8d ago in General discussion
I Offended an Entrepreneur: A Reflection on Boundaries and Entitlement
If you knew me in real life, you’d know I’m not a big talker. I prefer listening, observing, and studying people’s words and expressions rather than dominating the conversation. When I do speak, it’s usually to ask questions—unless, of course, you’ve already answered what’s been on my mind.
This quiet demeanor is a product of intentionality. I’ve learned to pick my battles, understanding that in some situations, listening is far more effective than speaking—especially when the goal is to find common ground rather than escalate a discussion.
I’m mindful of my words, knowing they hold power. But no matter how thoughtful or careful you are, someone, somewhere, will take offense. Not because you meant to offend, but because questioning someone’s perspective can feel like a challenge to their authority or self-worth.
So, how did I offend an entrepreneur?
It started with a simple question:
Why should someone want to help your business make money if you refuse to pay them for their advice or assistance? How is that a fair exchange?
Here’s the context.
I was speaking with someone starting an e-commerce business. They were stuck and frustrated, wanting someone to mentor them step by step on how to make six figures within 90 days. But there was a catch—they didn’t want to pay for coaching.
Their reasoning? None. They simply believed someone with experience should mentor them for free—just because.
In my mind, this was a fair and straightforward inquiry. After all, business thrives on reciprocity. If you’re asking someone to dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to help you succeed financially, shouldn’t you value their contribution enough to offer compensation?
The reaction, however, was less than positive.
I couldn’t help but wonder: Why is it controversial to question entitlement? How can an entrepreneur expect others to invest in their success while they withhold the most basic acknowledgment of value—payment?
Perhaps my delivery struck a nerve. Maybe it came across as harsh. Or maybe it simply revealed an uncomfortable truth.
But here’s the thing: entrepreneurship is built on exchange, collaboration, and mutual benefit. No one owes you their time or expertise for free, especially when the outcome of their help directly contributes to your bottom line.
If anything, my question was intended to provoke reflection, not offense. It wasn’t about tearing someone down—it was about highlighting an imbalance that, frankly, doesn’t make sense.
Still, I find myself revisiting the situation. Was I too blunt? Could I have framed it differently? Or was the offense inevitable because questioning entitlement feels like an attack to those unwilling to self-reflect?
What do you think? Was I too harsh, or was the question fair?
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I Offended an Entrepreneur: A Reflection on Boundaries and Entitlement
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