Anyone who’s ever owned a business (or freelanced or done work on the side) has come across this issue. I’m talking about working for free, whether for ‘exposure,’ often vague potential future business promises or for a worthy cause. Should you do it?
Site created by Jessica Hische
I’ve run into this issue numerous times since starting my business, Clearly Conveyed Communications, last year. It’s amazing how many people want to help you by asking you to work for free. Of course, they usually don’t come right out and ask you to work for free. They’ll talk about how limited their budget is, or how they wish they could afford this type of marketing project or that social media management program. Then they may even come out and say, “I don’t expect you to do this for free. I’m just trying to figure out how to fit this in the budget.” And then they’ll randomly talk about all of the future potential business this could lead to from themselves, or more often from others, via the tremendous amount of ‘exposure’ your work will receive.
I’m a fan of the Say Yes to the Dress shows where consultants help brides find the wedding dress of their dreams. Why is this relevant? The #1 rule is that you never put a bride in a dress she can’t afford. It only leads to trouble. That’s why I’m willing to work with prospects and clients to find something within their budget that will still help them achieve their objectives. If they absolutely cannot afford anything that will help their business, I would rather walk away than take any amount of money from them for projects that won’t make a difference. That rarely happens.
Pic credit: Nataniel J. Rosa
But I have walked away from situations where I was asked to work for free, either outright or not so directly. I always look at the big picture, but sometimes it’s just not worth it. It seems to me like working for free for people who don’t value what you do only leads to more offers to work for free — not paying work.
I came across a great quote on this subject while reading a post entitled, Giving it away just don’t pay, on one of my favorite blogs, Campari & Sofa.
“[My parents] also put my sister the pulmonologist through medical school, and as far as I know nobody ever asks her to perform a quick lobectomy — doesn’t have to be anything fancy, maybe just in her spare time, whatever she can do would be great — because it’ll help get her name out there.” –Tim Krieder
Should you work for free? I would love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences on this hot topic.
Have you ever worked for free and benefited from it? Or regretted it?
How do you handle it when people ask you to work for free — either directly or indirectly?
Always affordable but never cheap–
Jaime
Connect with me on social media (It’s not free but worthwhile when done right!):
clearly conveyed communications 
Hi Jaimie, Right now I am working pretty much for free. The ads on my blog are bringing in negligible amounts (and I do mean negligible). I am doing this for 3 reasons: 1) I truly enjoy it. 2) I am retired and have a decent retirement income (I can afford it). 3) I do hope that someday I’ll be able to make a little money with the blog.
I’ve also done some guest posting to gain exposure.
Cheers! Carol
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Hi Carol,
Thanks for reading and taking time to share your opinion. I appreciate it!
It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into your current situation and are enjoying yourself. 🙂 That’s important!
It’s great that you do have income coming in although I hear you that you’d like to make money off your blog someday.
My blog isn’t a moneymaker either. I looks at it as a cost of doing business and a way to gain exposure for my business.
Have a great day,
Jaime
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