When should you work for free?

I will definitely check it out, Michelle.

New York Times. Wow, that's awesome!

Michele,

What an excellent post. I left a comment. Everyone should read this!

Great article Michelle, helped me to take a more sober perspective on the issue. I didn't have time to read the follow-up discussion, but it looks lively --which means you engaged people's heads and hearts.

And thanks for the Biznik link, I like how it was the words "getting to know" <other> that you used to link -a big part of what we do here!

Feel free to re-submit the article in Biznik articles if you haven't already.

Cheers, Leif

I have two times I employ "free" services. One is when I am rolling out a new service package. I find a likely suspect and get a chance to run through the project at my pace and direction for the experience. The second is in a situation where, after helping someone with a problem (took fifteen minutes to save them thousands of $) and discovered during the exchange that they truly could not pay. In both cases it is my call. I reject any and all requests for free work, otherwise.

Michelle:

Excellent article. After 30 years of working for agencies large and small, I opened up my own PR practice two months ago. I've done (and continue to do) a ton of pro bono work in this market for great non-profits. I do it because a) I believe it's the right thing to do and b) it's great for business. I've made some amazing contacts through board work and within the non-profits themselves that have opened many doors.

But in the for profit client arena: it's time to get creative. It's tough in this economy to get the green light on client work -- especially with start-ups and small business owners who wonder what tomorrow will bring. Cash is king. I don't want your stock. But I'm about to start making some concessions on fees to turn the red lights to green.

Your thoughts?

Scott