Michelle Goodman writes:
No one ever filled a gas tank or bought groceries with exposure. The 20.9 million Americans working as consultants, freelancers, small-business owners and independent contractors are not keeping a roof overhead by getting paid in exposure, or “PIE,” as I’ve taken to calling it.
But writers, illustrators and other creative types aren’t the only ones who routinely get asked to donate their time and talents to clients devoid of outsourcing budgets. Business consultants, virtual assistants, bookkeepers, programmers, publicists and all other manner of self-employed professionals get offered platefuls of PIE, too.
First, let’s consider when giving it up for nothing can work in your favor:
You have no clients or portfolio. If you left your staff position without any customer testimonials or work samples, you may have to do a freebie or three for a worthy small business to prove to paying clients that you’ve done this before. Pick short-term projects (several days, tops) so you’re not stuck working pro bono until the next decade.
Your dream client has shallow pockets. Writers, artists and performers are all too familiar with this phenomenon. Example: The indie magazine that barely pays its freelancers but, thanks to the power of PIE, has landed many of them agents, book deals and art shows.
You’re donating time to a worthy cause. When donating your services to your favorite nonprofit or charity, my motto is, “Give big.” Think high-profile auctions, galas and fund-raising marathons; the more PIE potential, the better. Although you’re doing the job gratis, send the client a short, informal contract clearly stating what you will and won’t do, and when.
Photo by mikehome.
Jaclyn Wells on November 19th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I agree with this post. sometime’s it is a good to work for nothing or for “pie”. especially now a day’s with the economy being so bad, it may work out into business’ advantage to give a favor and then collect later on getting a favor in return… you never know when you’ll need something that someone else has to offer but you can not pay for it!
Matt @ Permanent Fitness on November 19th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
It also is a good method to try or learn new skills in a live environment. i learned project management in NGOs this way.
cassy on November 20th, 2008 at 3:38 am
I also agree with this post…
Sometimes you really have to work for nothing to get in return.
It really feels great when you can help somebody without expecting something.
Dan on November 20th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Great article.
If you would like a tool to manage your small business activities and Projects, you can use this web aplication:
http://www.Gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage and prioritize your Goals (for business but also in other areas of your life), Projects and Tasks. It has a Checklists section, for the routines and repetitive activities that any business has to do. Also, it features a Schedules section and a Calendar, for scheduling you time and activities.
Some features from GTD are also present, like Contexts and Next Actions.
And it’s available on the mobile phone too, so you can access it from anywhere.