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
post construction cleaning Deerfield ..Unfortunately for all buyers, each selling organization and their individual... Read More
What are the best methods for keeping a good business... Read More
So what exactly is a "Small Business Lone Ranger?" A... Read More
Tap these treasures of ideas. The best money you can... Read More
As a practitioner and student of Small Business Marketing, I... Read More
At first blush this idea might be difficult to wrap... Read More
We love Wichita because it has great all round weather... Read More
This morning, I went to take a short walk outside.... Read More
Most business owners do not think of selling their companies... Read More
Let's face it, we all tend to get stuck in... Read More
I ran a franchise company for many years, a car... Read More
If you are in the professional car care business you... Read More
Here are some important points to take note of if... Read More
So you think you're not justified in taking time away... Read More
The home-based business market, sometimes called the SOHO (small-office/home-office) market,... Read More
Now that you have invested your time, energy and money... Read More
If you have a busy private practice, chances are you... Read More
CARD SHARK7 Card Tricks That Improve Your Personal Networking PowerThe... Read More
How do you make sure you have the business solutions... Read More
What is a Virtual Assistant?A Virtual Assistant is a person... Read More
Before you start a business we encourage you to prepare... Read More
When is it a good thing to say no to... Read More
It has been said that the only constant is change.... Read More
Whether you are an Entrepreneur or Business Professional there are... Read More
It is essential that you fully understand how the fuel... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Bannockburn ..Just recently, I took a break and caught "The Return... Read More
Multimedia is everywhere on the Internet, whether in the form... Read More
Here are just a few ways to increase and diversify... Read More
There are several well-known truck washes in the Great State... Read More
What could Seinfeld possibly have to do with marketing a... Read More
How do you find the best business partners?Finding a good... Read More
Work smarter, not harderWhat is one of the best ways... Read More
A suggestion box is a really good idea for your... Read More
Manufactured and Mobile Home owners know that the weather this... Read More
Whether it has been thrust upon you by external market... Read More
The current lack of industry leaders represents an exceptional opportunity... Read More
Where would a business be without a business plan? A... Read More
TRUTH IN THE LAWN MOWING INDUSTRYWe do not wish to... Read More
Most business owners do not think of selling their companies... Read More
The stock market is still on a wild roller coaster... Read More
Small business success is very similar to learning to walk,... Read More
How do you sponsor an event and get personal introductions... Read More
First you have to start with knowing your budget and... Read More
As a specialist in getting restaurants open, it is surprising... Read More
How do you make sure you have the business solutions... Read More
You only have so much time in a day right?So... Read More
When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber... Read More
How often has someone thought of starting a business based... Read More
1. Look Over Your Shoulder ? Of course, Punxsutawney Phil... Read More
Why does consistency in the message have an effect on... Read More
Small Business |