--- title: Escape the free-advice MSP trap once and for all description: how does a MSP charge for advice about a product or something you don’t completely understand? The vCIO 10 points exercise is your solution! image: https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/advicer-2.jpg --- ### [LOGIN](https://tool.managedservicesplatform.com/#/login) | [HELP](https://help.managedservicesplatform.com/)**  [![UNICORNS ARE REAL](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/388605/d93d8ae5-f67c-45b4-8ba6-ae32d30f5ce3.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/388605/d93d8ae5-f67c-45b4-8ba6-ae32d30f5ce3)** Search Site Search [![logo-hit-mspl-white-horizontal-01-1](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-hit-mspl-white-horizontal-01-1.png?width=919&height=170&name=logo-hit-mspl-white-horizontal-01-1.png)](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/) [![logo-hit-mspl-white-horizontal-01-1](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-hit-mspl-white-horizontal-01-1.png?width=919&height=170&name=logo-hit-mspl-white-horizontal-01-1.png) logo-hit-mspl-white-horizontal-01-1](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/) - [Pricing](https://www.humanizeit.biz/pricing) - [Education](https://www.humanizeit.biz/events) - Humanize IT Podcast - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUiMI4qjlJGa1zA1pwy6-avqM8D3I4OE) - [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3HRZBruDAP9oyVnloUHABO) - [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humanize-it/id1511560088) - [2024 Weekly Schedule](https://www.humanizeit.biz/events) - On-Demand Webinars - [3 Award-Winning Technologies to Evolve your MSP](https://info.humanizeit.biz/3-award-winning-technologies-to-evolve-your-msp) - [Compliance for Engineers](https://info.humanizeit.biz/compliance-for-engineers) - [Pentesting and Profits](https://info.humanizeit.biz/pentesting-and-profits) - [Your Website is Rubbish](https://info.humanizeit.biz/webinar-your-website-is-rubbish) - [Youtube Webinar Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUiMI4qjlJFkYjXQSPwCtmAnK1hFogHR) - [Automate All Your QBRs](https://info.humanizeit.biz/automate-all-your-qbrs) - Free Tools - [Asset Recycling Program](https://www.humanizeit.biz/eol) - [IT Warranty Lookup (Beta)](https://warranty.humanizeit.biz) - [QBR Toolkit](https://www.humanizeit.biz/qbr) - [Meeting Maker](https://meeting-maker.humanizeit.biz/) - [Resources](https://www.humanizeit.biz/expand-existing-clients-resources) - [Coaching](https://www.humanizeit.biz/coaching) - [Expand Existing Clients](https://www.humanizeit.biz/expand-existing-clients-resources) - [Win New Clients](https://www.humanizeit.biz/win-new-clients-resources) - [Structure AM/vCIO Operation](https://www.humanizeit.biz/structure-account-management-and-vcio-operation) - [Implement New IT Services](https://www.humanizeit.biz/implement-new-it-services-resources) - [HIT Knowledge Base](https://help.humanizeit.biz) - Demo Personas - [The Dispatch](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-e6d2ab31-6cab-47c0-a47c-a2cfeb969405) - [Streamlined QBR](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-f63143e0-3b3a-479e-91a4-835a18b60516) - [CISO](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-8365f6b2-2bf3-4ddf-a80c-1515685af50e) - [Annual Budget](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-b59d26eb-c3e3-43c6-94fa-3a4f4bb82432) - [About](https://www.humanizeit.biz/about) - [AI Open Letter](https://www.humanizeit.biz/ai-open-letter) - [Testimonials](https://www.humanizeit.biz/testimonials) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.humanizeit.biz/terms-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.humanizeit.biz/privacy-policy) - [Security | SOC2](https://www.humanizeit.biz/security) [REQUEST DEMO](https://info.humanizeit.biz/humanize-it-platform-demo) ### [LOGIN](https://tool.managedservicesplatform.com/#/login) | [HELP](https://help.managedservicesplatform.com/)**  [![UNICORNS ARE REAL](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/388605/d93d8ae5-f67c-45b4-8ba6-ae32d30f5ce3.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/388605/d93d8ae5-f67c-45b4-8ba6-ae32d30f5ce3)** Search Site # Escape the free-advice MSP trap once and for all By [Myles Olson](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/author/myles-olson) on June 19 2015 ![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/advicer-2.jpg) ![advicer](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/advicer-2.jpg) Have you ever been asked for IT advice with the expectation that it comes free of charge, and even takes time away from your paying work? Of course you have. The moment it’s discovered that you know about technology you become the go-to guy for reliable “free” advice.   Worse, this isn’t limited to friends and family. Your clients are doing it too, and you let them because you’re a kind person who’s passionate about [helping people and savvy with technology, and the people asking aren’t consciously trying to steal your time](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/why-do-lawyers-charge-and-msps-do-not-for-advice). The problem is once you’ve set this precedent with your clients it becomes difficult to shed the expectation you’ll help for free.   You may also be needed to give advice on IT you know works and should be implemented, but aren’t the expert on. How do you charge for advice about something you can’t explain like the engineer who made it? The vCIO 10 point exercise is your solution! Find it here and take part in the video Q&A for more information. [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/tag/vcio), [Managed Services Providers](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/tag/managed-services-providers), [Virtual Chief Information Officer](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/tag/virtual-chief-information-officer), [MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/tag/msp), [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/tag/virtual-cio), [CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/tag/cio) ##### Like it? Share it: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/solve-the-free-advice-msp-trap-once-and-for-all) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/solve-the-free-advice-msp-trap-once-and-for-all) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/solve-the-free-advice-msp-trap-once-and-for-all) #### Submit a comment ### You may also like [Build your MSP with the help of virtual CIO services](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/learn-how-to-build-up-a-business-with-a-help-of-virtual-cio-services) ##### [Build your MSP with the help of virtual CIO services](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/learn-how-to-build-up-a-business-with-a-help-of-virtual-cio-services) 14 January, 2015 Colin Knox is a true entrepreneur in the managed services provider industry. He’s been operating a very mature and well-... [Read this article](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/learn-how-to-build-up-a-business-with-a-help-of-virtual-cio-services) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/learn-how-to-build-up-a-business-with-a-help-of-virtual-cio-services) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/learn-how-to-build-up-a-business-with-a-help-of-virtual-cio-services) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/learn-how-to-build-up-a-business-with-a-help-of-virtual-cio-services) [Managing "unrealistic" expectations](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/managing-unrealistic-expectations) ##### [Managing "unrealistic" expectations](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/managing-unrealistic-expectations) 25 July, 2016 I just watched a hilarious 2 minute Youtube video where a comedian recounted the tale of someone righteously indignant o... [Read this article](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/managing-unrealistic-expectations) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/managing-unrealistic-expectations) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/managing-unrealistic-expectations) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/managing-unrealistic-expectations) [Why vCIO Programs Fail](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/why-vcio-programs-fail) ##### [Why vCIO Programs Fail](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/why-vcio-programs-fail) 25 July, 2019 The industry is changing, you need to evolve or be left behind by your clients. The next step to MSPs is vCIO, but how d... [Read this article](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/why-vcio-programs-fail) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/why-vcio-programs-fail) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/why-vcio-programs-fail) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.humanizeit.biz/new-theme-test/why-vcio-programs-fail) [![Humanize IT powered by msp](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/Humanize%20IT%20powered%20by%20msp.png)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/) [**#UNICORNSAREREAL**](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/unicorns-are-real) **![SOC 2](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/SOC%202.png)**     [facebook-square](https://www.facebook.com/humanizeit) [twitter](https://twitter.com/MSPlatformIT) [linkedin-in](https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizeit/) [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/humanizeit) © 2026 Humanize IT - [Pricing](https://www.humanizeit.biz/pricing) - [Education](https://www.humanizeit.biz/events) - Humanize IT Podcast - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUiMI4qjlJGa1zA1pwy6-avqM8D3I4OE) - [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3HRZBruDAP9oyVnloUHABO) - [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humanize-it/id1511560088) - [2024 Weekly Schedule](https://www.humanizeit.biz/events) - On-Demand Webinars - [3 Award-Winning Technologies to Evolve your MSP](https://info.humanizeit.biz/3-award-winning-technologies-to-evolve-your-msp) - [Compliance for Engineers](https://info.humanizeit.biz/compliance-for-engineers) - [Pentesting and Profits](https://info.humanizeit.biz/pentesting-and-profits) - [Your Website is Rubbish](https://info.humanizeit.biz/webinar-your-website-is-rubbish) - [Youtube Webinar Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUiMI4qjlJFkYjXQSPwCtmAnK1hFogHR) - [Automate All Your QBRs](https://info.humanizeit.biz/automate-all-your-qbrs) - Free Tools - [Asset Recycling Program](https://www.humanizeit.biz/eol) - [IT Warranty Lookup (Beta)](https://warranty.humanizeit.biz) - [QBR Toolkit](https://www.humanizeit.biz/qbr) - [Meeting Maker](https://meeting-maker.humanizeit.biz/) - [Resources](https://www.humanizeit.biz/expand-existing-clients-resources) - [Coaching](https://www.humanizeit.biz/coaching) - [Expand Existing Clients](https://www.humanizeit.biz/expand-existing-clients-resources) - [Win New Clients](https://www.humanizeit.biz/win-new-clients-resources) - [Structure AM/vCIO Operation](https://www.humanizeit.biz/structure-account-management-and-vcio-operation) - [Implement New IT Services](https://www.humanizeit.biz/implement-new-it-services-resources) - [HIT Knowledge Base](https://help.humanizeit.biz) - Demo Personas - [The Dispatch](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-e6d2ab31-6cab-47c0-a47c-a2cfeb969405) - [Streamlined QBR](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-f63143e0-3b3a-479e-91a4-835a18b60516) - [CISO](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-8365f6b2-2bf3-4ddf-a80c-1515685af50e) - [Annual Budget](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-b59d26eb-c3e3-43c6-94fa-3a4f4bb82432) - [About](https://www.humanizeit.biz/about) - [AI Open Letter](https://www.humanizeit.biz/ai-open-letter) - [Testimonials](https://www.humanizeit.biz/testimonials) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.humanizeit.biz/terms-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.humanizeit.biz/privacy-policy) - [Security | SOC2](https://www.humanizeit.biz/security) ##### PRODUCT - [IT CRM](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/it-crm) - [IT Sales](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/it-sales) - [Pricing](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/pricing) ##### QBR TOOLKIT - [QBR Discussion Points Checklist](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-discussion-points-checklist) - [2 Questions for QBRs](https://info.humanizeit.biz/hit-2-questions-for-qbr) - [QBR: FREE Infrastructure Assessment (PDF)](https://info.humanizeit.biz.com/qbr-infrastructure-assessment) - [QBR: FREE IT Services Assessment (PDF)](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-it-services-assessment) - [QBR: FREE NIST Cyber Security Overview (PDF)](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-nist-cyber-security-overview) - [QBR: FREE Strategic Business Review (PDF)](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-strategic-business-review) - [FREE Annual Strategic Report (PDF)](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-annual-strategic-report) - [QBR Time Calculator](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-time-calculator)   ##### RESOURCES - [Coaching](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/coaching-managed-services-platform) - [Peer Groups](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/peer-groups) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/upcoming-member-events) - [QBR Toolkit](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/qbr)   ##### Best of the Podcast - [Mastering Operational Leadership](https://youtu.be/Qq6BMZt9TLw) - [The Singularity of Hope: A New Perspective on AI](https://youtu.be/2rv-tl5pAKw) - [Mastering Operational Leadership for MSPs](https://youtu.be/UZw0NW2jYGw) - [Why Don't MSPs Market Themselves](https://youtu.be/vWgNNCZ9apQ)