Should freelancers & Small Business Owners work for
free?
Hell, no! When I saw the title of this article, I
thought “how ridiculous!” – and then I read it and realised that I have been
that idiot – I have worked for little or nothing on occasion in the hope that
it will lead to bigger and better new business opportunities. Generally speaking, it doesn’t! And, that time-worn saying is so true – if you
don’t value yourself, no-one else will.
Charities are different – you may want to help a charity out – which is
admirable but there’s a good piece of advice in this article – state up front
how much time you are willing to give.
People sometimes work for free or at a vastly reduced rate in order to
get greater exposure – but as the author says, “exposure is also something
people die of – it doesn’t pay the bills!”
Be sure to click through to the 3.5 minute video mentioned here from
writer Harlan Ellison, “Pay the writer” – he leaves us in no doubt what the
answer will be to a request to him to work for free!
“Hotel Parents”
This was a new term on me I have to admit! Apparently 11% of the populations are “Hotel
Parents” – aged 35+ with a son or daughter aged over 15 living with them. They are an affluent group with a heavy usage
of radio and newspapers – worth bearing in mind if you are trying to target
this grou.
Cheetah Cubs
Now what excuse, sorry, marketing nugget can I come up
with to justify my use of this video showing ever-so-cute cheetah cubs which
were born on 1st September at San Diego Zoo?! Ah yes – if your ‘bullseye customer’ loves
animals, why not use one in your marketing communications? We’ve all heard and seen how cat videos rule
the internet – but even though I’m the skivvy of a cat myself (dogs have
owners, cats have staff!) – the cat thing is probably overdone online, so think
about choosing a different animal!
Photo: Gaebler.com
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