If you give me real information and it pays off, then, maybe I'll buy your book. If it's nothing more than an advertorial posing as an article, I'll move on and never take anything this individual says seriously again.

The problem arises when these experts state their expertise and embellish a bit, either omitting or outright claiming more than they really have. The same goes for the bubble people — they're all about how fabulously smart and successful they are. Sure — on the backs of others maybe, but where is the real expertise?

Cathy, super reminder. I'd much rather be biased. 🙂

Jake, excellent comment. There's no way anyone could have taught me how to market my services at a trade show. I can because I've done it successfully, but it's not something I learned from reading it on a blog. It took a few years of trying to get it right. That's the missing piece — there are things other writers can't teach us. And that means we need to turn off the monitor and explore on our own.

Hammer away, chum! I hope you managed those 2K words. 🙂

Damaria, great to see you. What a wonderful perspective, too. I remember trying someone's idea of cold-calling clients. It didn't fit me, I knew it, but I tried it. Wow. No more! LOL As you so wisely point out, just because it works for one doesn't mean it will work for all.

Paula, I'm glad you're not a lemming. 🙂 And I'm glad you question me and others. I'd hate to be leading people in the wrong direction, even inadvertently. I try not to tell people this is the ONLY way to do something (rarely ever is), but rather "Here's what's worked for me." That's more the truth, and the truth is what I'd much rather be sharing, even if (maybe especially if) it means I learn something from it and change my mind.

Even when I trust people (like Lori) and their expertise, I always bear in mind that they're human, too. Perhaps the biggest lesson anyone can take from any expert is to learn to think for yourself. Listen, absorb their ideas, then let your internal filters process the information into something you can, or can't, use.

And Jake, thanks for reminding me – I have almost 2,000 words to write today, too. I'd let myself fall into research mode on some other projects, and really need to get that article done before I get lost in research.

To extend Jenn's comment: My two cents is that the biggest mistake is thinking you're learning all there is to know from fellow writers. At the risk of generalizing, many/most are freelancing because they write well, not because they're exceptional businesspeople. Not that there's anything wrong with that, as Seinfeld would say.

However: Those who fail to immerse themselves at some level in big business, small business, sales, graphic design, advertising, photography, etc., etc., are missing out on other facets of the business and how we fit in.

How the heck is it Thursday already? I've got 2000 words to hammer out, a book project planning meeting, and a daughter who needs to take her driver's permit test (yikes). Moar coffee!

I love your new mix on the kool-aid. Sounds like a recipe for success. Okay, so now that I've milked that food analogy all I can, let's move on. 🙂

Recently, I was reading a definition of bias vs prejudice. I loved one description where the person (and I'm sorry I can't remember where I read it) said the difference between bias and prejudice is that when a biased person learns new facts, they could change their view. A prejudiced person would hear those same facts and ignore them.

So, my analogy would be it's okay to have a business bias, but don't let it turn into prejudice. Keep an open mind.