Is It Okay to Engage a Professional outside in The General Public?

johndowy on 28/12/2018 - 21:15
Last edited 29/12/2018 - 08:06 by 1 other user

A quick question/ looking for peoples opinions.

I am a professional that offers a service to people. Now, I go to the shops and run into some of my clients. I say hi just to be polite and they start to ask me questions relating to my profession. Do you think it is correct for people to be asking these questions outside of the office?

Some examples:

1 Doctor - patient asks for some advice for a hurt back
2 Teacher - parents ask how the child is doing in class
3 Real estate agent - client asks for a hot tip
4 Builder - client asks for a quote
5 Gardener - client asks to book an appointment
6 Guy at bunnings - gets asked how much a tap costs and where what aisle to find it in

Poll Options

104
Yes, it is okay to ask for advice
148
No, it is not okay to ask for advice

Education & Work

Comments

AEKaBeer on 31/12/2018 - 11:17

I usually just tell or show them, it's far less of a pain in the butt than explaining why I can't. If it's going to take a while then I point them in the right direction via Google or a company they can contact if they are wanting to pay. I won't do it myself for pay since I've changed careers.
extrobe on 31/12/2018 - 12:15

+1

I think this is why my teacher sister refuses to live / shop / go out anywhere near the school she works at :)

But honestly? If it's general in nature, sure, why not - I enjoy talking about what I do and the industry I work in.

If it's more specific, I'll suggest we arrange some time to talk about it over beer/coffee/whatever
TheBird on 31/12/2018 - 12:19

+8

A doctor and a lawyer were talking at a party.

Their conversation was constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free medical advice.

After an hour of this, the exasperated doctor asked the lawyer, "What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you're out of the office?"

"I give it to them," replied the lawyer, "and then I send them a bill."

The doctor was shocked, but agreed to give it a try.

The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepared the bills.

When he went to place them in his mailbox, he found a bill from the lawyer.
johnno07 on 31/12/2018 - 12:30

Shop online.
Mike88 on 31/12/2018 - 12:31

I work for a manufacturer and have sign writing on my vehicle. People commonly want to ask for pricing, quality etc. on the street.
Unless I know them personally I do not want to talk to them about it, especially when I am in casual clothing outside of work hours.
- smpantsonfire on 31/12/2018 - 18:31
  
  That's kinda your problem though. People don't know what your worth goes are or that casual means you're not working.
- SuperMid on 01/01/2019 - 20:32
  
  some trades have magnetic company logos/signs on their vehicles for this exact reason. clock off and take the sign off. now your just driving a regular car.
[Deactivated] on 31/12/2018 - 12:41

-2

You shouldn't be a business owner.
RevBargain on 31/12/2018 - 13:22

+1

Does it matter whether it is okay? People do it. That is a reality. That is why many teachers don't like living near where they work. You need to be willing to set boundaries appropriately.
As said above. It is really easy to say. Sorry, I don't have time to answer that now, but if you make an appointment with my office then I'd love to talk to you further. If you say this genuinely then you'll gain business.
RiotDealz on 31/12/2018 - 14:33

I would take it case by case, advice, friendly chit-chat, salutations are all different with all different people, I think you can deflect politely so not too hurt your business yet remain courteous. But as I said it's really different for each person/profession, I wouldn't expect free advice outside of appointments but if I am asked I do not crucify the person asking.
p1 ama on 31/12/2018 - 15:35

Having been on both sides of this situation, I think that many people do it to be polite more than anything. It's more just chit-chat, they probably don't know anything more about you apart from what your line of work is and they're trying to say something related to that.
Aerith-Waifu on 31/12/2018 - 16:08

What happened to the society? Can’t people just have a normal/casual conversation without thinking been judged all the time?
- SuperMid on 01/01/2019 - 20:33
  
  nope. and i feel your judging me just by reading this post. are you gay? if not, why not? do you have something against them? why are you still reading this and judging me. i will report you to the mods now.
trevor99 on 31/12/2018 - 16:11

Nah poor form unless it's an emergency. Off the clock.
shutuptakemymoney101 on 01/01/2019 - 00:06

+2

OP, just be glad you don't work in the Porn industry. Being probed by complete strangers when you're out buying your morning cereal can be a real pain in the arse.
One minute you're an anonymous shopper and the next every Tom, Dick, and Harry are coming up to your face and giving you a hard time.
Don't even get me started on the female Christian fanatics out there, they love nothing more than to run you down and give you a good tongue lashing.
Baghern on 01/01/2019 - 11:02

You do not provide professional advice outside the office or if you're not being paid.

Any advice you provide outside the office, that is in relation to your professional, can be considered professional advice and therefore you can be sued

Just tell them your insurance doesn't cover advice outside the office.
Kranbone on 01/01/2019 - 11:12

I used to get this. Half the time it was small talk. If they have a serious question I tell them I want to ensure I treat it properly and to approach me through a more convention way so I can give them the best attention. I then point to whoever I'm with and they then get the polite hint.
bettina44 on 01/01/2019 - 15:06

what is your profession? I'm a designer and I get asked about it all the time, I don't mind it because not only is it my job, I live and breathe it
FW190 on 01/01/2019 - 16:57

+1
if they were just making small talks, I don't see what the problem is

if they want a full blown consultation on the spot, tell them to GTFO
Cletus vandamme on 01/01/2019 - 16:58

It all depends on the situation. If it's an acquaintance sure I would, to see if I would engage their services or if they could recommend someone. But just because it's your job doesn't mean you have to be making money just to talk to someone. A disclaimer before any advice given should be said though.

I play golf and if someone wants advice I give it. Do I say, oh nah sorry could you please not speak to me we're not on the course. Please schedule an appointment to meet there so we can talk.
Aneurism on 01/01/2019 - 17:34

If you aren't legally bound by your profession to answer, then it's up to you whether or not you decide to answer.
hasher22 on 01/01/2019 - 23:31

To my friends yes, I don't mind.
To strangers or clients outside my billable hours. No.

If I am being extra nice, I would say go to youtube for an indepth answer.
HighAndDry on 07/01/2019 - 12:36

Depends on the profession. In mine, I wouldn't say it's not okay to ask (everyone seems to anyway), but my go-to line is "Yeah I'd love to help, you should drop by on _____ and I'll put aside some time to chat about it."
Baghern on 13/01/2019 - 20:05

Stop being a nice guy/gal… people think nice guys are okay with it.

I worked as a contractor for a law firm a while back. I noticed a difference between two partners, both of them had offices, one had the door always open and always friendly to anyone dropping by. The other one always had the door closed and was always professional, rarely cheerful.

One day the nice lawyer was complaining to the other one that people were always bothering him…

Is It Okay to Engage a Professional outside in The General Public?

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