Hello everyone,

I really need some feedback on this. I will be mailing my first marketing packets which will launch my first marketing campaign. I was thinking of offering the first job free to clients who inquire. However, I would need to place some boundaries as I could be locked into a "first job free" forever if I'm not careful. I figure this would be a way to gain the confidence of a perspective client. How would should I structure this in my offer? Should I offer:The first 20 hours of service (however perhaps my first job doesn't take that long...it could then drag on for weeks of free services.

I just don't want to regret such offer. I can't seem to wrap my brain around this one! So all feedback is welcome!

Thanks,

Sharice
The Savvy Admin

No No No!! I would strongly discourage you from giving your services away for free - maybe a discount, but FREE???

Read my signature - need I say more?

Discounted = good, when wielded wisely and with specific guidelines.
Free = an immediate invitation to assume a lower value/standard of your services from the perspective of the client.

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That's a ton of time to give away! You'll definitely have some people take some serious "advantage"...but not of the offer. It will be taking advantage of you.

I do have on my website that I'll give 2 hours away...but I say contact me and ask how. It's a call to action, where I'll get their contact information and develop a connection - but for them to get that 2 hours free, they're going to have a 4 hour minimum.

Tess - I do like your line in your signature though. I guarantee that once I get rolling better and build my contact list, I'll likely get rid of that.

Pam

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Pam Blackman - The Process Coach
Get more done in less time by streamlining!

I agree with the others, do not just give time away. I offer a get to know me service where I offer a set amount time (5 hours) for a discounted rate (1 hour free) with no signed contract. Then when they hit the five hours I discuss with them what other tasks I can do and get a signed contract.

If you give away hours with no stipulations you will always be working for free. Look at it this way, would you expect a new restaraunt to give you five free meals before actually asking you to pay.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Point taken for sure! I never thought about it that way. I guess if you give an inch...

Thank you ladies for your input. It's much appreciated.

I owned my own business years ago, and when I got started, I really struggled with charging friends. Until a good friend pointed out that your first clients are typically people you know -- and if you don't charge them, you'll never get anywhere. Your product (skills) is valuable -- discount, yes but never give yourself away.

I was thinking about giving a few hours for free to Try Me Out. THANKS for the advise!!!! I will NOT do that!!!

My very first job was done pro bono and it was the worst experience I've ever had. I feel it actually diminished my credibility if the clients eyes. She still contacts me for work but the relationship seems very strained.

Jenny

I'm REALLY GREATFUL to you all. I really thought that could help get me started, but so far no one here has had a positive experience from this idea. THANK YOU ALL!

I echo everyone else here -- 20 hours free? No!!! One hour free with a 5 hour minimum work required or something like that --- quite possibly! I am guilty of offering the occasional "favor" to clients, but usually the favor takes no more than 5 minutes (I seriously have to work on this though, as I imagine it is going to come back and bite me in the end). Your time is valuable, as are your skills -- always remember that!

No matter what kind of discount you decide to offer, make sure to spell it out clearly in a service agreement.

Good Luck with your business!

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business