How to: Never Work For Free
Not even once.
Some people seem to think that because the word “freelancer” has FREE right in it, they deserve our services for free.
Sometimes they play it off like you’re doing them a favor. “You’ll get tons of exposure!”
Sorry, sir, but my landlord doesn’t accept “exposure” as a payment option when the rent comes due.
Sometimes they’ll claim that what you do is just “so easy!” and they could “totally do it” if they just had the time.
Sorry, ma’am, but if that were true, you wouldn’t need me. Same goes if your daughter’s neighbor’s petsitter “knows how to do that already.” If that’s true, go ask them. Oh, you did and they want to be paid?
Maybe you think you’re doing ME a favor. “I am going to send you so many referrals!”
Well, if your referrals also expect free work, I think I’m okay without them.
Here’s the secret: The clients who pay the least are usually the most difficult and demanding.
I’ve had confirmation of this from freelancers in a multitude of industries, from all walks of life, of varying levels of formal education, located all over the world.
