How do you handle requests for free work? I’ve been thinking about this because I just got my most recent request for free work. Every now and then, someone I don’t know (usually a founder) at a software firm reaches out to me on LinkedIn to ask if I can give them feedback on a new product they’re developing. They want to get my ideas on how well the software works for people in my field, proposal writing. And of course, I’d love to help them.
In fact, last year, I did help a software firm with this type of project. I evaluated their product and provided them with a report of what I discovered, and it was paid work. When we first discussed it, they asked about my hourly rate. Afterward, they told me it was money well spent. That’s the way it should be.
However, from the tone of most of these requests, I can tell they’re expecting me to do it as a favor. I don’t do that. I’m a consultant. This is what I do for a living, and my long-term clients are very happy with the work I do for them.
In these situations, my response when they first reach out is typically, “Yes, let’s schedule a discovery call!” I think as soon as they hear the term “discovery call,” they realize I’m expecting to be paid for this work. What a concept! And I usually never hear from them again.
I realize that in the B2C world, there are plenty of consumers who are willing to fill out surveys to help develop a product, maybe with the incentive of being in a drawing for a gift card. But in the B2B world I operate in, the audience they’re asking for free work and free expert advice typically expects to make a living doing this work and giving this advice.
That said, I do sometimes work for free, but I actively volunteer for it. I’ve helped friends and colleagues with cover letters for their resumes (and the last person I did this for got the job!). I’ve volunteered my expertise to nonprofits. I’ve had great online coffee chats with self-employed colleagues where we share our experiences and get honest about things like what we charge – and while it may be free advice related to our field, it’s a give-and-take.
But when someone expects free advice to help build their business? Personally, I don’t do it.
I’m interested: how do you handle requests for free work? Do you do it for friends and people you know? Do you do it for nonprofits? Do you do it for for-profit companies? Let me know in the comments!
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