As a college student who likes to pick the brains of entrepreneurs, this post made me feel guilty. I can't really afford their advice, but I need it and value it. How can I provide value to the entrepreneurs that are so generous as to meet with me?
2) Many people whose advice you want are not primarily motivated by money. They already have money. Give them something they didn't wake up with, like an intellectually engaging conversation, a sincere thank-you, and/or the opportunity to have someone take their advice and report a win.
Yes, yes, yes. I've gotten useful advice even from direct competitors simply by offering them the chance to give advice. People like to give advice. It makes most people feel respected, of importance and value, and generally good.
Indeed, it is worth bearing in mind, throughout life and business in particular, that there are a lot of motivations beyond money. I see far too many filmmakers and other entrepreneurs fall into the trap of believing that in a negotiation, the guy with more money has all the power.
Perhaps a useful metaphor would be that future-oriented advice is a amplifying lens on the headlights of my business. I can make better decisions, because I can see further down the road.