We get approached, regularly, by assorted “experts,” who have, probably, been conned.

They usually some kind of “Lord of Nonesuch” title, from a short course program, in a field where actual experts tend to have “PhD from Established and Well-Known”.

As I’m an a-hole, my instinct is to inform them they lack any real credentials, and to take their snake oil elsewhere, but I think some of them are merely dumb, not malicious.

Is there a kinder way to handle this?

You could give them a cookie after you crush their soul.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
You could give them a cookie after you crush their soul.

and / or a good 'ol "atta-boy"

quote:

Is there a kinder way to handle this?

How about "Not interested. Thanks. Have a nice day"?

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
How about "Not interested. Thanks. Have a nice day"?

This.

You could ask them
- If they've ever considered asking for a refund on their degree
- If they still think its April 1st, or are they serious?
- to bring out Alan Funt already, you have work to do
- is this the office version of Punked?
- was that a shower epiphany or did you actually put effort into it?

Give them directions to a Village that's missing an idiot.

"Well, bless your heart"

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Is there a kinder way to handle this?

How about "Not interested. Thanks. Have a nice day"?

Exactly this, my time is too valuable to waste on nonsense. People rarely listen to advice anyway.

Is a squirt gun out of the question?

There’s the “No thanks, have a nice day”, but if they persist, then it’s game on!

I'm sorry, honey, if my business was as easy to run as you seem to think, why aren't you already doing it? Let me see, perhaps actual knowledge, good will, finances, insurance, employees, plant and equipment, vehicles, IP, marketing, sales force, office, management, and positive cash flow...

Or you could hang a sign on the door, "Beware of dog!" Doesn't have to say what kind!

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter:


As I’m an a-hole, my instinct is to inform them they lack any real credentials, and to take their snake oil elsewhere, but I think some of them are merely dumb, not malicious.

Is there a kinder way to handle this?

All you have to do is say, "We're going to go a different direction on this" and that's that.

do you feel that you owe them something else?

It sounds like these are salespeople or consultants in a technical field, trying to pass themselves off as experts though without the necessary expertise? If that's the situation, you are saving their time and yours by ending the discussions quickly and professionally.

If they are slow to take kinder, gentler hints....send them to cut down the tallest tree in the forest with.....a herring!

The new, hip way of letting them down gently is to give 'em the "Compliment Sandwich". (Yes, it's actually a thing. It's taught in managerial/supervisory training nowadays.)

Part 1: Complement something about them/their idea/their approach.

Part 2: Diplomatically explain why they're an idiot/it won't work/it's a bad idea.

Part 3: Complement something else about them.


You can be semi-vague in your compliments, especially if you don't know them well (like with a well-meaning salesman that approaches you). Something like:

"You seem like a really nice guy. However, this isn't going to work for us because XYZ. But I appreciate how passionate you are about this idea, and if you keep trying I'm sure it might be of use to another company elsewhere."

There's never a reason to be rude or disrespectful towards someone especially if they are nice people, trying to do right but maybe going about it in the wrong way. Politely say no thank-you and move on or gracefully offer your advise if they're receptive to taking advice.

I read a study once…

It said two people could not carry on a meaningful conversation if their IQ difference was more than 20 points! Make of that what you will.

No, not really. If they are door knockers you can always answer the door nekkid.

Otherwise I am not interested in wasting my time. " "Excuse me" and walk away is the politest I got. Goes down from there.

It is not my job to try and enlighten these idiots.

quote:

Originally posted by radioman:

All you have to do is say, "We're going to go a different direction on this" and that's that.

do you feel that you owe them something else?

This sounds like a good plan to me.

One caveat however: I think you're in the food industry like ice cream? So, if you decide not to go with someone, be sure to reign in your A-holeness especially if their expertise comes from having been in the Federal government working for the FDA or Department of Agriculture or whatever department your business falls under.

They may be out of government service but they still have the phone numbers and contacts.

Valid point. Will check background/probably just be polite, before calling them a chucklehead and giving them the boot…

Y'all answer the door?