Comments on: Free Without Exploitation http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/ Build your business by sharing what you know Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:38:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Jacqulyn http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7142 Jacqulyn Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:24:42 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7142 One thing that will never change, people want things for free. Just because you know how to do something, doesn't mean you'll do it for nothing. My husband gets that a lot because he can fix pcs. He will fix minor stuff for gratus of course. One thing that will never change, people want things for free. Just because you know how to do something, doesn’t mean you’ll do it for nothing. My husband gets that a lot because he can fix pcs. He will fix minor stuff for gratus of course.

]]> By: Jacqulyn http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18562 Jacqulyn Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:24:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18562 One thing that will never change, people want things for free. Just because you know how to do something, doesn't mean you'll do it for nothing. My husband gets that a lot because he can fix pcs. He will fix minor stuff for gratus of course. One thing that will never change, people want things for free. Just because you know how to do something, doesn’t mean you’ll do it for nothing. My husband gets that a lot because he can fix pcs. He will fix minor stuff for gratus of course.

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7095 Rebecca Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:15:02 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7095 Liz has such a gift for blending tact and efficacy! The simplest strategy is often the best; and straight-talking might seem simple enough, but it's difficult for most of us to do so with grace. It helps a great deal to have a concrete model (the "right words") for setting boundaries on the amount of time that one can invest <i>pro bono</i>. Liz has such a gift for blending tact and efficacy! The simplest strategy is often the best; and straight-talking might seem simple enough, but it’s difficult for most of us to do so with grace. It helps a great deal to have a concrete model (the “right words”) for setting boundaries on the amount of time that one can invest pro bono.

]]> By: Rebecca Leaman http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18561 Rebecca Leaman Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:15:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18561 Liz has such a gift for blending tact and efficacy! The simplest strategy is often the best; and straight-talking might seem simple enough, but it's difficult for most of us to do so with grace. It helps a great deal to have a concrete model (the "right words") for setting boundaries on the amount of time that one can invest <i>pro bono</i>. Liz has such a gift for blending tact and efficacy! The simplest strategy is often the best; and straight-talking might seem simple enough, but it’s difficult for most of us to do so with grace. It helps a great deal to have a concrete model (the “right words”) for setting boundaries on the amount of time that one can invest pro bono.

]]> By: Erica Ross-Krieger http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7089 Erica Ross-Krieger Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:54:57 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7089 I think people do get "odd" (not used to that expression, but I think I get it) when they have to pay, if I am feeling in any way "odd" about asking for payment. What I mean is, I find that clients mirror my internal state. Here's how I got around to tweaking my own internal state and becoming more comfortable with asking for payment. Bear with me for a round-about way to explain: Back in "the day" when I used to do executive outplacement counseling, I taught people interview techniques. A tricky area for some people was how to answer when asked what they expected for a salary. I used to tell them, "ask as if you are asking for someone to pass the salt -- matter-of-factly, no apology, fully expecting you'll get what you ask for." Now I heed the same advice for myself when engaging in client work. Matter-of-fact, no apology, full expectation I'll get what I ask for (or else that's not the right client for me:) I call it the "pass the salt" internal strategy. It's the hard-wiring necessary for implementing Liz's great model:) btw Chris, I love that you say that you CAN charge because you DO give so much for free. Yes! This is why I'll be glad to belly up to the payment bar for your services when it's time to hire you! I think people do get “odd” (not used to that expression, but I think I get it) when they have to pay, if I am feeling in any way “odd” about asking for payment. What I mean is, I find that clients mirror my internal state. Here’s how I got around to tweaking my own internal state and becoming more comfortable with asking for payment. Bear with me for a round-about way to explain:

Back in “the day” when I used to do executive outplacement counseling, I taught people interview techniques. A tricky area for some people was how to answer when asked what they expected for a salary. I used to tell them, “ask as if you are asking for someone to pass the salt — matter-of-factly, no apology, fully expecting you’ll get what you ask for.”

Now I heed the same advice for myself when engaging in client work. Matter-of-fact, no apology, full expectation I’ll get what I ask for (or else that’s not the right client for me:) I call it the “pass the salt” internal strategy. It’s the hard-wiring necessary for implementing Liz’s great model:)

btw Chris, I love that you say that you CAN charge because you DO give so much for free. Yes! This is why I’ll be glad to belly up to the payment bar for your services when it’s time to hire you!

]]> By: Erica Ross-Krieger http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18560 Erica Ross-Krieger Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:54:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18560 I think people do get "odd" (not used to that expression, but I think I get it) when they have to pay, if I am feeling in any way "odd" about asking for payment. What I mean is, I find that clients mirror my internal state. Here's how I got around to tweaking my own internal state and becoming more comfortable with asking for payment. Bear with me for a round-about way to explain: Back in "the day" when I used to do executive outplacement counseling, I taught people interview techniques. A tricky area for some people was how to answer when asked what they expected for a salary. I used to tell them, "ask as if you are asking for someone to pass the salt -- matter-of-factly, no apology, fully expecting you'll get what you ask for." Now I heed the same advice for myself when engaging in client work. Matter-of-fact, no apology, full expectation I'll get what I ask for (or else that's not the right client for me:) I call it the "pass the salt" internal strategy. It's the hard-wiring necessary for implementing Liz's great model:) btw Chris, I love that you say that you CAN charge because you DO give so much for free. Yes! This is why I'll be glad to belly up to the payment bar for your services when it's time to hire you! I think people do get “odd” (not used to that expression, but I think I get it) when they have to pay, if I am feeling in any way “odd” about asking for payment. What I mean is, I find that clients mirror my internal state. Here’s how I got around to tweaking my own internal state and becoming more comfortable with asking for payment. Bear with me for a round-about way to explain:

Back in “the day” when I used to do executive outplacement counseling, I taught people interview techniques. A tricky area for some people was how to answer when asked what they expected for a salary. I used to tell them, “ask as if you are asking for someone to pass the salt — matter-of-factly, no apology, fully expecting you’ll get what you ask for.”

Now I heed the same advice for myself when engaging in client work. Matter-of-fact, no apology, full expectation I’ll get what I ask for (or else that’s not the right client for me:) I call it the “pass the salt” internal strategy. It’s the hard-wiring necessary for implementing Liz’s great model:)

btw Chris, I love that you say that you CAN charge because you DO give so much for free. Yes! This is why I’ll be glad to belly up to the payment bar for your services when it’s time to hire you!

]]> By: sorodesign http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7088 sorodesign Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:40:19 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7088 A similar thing happens with freelance work. People, often friends but sometimes strangers or other bloggers, will ask us to do graphic design work for free since they somehow seem to think the work is not really work. I'm very open to giving away advice but there certainly must be a limit. We've learned to be quite firm in quoting our rates. A similar thing happens with freelance work. People, often friends but sometimes strangers or other bloggers, will ask us to do graphic design work for free since they somehow seem to think the work is not really work. I’m very open to giving away advice but there certainly must be a limit. We’ve learned to be quite firm in quoting our rates.

]]> By: sorodesign http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18559 sorodesign Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:40:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18559 A similar thing happens with freelance work. People, often friends but sometimes strangers or other bloggers, will ask us to do graphic design work for free since they somehow seem to think the work is not really work. I'm very open to giving away advice but there certainly must be a limit. We've learned to be quite firm in quoting our rates. A similar thing happens with freelance work. People, often friends but sometimes strangers or other bloggers, will ask us to do graphic design work for free since they somehow seem to think the work is not really work. I’m very open to giving away advice but there certainly must be a limit. We’ve learned to be quite firm in quoting our rates.

]]> By: How To Rule The World http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7086 How To Rule The World Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:15:19 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7086 Have you though about monetizing your blog? I see you have no advertising at all other than promoting yourselves. It is interesting to see a blog without one advertisement or adsense ads anywhere and from what I have experienced, many visitors do not mind the occasional ad as long as it does not look spammy. I am a new subscriber and like the articles I see so far, but maybe your should not associate yourself to much with FREE as your bound to be taken advantage of and miss out on great income opportunities. Have you though about monetizing your blog? I see you have no advertising at all other than promoting yourselves. It is interesting to see a blog without one advertisement or adsense ads anywhere and from what I have experienced, many visitors do not mind the occasional ad as long as it does not look spammy. I am a new subscriber and like the articles I see so far, but maybe your should not associate yourself to much with FREE as your bound to be taken advantage of and miss out on great income opportunities.

]]> By: How To Rule The World http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18558 How To Rule The World Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:15:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18558 Have you though about monetizing your blog? I see you have no advertising at all other than promoting yourselves. It is interesting to see a blog without one advertisement or adsense ads anywhere and from what I have experienced, many visitors do not mind the occasional ad as long as it does not look spammy. I am a new subscriber and like the articles I see so far, but maybe your should not associate yourself to much with FREE as your bound to be taken advantage of and miss out on great income opportunities. Have you though about monetizing your blog? I see you have no advertising at all other than promoting yourselves. It is interesting to see a blog without one advertisement or adsense ads anywhere and from what I have experienced, many visitors do not mind the occasional ad as long as it does not look spammy. I am a new subscriber and like the articles I see so far, but maybe your should not associate yourself to much with FREE as your bound to be taken advantage of and miss out on great income opportunities.

]]> By: LaurenMarie - Creative Curio http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7085 LaurenMarie - Creative Curio Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:59:54 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7085 I read that article from Liz, too. Wasn't that great? Obviously you thought so or you wouldn't have written about it here :P I like what was said in the comments over there that giving stuff away like this, especially materials written by the owner or someone else heavily involved in the business, builds trust on the consumer's end. That's so true! My husband always chides me for being willing to pay 10 times the amount for service (like at a mechanic) just because I trust the business owner. It seems a new way to think about it is that trust is something that is not bought, but rather, given away for free! I read that article from Liz, too. Wasn’t that great? Obviously you thought so or you wouldn’t have written about it here :P

I like what was said in the comments over there that giving stuff away like this, especially materials written by the owner or someone else heavily involved in the business, builds trust on the consumer’s end. That’s so true! My husband always chides me for being willing to pay 10 times the amount for service (like at a mechanic) just because I trust the business owner. It seems a new way to think about it is that trust is something that is not bought, but rather, given away for free!

]]> By: LaurenMarie - Creative Curio http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18557 LaurenMarie - Creative Curio Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:59:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18557 I read that article from Liz, too. Wasn't that great? Obviously you thought so or you wouldn't have written about it here :P I like what was said in the comments over there that giving stuff away like this, especially materials written by the owner or someone else heavily involved in the business, builds trust on the consumer's end. That's so true! My husband always chides me for being willing to pay 10 times the amount for service (like at a mechanic) just because I trust the business owner. It seems a new way to think about it is that trust is something that is not bought, but rather, given away for free! I read that article from Liz, too. Wasn’t that great? Obviously you thought so or you wouldn’t have written about it here :P

I like what was said in the comments over there that giving stuff away like this, especially materials written by the owner or someone else heavily involved in the business, builds trust on the consumer’s end. That’s so true! My husband always chides me for being willing to pay 10 times the amount for service (like at a mechanic) just because I trust the business owner. It seems a new way to think about it is that trust is something that is not bought, but rather, given away for free!

]]> By: Chris Garrett http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7084 Chris Garrett Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:20:49 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7084 @Liz - Comfort is a big part of it. I think if you come across uncomfortable then it sets the wrong tone from the start. Knowing where to draw the line adds a degree of confidence and makes all parties happier :) @Jack - Yes, being straight with people is what it is about, but how to approach it is the part I have always found challenging. I am still not entirely comfortable talking about money, and can seem hypocritical when I answer one persons every question and another person I talk about fees. Liz has done the thinking on all of our behalf that I should have done a while ago :) @Liz – Comfort is a big part of it. I think if you come across uncomfortable then it sets the wrong tone from the start. Knowing where to draw the line adds a degree of confidence and makes all parties happier :)

@Jack – Yes, being straight with people is what it is about, but how to approach it is the part I have always found challenging. I am still not entirely comfortable talking about money, and can seem hypocritical when I answer one persons every question and another person I talk about fees. Liz has done the thinking on all of our behalf that I should have done a while ago :)

]]> By: Chris Garrett http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18556 Chris Garrett Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:20:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18556 @Liz - Comfort is a big part of it. I think if you come across uncomfortable then it sets the wrong tone from the start. Knowing where to draw the line adds a degree of confidence and makes all parties happier :) @Jack - Yes, being straight with people is what it is about, but how to approach it is the part I have always found challenging. I am still not entirely comfortable talking about money, and can seem hypocritical when I answer one persons every question and another person I talk about fees. Liz has done the thinking on all of our behalf that I should have done a while ago :) @Liz – Comfort is a big part of it. I think if you come across uncomfortable then it sets the wrong tone from the start. Knowing where to draw the line adds a degree of confidence and makes all parties happier :)

@Jack – Yes, being straight with people is what it is about, but how to approach it is the part I have always found challenging. I am still not entirely comfortable talking about money, and can seem hypocritical when I answer one persons every question and another person I talk about fees. Liz has done the thinking on all of our behalf that I should have done a while ago :)

]]> By: Jack @ The Tech Teapot http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7083 Jack @ The Tech Teapot Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:17:05 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7083 You just have to be straight with people as Liz Strauss suggests. We get the same thing with open source software... You just have to be straight with people as Liz Strauss suggests. We get the same thing with open source software…

]]> By: Jack @ The Tech Teapot http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18555 Jack @ The Tech Teapot Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:17:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18555 You just have to be straight with people as Liz Strauss suggests. We get the same thing with open source software... You just have to be straight with people as Liz Strauss suggests. We get the same thing with open source software…

]]> By: Liz Strauss http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7082 Liz Strauss Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:06:46 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-7082 Hi Chris! The model has been in place now for a while and it works beautifully. I'm so much more comfortable talking to folks about what I do and so much more certain when I do give something for free that the person who receives it understands its value. Thank you for noticing. Hi Chris!
The model has been in place now for a while and it works beautifully. I’m so much more comfortable talking to folks about what I do and so much more certain when I do give something for free that the person who receives it understands its value.

Thank you for noticing.

]]> By: Liz Strauss http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18554 Liz Strauss Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:06:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/free-without-exploitation/#comment-18554 Hi Chris! The model has been in place now for a while and it works beautifully. I'm so much more comfortable talking to folks about what I do and so much more certain when I do give something for free that the person who receives it understands its value. Thank you for noticing. Hi Chris!
The model has been in place now for a while and it works beautifully. I’m so much more comfortable talking to folks about what I do and so much more certain when I do give something for free that the person who receives it understands its value.

Thank you for noticing.

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