Comments on: The Bitch Slap: You Run a Business, Not a Free Clinic

By: Cassie Witt

Cassie Witt — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:22:00 +0000

I had to learn this lesson the hard way. I needed to make my “social media work” portfolio better so I partnered with a company who offers the service, but needed to have someone to actually do the work. We had agreed on a price (which was much lower than what I normally charge) and the next day the business owner came back with a price that was even lower because the business owner only pays one of their other freelancers “that rate”. I was incensed, but since I was “desperate” at the time to get out of my old job, I accepted and didn’t put up a fuss.

3 or 4 clients (with this business) down the road and I realized that I’d gotten myself into a real “pickle”. It took me a little while, but I managed to wrangle myself out of that agreement without damaging the relationship. It sucked, but it had to be done. Now, I don’t discount my services at all. Thankfully, I have not had anyone else that has looked at my rates and ran the other way. But if they did I would say “good riddance”, because someone that will only look at price and never at “value” is not someone I want to work with.

BTW, I’m a redhead, too. I love your blog…er rant!

By: The Redhead

The Redhead — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 03:36:00 +0000

Well, I’ll see what I can do about that Thanks for stopping by!

By: Softwindblows

Softwindblows — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:43:00 +0000

WOW……………… Thanks for the slap, I needed it,,,,,,, Now can you kick my ass into gear!

By: The Redhead

The Redhead — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Delighted to be of assistance, Geoff

By: Geoff

Geoff — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Thank you for the truth and great inspiration.
You made my day.

Geoff

By: JojoNH

JojoNH — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:15:00 +0000

Great article!! It was so refreshing to read this. . . I too run a business and get so tired of others thinking I need to lower my fees and my standards in order to meet their needs!! One particular person kept calling trying to get me to do some very involved design work for less than minimum wage. . . the final call I asked the potential customer ” Do you go into the grocery store and haggle like this with the checkout person?” NO! was the immediate reply, then a long silence and a simple thank you for my time. I value my talent and service that I offer and I am the only one who can make the decision to “take a cut in pay” . Thanks for the Slap!!

By: The Redhead

The Redhead — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:19:00 +0000

ZOMG – send me your address. I’m sending you a pony! Good on ya

By: LMFDesign

LMFDesign — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:15:00 +0000

Yesterday a potential client suggested that in exchange for a professional redesign of his PowerPoint presentation, he would provide “publicity” to the audience about me and feed me for free. I wanted to ask him if he meant “Feed me and my family for free for a month,” which would have been fairer compensation for the services. Instead, I gracefully ignored his suggestion and told him that since a project of that kind is very involved that I would be happy to provide a quote upon seeing his presentation. I got a variation of “Thanks, but no thanks.”

By: 15 Ways to Handle ‘Pick Your Brand’ Requests | Eeden Labs

15 Ways to Handle ‘Pick Your Brand’ Requests | Eeden Labs — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 06:28:31 +0000

[...] to say no. If you’re a freelance who can’t say no, you need to go get bitchslapped because you run a business, not a free clinic. Your time and creative energy are valuable. You can say no. And sometimes you should. Article [...]

By: Toreinne

Toreinne — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:03:45 +0000

I work in a profession where you're expected to spend the first part volunteering before you can find something paying. Unfortunately, I've made it with a paying gig now, and can't seem to stop volunteering with other people. I keep thinking I'm going to miss an opportunity if I do, but it's left me with no social life.