As freelancers, our goal is to bring home the bacon - and lots of it.&nbsp; Since we're responsible for paying 100% of our health benefits, business expenses, and retirement contributions, those of us in business for ourselves are keenly aware of where every dollar comes from and exactly where it goes.&nbsp; As such, we need to charge a fair rate for our work and not undercut ourselves or underbid our colleagues.&nbsp; We need to make ends meet, and odd are we don't have a huge chunk of change in the bank to fall back on in case the well dries up.<br><br>Occasionally, though, it behooves us to work for less than we're worth.&nbsp; Maybe even - gasp - work for free!&nbsp; In this big bad world of looming mortgage payments and high interest credit cards, why would a competent freelancer worth their salt consider accepting pennies on the dollar for their time and expertise?<br><br>Philanthropy, that's why.<br><br>Now before you roll your eyes and close your browser window, there are some very solid professional reasons why a reputable freelancer should consider providing cheap or pro-bono work for those that can't afford to pay their full rate:<br><br>* Exposure.&nbsp; If your portfolio is lacking in some areas, performing work for non-profits and smaller businesses will provide you with much needed clips for industries you're trying to break into.<br><br>* Word gets around.&nbsp; Honestly, networking and word of mouth are a freelancer's best friend.&nbsp; Who knows who that small-time CEO, the one you produced a few brochures for on the cheap, has drinks with after work?&nbsp; Or which high-tech bigwigs have their fingers in the charity you're helping out?&nbsp; Not only will working for these smaller organizations increase your visibility, it will help you develop a solid reputation.&nbsp; Who doesn't want to be known as a possessor of both talent and strong character?<br><br>* Variety.&nbsp; If you're working for free or cheap, you're more likely to jump into projects you're less familiar with.&nbsp; Say a small company needs a short script for their "Yes on Prop X" radio spot, something that you're moderately curious about but have no experience with.&nbsp; If you're an hot shot freelance copywriter, your pro-bono client will be more than happy to have you do their work, regardless of your lack of radio clips.&nbsp; Just be sure to do some digging for information on how to perform the task effectively - you still want to perform at your best.<br><br>* Karma points.&nbsp; Regardless of if you believe it or not, paying a favor forward will always help you come out on top.&nbsp; Even if it doesn't make you rich and famous, you'll feel pretty damn good about yourself.<br><br>One thing you want to keep in mind about working for less than your standard rate: you still want to maintain boundaries with your discount and pro-bono clients, just like you would your regular clientele.&nbsp; Nothing will burn out your good will faster than a nonpaying customer who requests 428364827 revisions or calls you at all hours of the night wondering where their redesign is.&nbsp; Just because they're getting you for cheap doesn't mean they shouldn't be held to the same contract as your paying gigs.&nbsp; In fact, it's often a good idea to quote your regular rate in your contract and then clearly stipulate a discount for the work currently being performed.<br><br>Just because you're not getting your standard contract rate for a job doesn't necessarily mean you're selling yourself short.&nbsp; If you make it a point to maintain solid boundaries between your regular clients and those that you're doing a favor for, there are a load of benefits to be had by working with a few select charity clients.&nbsp; And who knows - that non-paying gig may turn into a gold mine down the road.<br><br> 2008-10-27T01:48:14Z 2008-10-27T04:55:10Z -16.1488 662 2066 true 17 18928 why-it-doesnt-always-suck-to-work-for-pennies 12 2008-10-27T04:53:27Z 2008-10-27T04:53:27Z

Working for less than your industry's going rate is a point of argument amongst freelancers, but under the right circumstances, working for cheap or free can benefit your career. Read on to find out how.

0 2009-02-24T09:46:47Z