Do You Work for Free? (Issue 146)
Ummm… I bet you don't!
Does your accountant do your taxes for free?
How about your lawyer? Do they do free work for you?
Your doctor? Dentist? Plumber?
If so, I'd love to get their contact information! But I’m guessing they don’t.
Yet, we often experience people asking us for free work. I know it happens to me often.
“Hey, can you look at my LinkedIn profile and tell me how to improve it?”
“Can you give me feedback on my resume?”
“Can you just hop on a quick call to give me some advice?”
Yes, I do offer a lot of free help. I’ve written several hundred free articles offering business and career advice. My podcast episodes are also free. I even provide a complimentary initial call to help business owners.
However, if you give away too much of your time for free, you will soon struggle to pay your bills.
It can feel awkward when someone asks for something, but they don’t seem to be interested in paying for it. What do you do?
Do you just say no? Do you suggest a price on the spot?
Well, I’ve learned to use a simple and effective tactic when it happens: I offer to send a proposal. It’s a short and sweet response that:
Makes it clear I don’t offer a service or product for free.
Doesn’t create an awkward conversation.
Gives me time to scope and price things appropriately.
The conversation sometimes looks like this:
Them: “Hey, can you give me some feedback on my resume?”
Me: “I’m happy to do that! I do provide a resume review service, so I can send you a quick proposal. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.”
Them: “Oh, ummm… I was wondering if you would do it for free. It shouldn’t take that long.”
Me: “Well, doing it well does take time. And it’s not completely about the time. It’s about having the expertise to provide the right feedback. I don’t provide my valuable expertise for free. But, I do have a free article that can help you improve your resume on your own. Do you want me to send it to you?”
Them: “Okay, sure. Thanks.”
Try a variation of this script the next time someone asks you to work for free!
Would you like to brainstorm some ideas with me? You can always schedule a complimentary call.
Larry Cornett is a business coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate! Check out his new Invincible Solopreneurs Daily Journal!