Today must be you-want-it-free? day here at ActiveRain since three of the blog posts I've read this morning touch on rant about that subject.
I find that particularly interesting when it comes to Realtors whom I have always considered the epitome, the definition, of asking for things free. Is turnabout not fair play?
I'm always happy to reduce my fees if I also reduce the amount of work I do, or the resulting liability that various third parties, like governments and insurance companies, place on my businesses. I'll also do some pro bono work if I can do it over the phone or by email. If I have to put on clothes, get in the car, and drive on the streets and freeways with all the people who are texting, shaving, and putting on makeup instead of driving, well, I'm going to charge you.
My preference is to work and be paid. I like to work. If it's fun, then it's not work, and I do like to have fun when I work. It's also much more fun to be doing something and getting paid for it than to be sitting around doing nothing. If the opportunity presents itself, I'll educate prospective Clients about what I do, why I do it, and why I charge what I do.
If someone asks you for something free, be prepared to provide a professional answer — to educate your prospect about you and your services — rather than ranting and raving. You'll come off looking much more, uh, professional.
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