When is advice free and when should you charge for it?
A question is often asked as to when to charge for information. This is not an easy question to answer as it really depends on the situation. If you are doing a speech for non-profit, then your advice can be pro bono (at no cost). I would have no difficulty sharing my expertise with such an organization but I do draw the line when a profit organization asks for the same privileges. Non-profits are exactly what their name say, and even though they do have money to spend in some areas, some free advice is good. The advice, however, should be given through formal channels. You should ask to work with their board of directors to see what help they actually need and then offer your services.
Remember that each person in a non-profit also has a job in the community and may want to use your services or book you for an event as a speaker. The rule of thumb is to make sure you do not give the farm away when giving free advice. If you do, there is nothing more you can give to the business people in that organization. You should temper what you give so that the organization can move forward but watch out for those organizations that tend to ask more than you can give. It is the additional information that you can charge for.
There will always be a fine line between giving free information and being exploited. If you are exploited, you will know it and the experience will give you a bad taste for non-profit organizations. Not all organizations are run that way, give freely of your advice and make sure they use the information for what it is intended.
Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.blueprintbooks.com
recurring maid service Wilmette ..The difference between rates and wages is not always clear... Read More
Many new ventures are preoccupied with all the money they... Read More
If you are looking for a way to own your... Read More
A janitorial cleaning service is one of the best businesses... Read More
Auto Detailing: Maintaining A Commercial Carpet ExtractorYou should drain your... Read More
In my previous article, Step 1, your challenge for the... Read More
Habit: A consistent behavior you perform so frequently that it... Read More
This morning, I went to take a short walk outside.... Read More
Sometimes when you run a business you feel as lonely... Read More
As a solo entrepreneur or small business owner, one of... Read More
Are you responsible for your results?What comes to mind when... Read More
CARD SHARK7 Card Tricks That Improve Your Personal Networking PowerThe... Read More
Completion not Perfection Five Keys To Doubling Your Productivity and... Read More
Most small business owners seek advisors who can help them... Read More
Anyone who is serious about washing aircraft as a full... Read More
Most small businesses simply go about their daily business and... Read More
There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of... Read More
Many small business startups fail within the first 2 years... Read More
Ask anyone trapped in a cubical about their entrepreneurial dream... Read More
When you feel like you're always busy working on your... Read More
Multimedia is everywhere on the Internet, whether in the form... Read More
My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More
Office support services can range from basic data entry to... Read More
Often smart entrepreneurs look for out of the way businesses,... Read More
There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of... Read More
In many industries, image is one of the last things... Read More
Is it right for you?If you decide to advertise your... Read More
Mobile detailers will find themselves with lots of competition even... Read More
Mr/Ms, 'not me' is often on holidays in your business.... Read More
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRICINGIn case you hadn't noticed, people can... Read More
Auto Detailing: Maintaining A Commercial Carpet ExtractorYou should drain your... Read More
Ok, so next to the taxman, your company payroll department... Read More
Here are just a few ways to increase and diversify... Read More
Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More
Tammy, a skilled and gifted horticulturist, called me to discuss... Read More
The day care industry is expanding. There are now more... Read More
It's a commonly quoted statistic: 80% of all small businesses... Read More
Think the best way to get more customers is to... Read More
"What do you do?" It just might be one of... Read More
What would happen if you decided to take an extended... Read More
When working properly, computers enable small businesses to make big... Read More
What are the benefits of using a Freelance Consultant /... Read More
Writing a business plan for your Solo Entrepreneur business doesn't... Read More
E-mail and Internet use are integral parts of the typical... Read More
Entrepreneurs are hardy stock. But sometimes hardiness can get you... Read More
When do you need to get more involved with the... Read More
Why? Because they have access to world class public relations... Read More
Have you ever heard the phrase, 'PREPONDERANCE OF PROOF'?I recently... Read More
Why are Chambers a good launching pad?Chambers provide you with... Read More
Small Business |