I (seemed to have)done this right with a pro blogger that I was asking a question of. He responded – which I was SO grateful for! He is faaaaaar more popular/experienced than I am, and when he took the time to answer my question, it really made my day, gave me wisdom, and won him a fan for life, I’d say.

Your article is an interesting perspective too for the online freelancer, I find myself not enjoying the telephone at all, but I thought the ‘higher ups’ somehow liked it more than I. I’m sure this is individual, but still… there has got to be a higher prevalence of hermits among us onliners.

Can I ask that add “Please say Thanks!” to your list? Over the years I’ve spent a lot of time answering “What advice do you have for someone just starting in [field]?”. Invariably, the requests are polite and not at all imposing. I’ve happily shared information (though never contacts), but I stopped some time ago as too many of my responses went without a single word of thanks or acknowledgement. This isn’t even a generational thing—one long reply was to someone my own age.

Note to requesters: If your potential mentor has taken the time to help you by responding to a personal request for information or advice, the LEAST you can do is say thank you. You don’t have to be gushing, just a polite acknlowedgement of the time and effort they’ve put in for you for free.

It’s the same phenomenon of resumes bombing my inbox ever since there was the invention of emails because it’s so easy to ask.

People who are enthusiastic, polite and most importantly, those that catch me at the right moment will often end up having me respond.

thanks!

I tend to write about what’s going on in my life, so I thought this would make a great post with good insight.

I’m glad you liked it.

@Martha: You raise a great point. I’ve always considered doing that, but I don’t think I’m the teaching type, either. I kinda just prefer to rock it solo, if that makes sense. I do good with other writer friends but I feel like I work hard enough to keep afloat. I’m flattered when asked about my work, but once someone asks me for my clients’ info, you’ve lost the nice Kristen. She does exist, btw.:P

Have you considering offering “How to Get Started” classes for aspiring freelancers? When the next aspirant calls, you can say that, due to the current demands of your (paying) clients, you’re too busy to talk. And then you invite them to your once-a-month class.

I’ve also seen some “guru” types offering ongoing mentoring programs. And, yes, they charge for them.

Im digging the tough love Kristen!