Be a Freelancer, Not a FREElancer!

Sainsbury’s hit the news in May 2016, when their Camden store sought a local artist to refurbish their canteen. What got the most reaction was that they wanted the artist to volunteer their craft. In return, the artist would have their work recognised, got to share their gift with the heart of Camden, and left their mark by doing what they did best. Is that a fair return?

Often, freelancers that I work with are asked at some point to offer their services for free, in return for alleged “exposure” to their target audience. Many are also asked to lower their prices considerably for the same return, or for the loose promise of more work from the person asking. I say loose, because why would they suddenly start agreeing to pay your full rate?

No More FREElancing

Once you’ve moved had the goalposts moved and you provide your services to a client at a heavily reduced rate, or for free, you have no future rate leverage with that client. Imagine charging them £50 for a logo as a “one off”. Then, when they come back for another one, you charge £400. Why would they suddenly agree to an 800% increase? If their budget doesn’t match your fee, from the offset, then walk away from the deal. You will, of course, need to have the absolute confidence in your abilities and why you charge what you charge. Once you have that, clients will pay your going rate for the skills you have.

Sourcing clients to create a portfolio, in the attempt to create a financial safety net, won’t happen. Certainly not in the long run. Not only that but it you’ll even start to resent that part of your work as well as the clients who pay you little or nothing for it. I’m certain that you didn’t become a freelancer to have a pool of clients offer you projects that pay very little. Or even to constantly hammer down your rate, because they know it’s negotiable.

Action Point

Focus on the sweet spot to running your business and realise that profit is only one part of the process.

Now plan your steps to acquire clients who truly get what you do and will pay you deserve.

Don’t just take my word for it, check out the brilliant shouldiworkforfree.com and meet other freelancers in our Freelance Heroes FB group.

I also found another great article on the topic, on the Huffington Post website called: How to Stop Working for Exposure aka “Free”

This post originally appeared at http://www.edagoodman.com/be-a-freelancer-not-a-freelancer/