It’s OK to Just Say No
- Before you start giving away your time and work left and right — weigh the advantages and disadvantages of that particular project as well as how it will affect your overall business. Is the time and effort worth it? What do you get in return? How much publicity (and what kind)? Is it something you really need for your portfolio or something you’ve done a thousand times that won’t really add much value to your portfolio or résumé?
- Don’t volunteer for more than you can handle. You don’t want to turn down good paying work because you have too many deadlines to meet on your volunteer projects. And just as important, you don’t want to overload yourself so that you are unable to give your best effort to those volunteer or giveaway projects — poor work reflects badly on you, whether you did it for free or for money.
- Are they willing to pay you? Before you give it away, find out if they are willing to pay you. Sometimes you already know without asking, but if in doubt — ask! You might be able to negotiate full payment or a reduced rate on something you were willing and able to do for free — you really win big in that instance!
I've done my share of freebies — club newsletter, school newsletter & fliers, postcard newsletter for a relative's office, makeovers, free ads, classes & other training, file uploads, etc. If you have found other profitable ways to give away business and other ways to successfully gain publicity from your freebies, I’d like to hear about it.
Your Assignment
Step 1: Make a list of the schools your kids attend, clubs or other organizations to which you, your spouse, your kids, or even your friends or other relatives belong. Brainstorm a few ways you might provide free design services or advice.
Step 2: Check with your local community college. See what kind of classes they offer that can be taught by community members like yourself. Think of a few different courses that you could teach. It doesn't mean you will do this, but do the research just in case.
Step 3: While you are out and about your hometown look for materials such as fliers, menus, and business cards that might benefit from a makeover.
Step 4: Think about your area of expertise. Is there something you could write a short piece on? Could you put together a bunch of tips and tricks for your favorite desktop publishing software? Is there a book review you could write? Do any of the organizations you identified in step 1 have a newsletter that might accept your contribution? Are there online publications that accept user submissions?
Step 5: Using the ideas from steps 1-4 and any other ideas that you might have, identify at least two ways that you could give away business to build your business. Write out a plan of action for each project: what the giveaway would be; how you would go about doing it; how much time and money would you have to expend; and, when you would do it. Even if you aren't ready to pursue it at this time, put something in writing. You'll be much more likely to take action if you have a plan in place.
Freelance Design > Starting a Desktop Publishing Business > Giving Away Business
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