very upsetting for someone to treat you like this.
GRRR..
It makes me SO mad when people are rude like this to business owners.
We practically give up our LIVES to grow and run our businesses and snide, rude comments from people who are CLUELESS really is just uncalled for.
It is hurtful.
I have been upset several times with suppliers or companies, but I NEVER am rude to them.
I politely tell them about the problem IF at all.
Sorry you had to deal with this guy, Perry.
Thats great! To me its simple.
Why do you charge 700+?
Because you can! lol
or how abut the 20% that would pay 1400.00 per hour.
I don’t think that is greedy either.
When you ask and they all say NO- then you know the top pay per hour.
Its nice to know the true value!
Perry,
I COMPLETELY believe that you should be receiving $700+ an hour. I am constantly amazed at how you just help me “get it”.
I am just an upstart and can’t afford you at the moment, given the economy. But when I can, you will be the first person I seek.
You offer MORE than enough free advice to those of us who are seeking information. This guy was completely out of line. If you got into the business of selling your extremely valuable advice for the price of lunch, you would obviously be in the hole!!!!
He appears to be one that just enjoys making waves.
Thanks Perry for all the insightful tips you provide. You are nothing short of an inspiration, as you emails are both compelling and well spoken.
As I mentioned before, when I can afford it, you are my “Go To Guy”.
You know what else bothers me about this? The fact that people can’t handle the truth. Many are saying that Perry should have used a bit more tact. What was so wrong with what he said?!
Honesty, candor and directness are gifts. It’s telling the other person, I think you’re a grown up and I’m going to honor you with nothing but my truth. But people don’t want truth anymore. They wanted to be pacified, coddled, lied to, even. And yet they’ll bitch and moan about being conned, and manipulated and tricked and lied to by marketers. Well, then for God’s sakes, start being grown-ups and not little babies whining for pablum. Truth is becoming a lost art and character trait with game-playing taking its place. And it’s exactly because there are so many unwilling to hear it.
LOL! -If the man is making $100.000 in 12 months, why is he in such big need to milk something for the price of lunch?
Perry,
simply ask Dennis how much Kobe Bryant would charge him to learn how to play basketball like he does, or how much Tiger Woods would charge him for golf advice…Unless they were personal friends, they would not give him the time of day!
It’s well known that they are both very generous when it comes to contributing to worthy causes.
No free lunches, bully for you!
Psychological Terrorism – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Perry, you are a very talented marketer. I have been on your list for MANY years under various emails and purchased many of your products. You dispense valuable advice and people should pay for that.
You have gone from the Dilbert cube to the “Top of the World” and you have EVERY right to be proud of your accomplishments. You have EVERY right to decide how to dole out every moment of your life.
I agree with Frederico Vila Verde above. The issue is not whether you should get paid for your time. It is in the way you deliver your message, the subtle conveyances in the message itself.
You do sometimes radiate arrogance and a superior attitude whether you intend to or not. A simple rewording of the message would seriously fix the entire situation and you could save yourself from losing potential customers.
The way you communicated to Dennis and the others about having lunch was a form of psychological terrorism — psychological terrorism being those subtle forms of put downs that have the effect of making people who receive the message feel inferior or not worthy of your attention, kindness or generosity….
I am certain, having been on your list for a number of years and for also having invited you to lunch myself at one point earlier this year — you did not mean it this way.
Having been in that situation myself I understand how Dennis ended up feeling the way he did. When I asked you to lunch (because I am in the Chicago area) I did NOT ask you out to lunch to pump you for your advice.
I invited you out to lunch to THANK YOU for all your advice over the years and to share with you some insights as one of your customers to help make your business even better. I did not get to express that because you jumped to the assumption that I wanted your advice. In fact, behind the offer that was shot down before it could be delivered…I going to GIVE you a live in person customer survey where you could ask me anything about my experiences and get free in depth feedback (in fact I was going to pay for lunch, so I guess that means I was going to pay you to get free information from me from the inside as a LONG TIME customer and coincidentally a professional marketer who gets paid big money by Fortune 100 companies to analyze, critique and improve online customer experiences).
I haven’t stewed about your response as Dennis has, but I understand how your response may have been interpreted as a subtle signal >> “Hey, buddy you’re a nobody. I only have lunch with nobodys if they pay me $700.”
Putting together a friendly response like Joey said above is definitely an improvement:
“Remember the little people (you once counted yourself among them) and don’t take them for granted. At least tell Dennis (and ANYONE who asks you) you are flattered and would love to spend time with him (them), but at the moment you are booked and busy… but, he could jump in line by becoming a client…”
This tweak in approach will make you a lot more fans and may even reveal opportunities you may not know were being presented otherwise.
I continue to appreciate your valuable insights in the online arena and all the free advice you DO dispense.
All my best to you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving.
I love it!!! I’ve been a consultant for over 10 years battling with this along the way and I completely agree with Perry. Hey Perry, I’m going to steal some of what you said to craft my own! ;} Go get em!!!
I’ve been a writer for decades. I’ve given free advice freely to others for decades. I made a discovery: When you give free advice, people put about that much value on it. Now people pay me a nice fee to give what I used to give for free.
Michael Masterson has commented about similar experience. Part of the problem is the nature of the Internet.
Internet denizens for years have been conditioned to think everything should be free. And you’re a jerk if you don’t give yours for free is their usual opinion. Never mind the many years of toil and labor learning what you know and the toil and labor they can avoid by paying what it’s worth to get what they need.
Does the guy really make $100K/year in sales? If so, he should know better. I doubt he’d work for a company that didn’t pay commissions.
I’ve found huge value in what I’ve gained from you, and appreciate it.
No complaints here…
I understand where you’re coming from Perry and I have discovered one thing from this forum. I certainly cannot afford you. Best of luck!
There’s a great old story about a company who was having trouble with a large generator at their factory – they worked and worked on it but just couldn’t get it to start. Finally, they called in a specialist to help.
A few hours later a beat up old pickup pulled up out in front of the company offices and an old man got out and walked into the building. He was directed to the inoperable machine and looked it over. After a minute, he reached into his toolbag and removed a ball-peen hammer and gave a sharp tap on the side of the generator. Instantly the machine sprang to life.
A few days later the company manager received an invoice from the specialist for his work and was shocked to read that the old man had billed the company $2002 for his services. Concerned, he called the specialist and asked him to explain his rationale for the bill. After all, he reminded the old specialist, you were only here for a few minutes and all you did was hit the generator once with a hammer.
The specialist replied that for his time and effort he billed accordingly out at $2. However, he went on, the $2000 charge was for knowing just where to hit the machine.
Every month I read Perry’s newsletter and the insight and advice I walk away with makes me feel like I’m taking advantage of him each time.(all this for $30 a month?)
While $700 plus for an hour of somebody’s time may seem extravagant, there are a number of other values being factored into that price. It’s not that single hour that’s being paid for but the massive number of hours leading up to that meeting. Assuming Perry is like most entrepreneurs I know, his life isn’t one of casualness and leisure in which he waits for the world to beat a path to his door. Instead he is constantly in motion learning new things and applying them to methods which he can share with his ‘team’. Likewise, the value of that hour has less to do with the cost and more to do with the worth. If my single hour with Perry offers me advice and insight that allows me to make (or save) $10,000 in my future business dealings then it’s pretty much the best investment I can make.
I get that Dennis saw it as a point of greed but think that he should also recognize that Perry had earned the right to sell his time for whatever the market will bear. After all, he’s spent a lot of time already learning just where to hit the machine with a hammer.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, family. and food.
I enjoyed reading the cause and effect, and the comments. A few too many, but point made, you have the clients, and the cash.
I hope soon to be able to afford your services and expertise.
Everyone has access to spell-checkers, which check the spelling and grammar, so why do people continue to write embarrassing e-mails?
Let’s Make Some Money!
Thanks
Perry, you really need to charge more and stop with the people who want everything for free, Im a graphic designer and webmaster and I get people all day wanting free shit, remember this, there are less illustrator’s then neurologists (brain doctors) in this world, so should I start charging 50,000 per project, I wish I could but wack ass sites like “getafreelancer.com” allow people to keep low balling our services so low, that seems impossible to get to the 100,000 mark.