So what are my thoughts on X, Y & Z?

The consultant scenario?

AG Classic Car Tuning has a presence on many different Social Media platforms, because quite simply that's the way of the world these days.

Most of these platforms have a messenger service, or a place where people can leave comments or ask questions.  As you can imagine, in the background of each I receive quite a few messages or questions in the form of a comment.

• Some are enquiries wanting to book their car in.........brilliant!
• Or messages after tuning a car where the owner is updating me on the progress made.....brilliant again!
• Or maybe a quick hello after a chat at a classic car show....brilliant again!

And then there's what I call an 'Expectancy of being a Free Consultant'.  This is when I receive general questions, because..... to the sender I may be a person who'd know? 

EG.......

• What's your thoughts on points & condenser versus electronic ignition? 
• Do my spark plug colours like right to you, do they look a bit weak?
• What jets do you recommend for my engine spec?

(Firstly, let me be clear in that .......I don't like ignoring any genuine question raised.)

I've invested an awful lot of my time over the years in exchange for gaining knowledge.

So let me give a couple of examples why, I can't just write out explanations and answers to each question raised.

Example 1 - The Chef!

Imagine that you enjoy cooking at home.  That's your hobby.....your passion. 

So you write to a well known Chef, to ask him what his thoughts are on cooking techniques A, B and C.  If......you get a reply, it's quite likely going to include directions towards buying his book.  (In which there are snippets of their experience and knowledge gained, which they exchanged for their own time over a number of years.)  From the sale of this book, they earn a living which allows them to pay their bills.

Or maybe they send details on cookery courses that they run from the restaurant, together with a price to attend.   

In either case it's a polite way of saying, that unfortunately people have to pay for such knowledge....via a purchase of the book or a paid attendance on one of their courses. It's not simply free, because they know the right things and hold the knowledge that you require.

Example 2 - A call to a Car Garage.

Imagine this scenario.........Your car has a few issues so you call your local garage.  You then tell the garage all about the problems, email them pictures/videos and you ask them how to fix it??

Politely the garage says......'We are pretty busy at the moment, but if you bring it round on Tuesday, I'll try and fit you in'.

You as the caller, then say.....'No, I didn't want to bring it round.  I just thought you'd know what the problem is and could tell me how I can fix it myself'.

(If the garage wasn't busy, maybe they'd offer some quick and simple advice....maybe!)

However, being busy as is needed to remain in business, I very much doubt that the telephone conversation would continue much longer.  But why?

The simple truth being two things.   

A) The garage is busy, and doesn't have the time to give for free advice to anyone who calls on the phone. 

B) The garage earns it's living and pays its bill by using it's time, skills and knowledge in exchange for paid time to work on other peoples cars.

So who does get my time for FREE???

A real simple question to answer

Each year I give up my time on an absolutely free basis to a number of really good Charities and Causes.  In 2023, this included Macmillan Cancer Support, 'Forget Me Not' and as you'll see in the below video, I give my full support to 'Help for Heroes'..........Hope you enjoy the video!