Every week, I or one of our most veteran counselors will get an email from someone who wants to schedule time to “”pick our brain” about starting a college counseling practice. They’re not wrong to ask—in fact, it’s flattering at some level. But it also feels like a selfish request. We’ve rarely met the people who are asking. We’ve spent years learning how to do this. We work hard. We’re busy. And they’re offering nothing in return—no consulting payment, no quid pro quo, not even a free sandwich (which just might turn the tide for a few of us). That’s why we’ve become really disciplined about saying no to most of these requests.

So can you ask someone to share their knowledge with you in a way that leaves them likely to agree? Not every time, but you can improve your odds. I’d start by reading this past post of mine, along with those even older posts that are linked within it. Then check out Jason Fried’s excellent new piece, A Few Words of Advice to Brain Pickers.