I was attacked by the phrase “Can I Pick Your Brain?” again last night. This time, by someone who works in Social Media but is new to the space.

She does it at a company, and while I want to help her, I’m leaning towards the “I get paid at my job to do this, so if you want consulting or training that will benefit your company, they will need to pay me” route. It’s my hard work, my research, and my knowledge that makes me valuable. If you want any of that, it’s going to cost you something.

At the end of the day, I guess I’m simply repulsed by the phrase “Can I Pick Your Brain?” and in the words of someone very wise, my response is “No. You Can’t Pick My Brain.” I will accept lunch if the amount matches my hourly rate, or other barters I deem worthy, but cash is always best. Especially if you truly feel that what I can offer you is truly helpful.

Honestly, I know she didn’t realize what she was asking, but maybe that makes it worse. I’m not sure. But I do know it’s time for that phrase to be retired, in the hope that it will raise awareness in others that we expect to be paid for what we do (or say). It’s hard in this new interactive space to get a correct value on our work: many companies pay far too little, and some may be paying a lot and not receiving much in return as we all navigate our way through.

So let’s help each other out, and try to make sure we at least offer something to those that we seek help and advice from. Taking advantage of small and independent businesses does NOT help this struggling economy.