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
maid service near Lake Forest ..If you own a Pressure Washing Company and wish to... Read More
Recently one of my customers told me the chaos swirling... Read More
The story is told of a tiger chasing some goats... Read More
If you intend to franchise your company you will need... Read More
Why should you describe your business to others in 5... Read More
Discover How Specialized Cost Containment Creates A New Win-Win Position... Read More
One of the most common horrific mistakes a business can... Read More
As a business owner, you already know how important it... Read More
Deciding to start your own franchise is just one of... Read More
How to identify future solutions and opportunities?Your power page, if... Read More
How do marine type businesses start? Have you ever thought... Read More
It seems so long ago that I started my first... Read More
Business card size works well for invitations to special events.What... Read More
If you're just ramping up your small business email newsletter,... Read More
When a regulator finds a target to go after to... Read More
When it comes to cost, how much can you afford... Read More
One of the hidden perks of raising six children is... Read More
If you want to start a business in 2005, and... Read More
If you're serious about wanting to start a business, the... Read More
CARD SHARK7 Card Tricks That Improve Your Personal Networking PowerThe... Read More
Large corporations use employee manuals to both educate employees about... Read More
It's a strange anomaly.Most people who set out to start... Read More
When should you create a foundation in order to solidify... Read More
Writing a business plan is a fundamental step to ensuring... Read More
If you are looking for a way to own your... Read More
top rated cleaning service Des Plaines ..When is it a good thing to say no to... Read More
One of the best marketing strategies a business or organization... Read More
It appears the mini-blimp indoor theme and concept is making... Read More
You've probably heard the statistic that 95% of small businesses... Read More
Q: A friend told me that as a woman of... Read More
Security Professionals provide the products and services necessary to create... Read More
Every home business has the same problem of how to... Read More
On June 8, 2004, the world witnessed what no one... Read More
I have a confession to make. My name is Caroline... Read More
Until the day I learned to play chess I loved... Read More
How to identify future solutions and opportunities?Your power page, if... Read More
What is a guru?A guru is a teacher. A mentor.... Read More
How do you make sure you have the business solutions... Read More
Ok, you have successfully accomplished your dream of being the... Read More
As I am preparing for my attendance to the CoachVille's... Read More
The choice to incorporate a small business in Florida has... Read More
Everyday, customers and business owners are bombarded with billboards, logos,... Read More
Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More
Incredible as it sounds, you have a goldmine of free... Read More
If you are a small business and qualify to participate... Read More
If you're starting your own business or currently work for... Read More
Most small businesses simply go about their daily business and... Read More
Why should you always maintain a good report with a... Read More
Do you have a Business Plan? Congratulations, but you are... Read More
You only have so much time in a day right?So... Read More
Small Business |