DEAR HARRIETTE: I don't like to tell people how I get my weekend gigs. I originally got started through a job website, but now I travel through recommendations. I typically work with setting up and serving through parties, and make a few hundred bucks for the day. I have stayed mum about these jobs except to a few friends who evidently told the world. Now, I have acquaintances who are strapped for cash contacting me. This is my own hustle. I don't have to tell them where I started, right? -- My Niche, Atlanta
DEAR MY NICHE: Rather than sharing your specific resources, why not tell them your general process? There should be enough work around that you don't have to hide your good fortune. Recommend, too, that they think of what they can do well and then search around on the internet for a match.
In the future, don't talk about your creative work options if you don't want others to know. As you see, telling one person can easily mean telling all. One other note: If you have an individual friend who you think you can safely recommend to your personal network of employment, do so. But be mindful that your reputation is at stake each time you give a person your seal of approval.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)