Some people notice "free" in
freelance and think that services are free. Others, who work as freelancers, see FREEDOM. You are now free to work with who or whatever you choose (with a fee of course) and you are your own boss. You make the rules, set the prices, pay your taxes, and take breaks when you feel like it. Yet, in my quest to grow my business, I realize that free or freedom doesn't work like it once did for us freelancers. The demands of our money and time are greater--every software program costs and any special request from a client ends up costing more time than its worth. When we use "free" in marketing, we are attracting a bunch of spoiled people who want something for nothing.
I am one who wants to help others, but not at the expense of having my family frown on me because once again I can't meet their requests because I am too busy doing something d*mn near close to free.
Years ago, when I was a mere 19 years old I started "McGuire's Professional Typing Services" in Pittsburgh, PA. Back then I was a college student who needed things like: books for class, rent and utility money, and extra cash to pay for credit card bills and an occasional outing. I almost lost it when I heard even the mention of "free" or "discount" anything out of the mouths of people who already owned homes, had nice luxury vehicles, etc. They weren't struggling not like a college student who ate much Ramen and other noodle products while steak was a rarity.
I researched my prices and services back then and made them as reasonable as possible, but I still needed to eat. I got business alright, but those business professionals and groups were looking for cheap labor. They attempted to take advantage of the struggling college student and I never forgot. I knew that about them back then and I didn't cave into the pressure of alternative pricing, petty criticisms to get prices lowered, and "the hook up." I didn't care when I had one-hit wonder kind of customers, business is business.
Freelancers everywhere, someone will pay you your worth--stay motivated! Someone will fork over the money for your services. I have seen it over and over again in my own business. When one door closes, there are always more that open, never sell yourself short on anything!
Now be mindful of the people who look for the following kind of discounts whether spoken aloud or not. Usually they will be problems for you later or won't need your service again, so why offer much for free? Time is money.
1) The buy one, get one folks.
2) The freebie, because I look like you--the homeboy or homegirl discount.
3) The Christian deal or others who have a similar faith.
4) The family hook up.
5) The "don't I know you" people who think that you will do something for them because you remind them of...plug in a celebrity name. Don't fall for the flattery!
6) The trade for trade--what you do is most likely more than what they will ever do for you.
7) The promise to "tell others about you if..." Keep waiting.
8) The person who knows your relative or friend. SO?
9) The I really don't want the service I just want to find out how you do what you do.
10) The "I been in the industry a long time" but I don't want to pay those prices. Then do it yourself.
Yeah, they all exist and you have to learn not to bend. Offer something for free only if you get something beneficial out of it (like new customers) or someone did something nice for you (like mentioned your business/product on the radio, social media, etc.)
Put limits on your kindness, otherwise people take it for weakness.
Nicholl McGuire
