By Radley West
There’s a great saying that floats around the internet: If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur. Oh, how true it is. But in the age of YouTube tutorials, 5-minute “masterclasses,” and social media gurus, everyone seems to think they can be an expert after watching a few videos and reading a blog or two.
Now, let’s get one thing straight—becoming an actual expert in any field takes years of dedication, practice, and often a few hard knocks along the way. Whether it’s personal training, chiropractic care, business coaching, cosmetology, social media content and advertising, or even home improvement, those who truly excel have put in the time, effort, and probably a small fortune to master their craft. They’ve learned from their mistakes (and maybe yours, as well), taken continuing education courses, and refined their skills to a point where they can charge for their knowledge. And guess what? That expertise comes with a price tag—because it’s worth it.
Yet, there are always those who want to go the bargain route. They think, Why pay for quality when I can find a cheaper option? Here’s why: Cheap advice is usually cheap for a reason.
Let’s take personal training, for example. You could hire a professional who has years of experience, understands body mechanics, and knows how to help you move better, feel better, and get stronger without breaking yourself in the process. Or, you could pay that guy at the gym who swears that screaming at you mid-burpee is the secret to success. Sure, he’s affordable—until you’re shelling out money for physical therapy after he “fixes” your squat form by turning it into an Olympic-level disaster.
Or how about chiropractic care? You could see a qualified professional who has studied the human body extensively and knows how to get your spine back in line properly. Or, you could let your cousin’s friend (who “watched a video one time”) try to “crack your back real quick” in his living room. One option leads to relief, the other might lead to an urgent care visit and some deep regrets.
And let’s not forget the DIY business coaches, the online diet “experts” selling detox teas, and the bargain-bin financial advisors who promise to 10x your wealth but don’t actually know the difference between an asset and a liability. If advice is free or suspiciously cheap, there’s a good chance you’re the one paying for it—just in a way you won’t realize until later.
The truth is, expertise has value because it saves you time, frustration, and often a whole lot of money in the long run. It prevents mistakes before they happen. It teaches you the right way to do things from the start. It protects your body, your business, and your bank account from unnecessary damage.
So, the next time you’re tempted to go with the lowest bidder, remember this: expertise isn’t expensive, but the lack of it sure is. Invest wisely.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. Radley is a gym owner and personal trainer with more than 20 years of experience helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and her team approach fitness by teaching clients to build better habits and create sustainable, feel-good fitness and nutrition routines—no need for intense six-pack aspirations (unless that’s your thing).
