Member Blogs

I know I'm jumping in a bit late, but a couple of things you said in your post were to make sure you didn't burn bridges and that the two of you have shared professional contacts. I think Kathy's advice on handling is quite good, as are others. It is really important that your "common" professional contact relationships are kept intact. This may be one of those situations where sometimes you have to sacrifice a little for the larger good. (Of course, helping to raise capital is not a small request, for goodness sake?!) It is always a good idea to be cautious because you never know when you will need something from someone else. I don't know if I'm being clear but thought I'd throw that out there.

Oh, yeah, nip it in the bud with an email before Tuesday so it's off your brain. You really are busy with your venture and if you come up with someone you can connect him to you'll let him know. Meanwhile, if he needs a voice talent (tee hee, couldn't help throw that in there...!).

Jennifer - I know you're right - I feel the same - I drag it out, but then I know it's the right thing. Ok, he is calling me on Tuesday - let's see if I do this right:)

I would tell them that while you have successfully launched your own business you don't feel like you have the enough experience to be able to offer solid advice in this area. If you know someone that has entrepreneurial experience that might be interested in talking to him you may want to see about introducing the two. You may be able to connect him with someone in your network that can give him the information and support he is seeking. That is then a win for you because you don't have to spend time away from Work It, Mom to assist and a win for him because he is being pointed in what could be a very helpful direction and connected with someone helpful. I have started my own business in the past and have been POUNDED with questions from others that wanted to do the same. I at one point devised an email that I would send to these people that gave them the high points of what I did that worked for me and what I did that did not work for me. When they asked for help I would tell them that while their initiative sounded interesting and I would LOVE to help my time was limited. I would then offer my suggestions (including books I had read) via email and wish them well and ask them to PLEASE keep me posted on their progress.

That's such a tough thing as you don't want to come off as a selfish-bitch (which is what most people who get turned down for help will retaliate with), but as a professional you have every right to decline.
I would personally tell him that you are very involved in your Work It, mom venture right now and between that and your family you can't foresee when you would have the adequate time or resources to properly help him. Wish him well in his business and bid him farewell (well, at least a “catch ya later”).
Hopefully, he’ll understand.