Why You Should Sometimes Work for Free
Jeff Haden
Speaker, Inc. Magazine contributing editor, author of THE MOTIVATION MYTH, ghostwriter.
We should all spend a small percentage of our time giving work away -- not just for charities, but for other people too.
I know, I know: Doing non-charity work for nothing goes against every capitalistic grain. Take a friend of mine.
“I’m against the idea of anyone working for free," he says. "As a more colorful person said, there are two kinds of articles on Huffington Post: those that shouldn’t be written at all... and those that are too good to give away.
"I don’t think anyone should give away their profession.”
You may agree. You've invested significant time and money in your profession or business. You provide real value and definitely deserve to receive value in return.
Still, sometimes free is valuable.
Aside from simply doing something nice for the sake of doing something nice (which has a value all its own) here are other reasons why occasionally working for free—or for a significant discount—can still bring you tangible returns.
For example, you get to stretch a little. Your processes are solid. Your operations are optimized. You’re a fine-tuned machine.
You’re also probably stale and a little stuck in your best practices ways.
People who can’t afford to pay you often have unusual needs because unlike most of your clients, they’re struggling. Help them and you’ll get to see and do things you would otherwise never experience. Then, not only will you benefit from what you learn, so will all your other customers.
And you might discover opportunities you never knew existed.
Plus, you get to be scared. It’s easy to forget how fortunate you are. Help a person whose business is on the brink of failing and you’ll remember the true meaning of “urgent.” The experience will help ground you… and help you see your own business or profession from a different perspective.
And you get to be more creative. A person who needs help doesn't deal from a position of strength. Often your standard techniques or strategies won’t apply. You’ll need to find new ways to leverage their limited resources and transform what could be a number of weaknesses into a few strong points.
And if that's not enough, you get to flex a few atrophied muscles. You’re successful. You have a team and infrastructure in place. Sometimes you can throw money at certain problems. Or you can call in favors. Some customers do business with you just because it’s comfortable.
People who need help have none of the above going for them. Often they’ve made poor decisions and have limited choices.
The only approach that might work is a practical approach. Using common sense and finding creative solutions are core strengths for successful people. Exercise those muscles.
And best of all, you get to do the right thing. No, you can’t help everyone. No, you can’t give all your time away.
But yes, you can help a few people who really need help—just like, somewhere along the way, someone went out of his or her way to help you.
Do you remember how that felt? Pass it on. Then you win too, because when you help someone who needs a hand, their thanks is genuine and heartfelt.
And you can’t beat that.
I also write for Inc.com:
- 75 Incorrectly Used Words That Can Make You Look Dumb
- The Art of a Delivering a Great Presentation
- 8 Reasons to Freelance While You KeepYour Full-Time Job
- 75 Inspiring Motivational Quotes About Success
Check out my book of personal and professional advice, TransForm: Dramatically Improve Your Career, Business, Relationships, and Life -- One Simple Step At a Time. (PDF version here, Kindle version here, Nook version here.)
If after 10 minutes you don't find at least 5 things you can do to make your life better I'll refund your money.
That way you have nothing to lose... and everything to gain.
Partner Sales Manager at AWS
8yThis is great! I'm glad you're espousing this.. Giving back for some reason has a multiplier effect, especially when it's done with the right motives. I agree, it can't be all, just a chosen few that will come your way.
Student
8yI have worked for free on many occasions and i have to say, that along with the opportunity to give something back to my community..i was also able to enjoy and relax in an environment that was totally outside paid employment..not that i never enjoyed or had fun in paid employment..but the lack of pressure to perform gave me the chance to focus totally on customer care..which means getting to know and understand the customer and their needs..this in turn helped me gain more experience and insight in my customer service role. For two years i was a volunteer at our local salvation army store..i was also in paid employment. i was not a member of the salvation army but one of my friends was the manager and asked if i could help out 2 days a week..i had worked in retail for most of my working life..so of course i said yes. It was the best thing i could have done..we spend so much time trying to be the best, and always looking for ways to improve and shine, that we lose sight of what customer service is truly about..its true value and honesty, integrity and common sense. Working for free helps to open your mind and adds some much needed down to earth realism..its all so simple. Moving up the corporate ladder does not mean changing you.
Pay it forward...invest your time in good people/businesses - excellent advise
Design and Construction Manager
8yNo and Yes... it is easy for some people(neighbors, friends, etc) to take advantage and forget the values of receiving gratis professional services...historically Elevations Construction Management, Inc. has provided services for select charities. These non for profits typically are aware of the value and have been appreciative and respectful of the time and services provided.
Artist/printmaker - Maker of fine art original prints and art led high end gift products available via my website, retail galleries and gift shops.
8yI would also agree with you. As an artist I often give my knowledge and experience away 'for free' but in doing so I have usually also benefited. It's not just about the feel good factor either. I've learnt new ways of doing things and over the long term those I've helped remember and when I need help I get back what I put in.