Don’t give yourself away for free

When you’re starting in business, it’s very tempting to offer free “taster sessions” in order to get people to try your service or product. It also helps you to feel productive and that you’re doing some work, even if you’re not getting paid.

At best, it tells everyone you’re quiet enough to be doing things for free, and at worst it makes you look desperate.

My advice is to never do anything for free. You don’t necessarily need to exchange hard cash with somebody. It could be an exchange of services, or you might want something else in return (such as asking them to complete a questionnaire for market research, feedback on a test product, a testimonial or access to their customer base via them)

Work out the value of what you are proposing to provide, and what you would need in return. What is valuable to you? 

To keep it professional, why not draw up a proposal, outlining what you’ve agreed so that both parties are clear on what is being exchanged. This also sets boundaries … there are some people out there who will take advantage of your generosity if you’re not careful!

There’s no harm in doing a business exchange or barter. But don’t let yourself be a “reduced to clear” bargain!