Working for Free - Should you do it?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
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What should you do when you're asked by someone to work for free?
There are only 2 instances where I'd take a job without pay.
1. If I was brand new and just starting out and realllllly wanted to get some experience making balloons in front of people. Just know that you CAN get this experience AND get paid for it, but if you don't want to wait for a paying job to come along and just want the practice, then go for it.
2. If I felt really strongly supportive of the organization or event and if it was something I would donate to anyway to support the cause, then doing some work for free as a donation for a couple hours would make me feel really good and I'd be proud to support that.
If you would like to do charity work every now and then I recommend deciding at the beginning of the year which organizations you're going to donate your services to and stick to that plan as best as possible.
Some things to consider if you are thinking about working for free:
Are the people who are likely to be attending this event your target market? Would the time you invest in this pay off in the form of bookings?
Also be prepared, if you take this event, for them to come back EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. and ask you to do this same deal again for them. Decide if that's something you want to be asked over and over and how or if you want to deal with that situation.
Ultimately the decision is up to you and I don't judge anyone who decides that doing some work for free is the best choice for them. I just wanted to equip you with some pointers and things to think about when making your decision about whether you should agree to work for free or not.
If you want more of my best tips and tricks for working as a balloon artist, make sure to grab my free guide - The Linework Guidebook - available here: www.balloonhow...
If the organization has asked if I can donate balloon twisting, I have ask them if they object to me having a "tip jar". I have a button to wear that says " I will work for tips" and then I have another button which says, " Suggested tip is $1, 237.00" . That usually gets a laugh but it conveys the message. Holly, this is a great addition to the tutorials and could possibly be added to Twisterhood as well. I submitted a request to you on our site.
When people say, "It'll be good exposure." World class magician Jeff McBride said, "Mam, Where I come from, people die of exposure."
I started learning balloon twisting in 2013?, got 'reasonably good at it' so I was asked to attend a Party at a Community Hall, however, 24hrs before, someone lockpicked my door & fatally injured one of my wee cats. (I couldn't stop crying when I saw what they did to him). I decided to stay home to protect the survivor but so as not to let the kids down I made 2 binbags FULL of balloon toys & sent them round by Taxi. Not a word by the Community Hall Staff asking if I was OK, not 1p Paid nor thanks for my hours of overnight effort. There are plenty of Ungrateful Freeloaders in the world; You will neither gain Respect for yourself nor recognition for others with hard-earned skills if you work unpaid. My advice is Do Not Work For Free when asked, only when you offer to, eg. for a friend/Charity. It might feel like you're losing work if you say No to unpaid 'Self-Promotional opportunities' but mostly this is folk who are NEVER going to pay you, nor are their mates, they're a network of Freebie Experts who Never Return Favours. Have Affordable Options eg. £25=10 Customer-Collect models, £75=30 models Delivered Night Before/On The Day, £125 =4hrs Attendance & Unlimited Toys/Models. Be Professional. Don't encourage others to see you as a MUG. You might think they'll badmouth you if you decline their Generous Offer to work unpaid. These people will abuse you whether you do a fantastic job or not, if in some trivial way they're not happy. If put on the spot & asked to attend UNPAID, start by saying "Before I say anything else (ie. I don't work unpaid) when's the Date of your Event? OH DEAR, I'm not Available that day. Being asked to work unpaid is, in my opinion, antisocial and arguably passive-aggressive *bullying*. You're not there as a Party Guest, it will not be 'fun' for you. Stand up for yourself. Politely & Assertively decline Freeloader Requests.
Hey Holly....when people ask me if I can do this for exposure, I politely say that in all the years I’ve been performing, I’ve never gotten ONE gig from a free gig...all that you advertise by working for free, is that you’re willing to do free gigs! I usually book a gig at the time and day that they want anyway, so paying gig, freebie gig?? I go with the paying gig any day!
Or, I’ll get the “well, I asked so and so and their rate was MUCH LOWER than yours”, so I tell them to go with the other artist! You get what you pay for!! I usually hear back that they should’ve gone with me....live and learn!
I always respond sure but first let me call my mortgage company to see if I can make my payment with exposure I got from you. One lady one time asked me if I was being sarcastic. Duh. I do one free event a year to a charity that’s near and dear to my heart. And that’s it!
What I’ve found is that if an event is near to my sensibilities, reaching out to them with a discounted rate is the best option. That allows me to pick my charities.
The sponsor idea is excellent.
As far as targeting audiences I’ve found finding conventions that are for business owners is better than one targeting attendees. Fan cons aren’t going to get you business, but a convention put on by libraries will catch the eye of summer reading programs that do want to hire you. A convention targeting restaurant owners will get your card in the hands of employers who will see value in what you do. But the best marketing events are the professional events you’re already doing and being paid for. A well attended event that charges people will have prospects who are willing to pay money. So find those brewery anniversaries and bring extra business cards!
Yesss! Great comment Steven, some great nuggets of wisdom! Love the tip on focusing on those B2B type events!
I usually respond with a suggestion that they advertise for a non-professional or newbie modeller as my calendar is full for that time and it is not financially viable nor good for my reputation to cancel on a regular customer and jeopardise my future employment.
We are sponsored by our local church and when we visit nursing homes and assisted living we go for our ministry. When there are local events someone calls and wants us to come for free, I tell them we do it for a donation to the Clown ministry but they say it's for a church outing. I told one person that and she called another clown in our group to come for free. He called me to see if I would go and I told him she was going behind my back and I told him I was not going and we did not go. They have not asked us again.
Thanks, Holly! I have grown to love your presentation and teaching style. I am a retired Master Locksmith and semi-pro magician, who fell in love with balloon twisting. It has been quite a while since I have had my grubby hands ON a balloon, so it's as if I'm starting over. I'm looking forward to perfecting some basic things with which to start a business and maybe adding to my retirement income.
Right now I'm just working for tips. They are pretty good when I get out there, but seems I just reinvest the money back into my business. I need to do a website and cards. People keep asking me for a card and how much I charge for events, but I just really like the fact that I show up when I want, or can, and walk around and most people to tip. Thank you for the info and your great tutorials. So much appreciated. I love doing these be a use of the smiles they put on peoples faces and I've even had one or two tear up and that is good stuff.
I did a cancer fundraiser only because I M a savior love your videos
I started ballooning as a clown for my church, so I did it as a volunteer for 6 years before I started getting paid gigs. My rules as a volunteer clown/balloon artist - I don't help with set up of the event, I don't help with clean up afterwards, and I show up when I want, and I leave when I want. I would usually only stay for 2 hours, and I'd need someone to cut off the line for me. That worked really well for me for a long time.
Great advice. I actually get asked to "donate" my time quite frequently. Sometimes dozens of times in a month. I'm kind of a big sucker, so I almost always say yes. There are certain organizations that have worn out their welcome with me, so to speak, but for the most part, I almost always fall into this trap. Sometimes, when an organization approaches me, and I want to try and do my part, and not take away from what the organization is doing, I will automatically offer to volunteer or give a discounted price. I hope to make balloon twisting a full time thing some day, I just have trouble saying no.
Great topic! I've only had one person ask me to work free for "exposure" before they understood I am doing well in the area. I do work free for the foster homes or an organization I feel good about. If it's a church or fundraising event that can pay, I simply give a great discounted price! It can be a bit strange at first though. :)
Good. I'm glad you have nothing against me. Although I have only been twisting for a few years, I have never made any money doing it. I will work for food and alcohol though. Hehe. I am fortunate to have a great day job/career and that allows me to pretty much do whatever I want as far as balloon twisting goes. For me it is just a hobby that doesn't really cost very much and it makes people happy.
In my 2nd year of doing twisting I have established three regular events I do...first, Special Olympics, which is special to my heart as well the animal shelter when they need me. The final event is for my daughters school for their annual picnic, but they pay me a set fee for my supplies. All other events I charge for and I always charge for my cups unless I am giving it as a gift to someone because I can't pay myself. lol.
I think that's the perfect amount of donation type of events to do for most people, love it!
I do a school event once a year at McDonald's for $75 2 hours and at the end of the event there are those who are not part of the school give me a couple dollars.
I donated one of those balloon time helium tank kits to a charity once in the honor of my name they seemed appreciated about that :)
Never thought of doing that, pretty cool idea Marky!
No good has ever come from it for me. If they say it's good exposure then I say, if you are so sure about the exposure if I get 3 events from yours then I won't charge you.
Thanks Holly: do you have a sample "price list" template for us? I understand we must consider cost of supplies/equip, time, our talent level, travel, overhead, insurance etc. in our prices, But what I'm wondering is, after you know your overall costs, how do you present it to the customer? For example, do you charge by "simple" vs more complicated balloons, or by how much time it takes to make the balloon? Do you have a price sheet? Do you put it on your business cards? Etc. Thanks!!!
I keep it so easy, I have one price - I charge by the hour for my time. Doesn't matter if I'm doing 1 balloon animals for entertaining at a country club, my time is worth the same to me no matter what I'm doing. I post this price everywhere online so when people call or book they know what to expect - no surprises.
Holly the Twister Sister THANK YOU!!! I love simple.
Holly's advice has changed the way that I approach balloon twisting! I do a lot of volunteer work, BUT I only volunteer for charities and fundraisers that I am already actively supporting. ((99% of the time, I approach them with the offer)) When asked to "volunteer" for other events, I state my fees, but offer to donate any tips for the day to their charity. I put a sign on my tip jar to state " Today's tips are being donated to xxxx" and I have them come and collect the $ at the end of the event. Takes all the pressure off of me, they still make money, and everyone is happy. I will say that this was not always the case for me. I used to only do free events. With Holly's advice, I changed my whole strategy. This gives me the option to donate when/where I want. I am busier than ever, MY charity giving has increased, AND my expensive little hobby is generating a little extra $$. Thanks Holly!!
This means so much to me! I'm so happy to read this, and I'm thrilled that you're making money doing something you love! Great tips here too!
THANKS FOR THE INFO!!! I never know what to say and it's getting out of hand!
Thanks
Thanks Holly....great topic and solutions!
Korene Tom , Holly has given me some AMAZING advice!!!!
Her friend
thank you so much! always wonder if balloons really money making at all!
Thanks for this valyable advice, Holly. I am going to write out my responses and have them ready! I have been asked, just said I don't do free. For some offered slight discount but don't do that anymore. I like, no LOVE, your suggestions!
Awesome, having it written out and ready to copy/paste as a response is a great idea!
Thank you, love the advice video. Just starting out I need all the advice I can get. My friends ministry is doing a silent auction and I plan to lend my services and set up a display and see if anyone bids. Money goes to the ministry and I will do the event for the winning bid. It will be adverting for me as well.
That sounds fun Pam, and great way to start spreading the word about your services!
I only do a freebie if it’s a cause I believe in, like cancer society or heart fund....
Thank you Holly. Good advice.
Great topic! Keep going!
Thanks! I will!
Thank you for your very good advise!! Gonna follow them and have happy customer!
That's great, I like happy customers!
Great advice Holly!
I also suggest that a sponsor would be the best option for all involved. It is a win, win, win . They get the service, the sponsor gets recognition, and they get the the balloon artists who gets paid.
Yes, perfect option!
This is really great advice. Thanks Holly.
Awesome advise. I always struggle with the dreaded, "will you donate your time" communication. I will file this away for next time that happens!
Perfect timing, just received an email from a Non Profit asking if I would donate my time :-/ Sending them a reply with your recommendations, thank you so much Holly! :-)
Awesome, let me know how/if they respond!
Thank you so much Holly I have done lots of free ones, because I don’t like to say no, but shattered!
Now I have a way to get paid, you advice was really helpful, maybe I can make a living at this after all ! Xx
Love your email tips
Heya, just started watching your videos, alot of what you say applies to me too (I started prcticing face painting 18 months) looking forward to learning balloon twisting too 🙂
I have always enjoyed your videos. In fact you are listed as one of my recommended online balloon gurus. In your next video, I hope you can consider advising us on how we can set up a simple online balloon website to showcase our works and advertise for events. Thank you.
This was needed!!
Oh good, I hope it helped!
My Dear Friend,
Again I thank you for the wonderful advice. You are a true treasure!!!! I have also read through the comments to see what others have to offer.
Let’s do lunch soon!
Love y’all bunches ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I do everything you said in this video. Works great
You're a pro already Jackie!
Gracias por la información 👍, saludos
Great advice::)
I will give them a discount rate
But I have done Free but it was for a cause that i was close to organization..
I did my 60th Birthday Party & donated al the money to Miracle field it’s a field where handicap people physically challenged and special needs kid play baseball. But I agree with you you got a feed the family :-)
That's fantastic Rich, I love that we can donate something so special to organizations that mean something to us!
Hey Holly love the advice videos, learning lots of good ideas. I’ve done some events and a farmer market where I have worked for tips. I feel like I usually do ok for tips at the farmers market and got a lot of feed back from parents. I only do the farmers market if I’m not booked as I am only working for tips. What is your advice for working for tips when not booked for a balloon job?
thank you for your advice it was very helpful
Glad you like it Kathy, thanks for watching!
Thank you, Holly. Your advice is great. Thank you for sharing.
Here are 2 more tips
Ask if you can make a donation once they have paid you in full. That way you can claim it on your tax.
Also, suggest that they charge a nominal fee in order to recoup some of the expense of hiring you.
🤣😂🤣
Love the email idea. But no basically. Why should you give up your time and your KNOWHOW and your stock that has to be replaced for free. Here's a suggestion for you. Send them back a link to your FREE balloon tutorial page, and tell them to put it on a big screen.
To have the cheek to ask you to do it for free is more than an insult to you and your talent. I wouldn't dream of asking anybody to do anything for nothing. I'm insulted for you. x
Very good advice.. I get a lot of requests for fundraisers. I have done some in the passed but I have stirred away from them
Maybe we can turn some of those requests in to paying events now!
I've done a couple of "Donated time" events. My usual "first response" asks if they will allow me to accept TIPS for my work, along with a discount flat rate price (usually 20%).
I discovered, this last year, that trying to take "donated charity time/expense" off your taxes doesn't work with the new tax laws, so be careful doing this.
Good advice Michael, definitely would want to check with an accountant when it comes to taxes and deductions!
Do you get referrals PAID when do volunteer 1 event? For example, when you are at a freebie event, do consumers ask you to do their party??
Also if someone is assuming that you are going to do decore for free say... well which one do you want as they are different prices.
thank you for the great information as always ty again
Good advice.. only watched it part way... too many words for me. Couple of my thoughts.
Don't be a clown. In American ( where I reside ) clowns work for free (COA and WCA ). Nothing wrong, but the person in the non-profit calls the club president and orders a dozen clowns ( like pizza) to show up for any event.
So #1 be a PROFESSIONAL Twister. This means valuing yourself. Best advice... have them give YOU a check and then DONATE that amount back to the charity. They won't. They are looking for FREE, low hanging fruit.
#2 Do events that you like...and enjoy being a part of... Performing is a great industry with amazing places and experiences. If you are not
having the time of your life at these events...DON'T VOLUNTEER FOR THEM.
#3 Non-profits and charities share your information... The nice PTA lady will say " Oh yes I have this delightful clown who works for nothing... would you want her number ??
#4 The advice about beginners...that's going to come back and bite you in the a). Seriously, try to team up with a seasoned professional.
I've seen the beginners... a dog and a sword. No performing skills whatsoever. They seriously overestimate their reality. " 300 people in a community festival in one hour ?? Sure, I'm a BALLOON TWISTER '. So I see a long line of people waiting in line for an hour and a miserable,
over heated clown. And people go away thinking... " That clown or that balloon artist was the most miserable person I ever experienced. I will
never hire a balloon artist again and IF my company tries to hire one, I WILL share with them my miserable experience and discourange them
for hiring one.
Or scenario #2 goes.... " You're paying HOW MUCH for a professional entertainer doing balloons... you are STUPID to hire one for our
company picnic when everyone knows '' THEY WORK FOR FREE " . Stop wasting company money and spend it on lobster and filet mignon
instead... and don't forget the free alcohol.
Been there... Had to learn the hard way... I never listened to the wiser, more experienced performers out there. FREE means everyone is the world will want your FREE... and FREE means YOU DON'T VALUE YOURSELF OR YOUR SKILLS.
You're just a faceless name with a phone number willing to work for nothing. You have no value. Don't let your low self esteem sabotage you,
( oh they want me, me, me because I am so wonderful). They will just go on to the next person with no value. It's a numbers game.
Have them cut you a check for your value 200.00 per hour and then write a check and donate that amount back to them. They won't do it...
just what I've learned ( the hard way ) ymmv
This was great!
Glad you liked it Marilyn!
We have an annual St Judes event that I volunteer for. Also, very near and dear to my heart. Great target audience as well. 🥰🎈🥰
That's the perfect work for free situation!
I literally just had a situation like you were describing in the video I got told I was going to get a bunch of advertising to thousands of people and they didn't have the budget for me and I wound up getting paid $20 for two hours of work I did only wind up making a couple handfuls of balloon animals because the people that were coming weren't less fortunate they just got the only appointments but they didn't tell me that also I never saw any advertising
Don't work for them ever again. If they contact you again you can say " the part from your side of our last arrangement is still not handled, so let's start a new project when the previous ones are handled"
I get asked at least once a week to come do "free"events. I have no problem saying no lol.
In many cases, agreeing to work for free or for a discounted rate, is agreeing to be taken advantage of. Clients will actually respect a service more if they are paying for it. Seems backwards, but it is what it is. Sorry that happened, good lessons learned though I'm sure!