I ran across Escaping Mediocrity in the related sites section of some site or another (I forget what), and read this post on friends who try to get your services without paying. I actually have rarely had that problem. Most of my friends will tell me they understand it’s the way I make my living and that they will pay. But I have encountered people who need the advice, and it’s practical.

The more current material is motivational. Motivational writers and speakers can get on my nerves, but as a foundation, you could do worse than this post. It reminds me of what I say to churches–if the members can’t clearly identify the church’s mission, I can guarantee you aren’t accomplishing it.