I Don't Work for $Free.99!

"My worth is priceless, hence why I don't work for free."- Andrea C. Imafidon

If you are a hard working entrepreneur like myself, you understand the sacrifices we make in order to to build our dreams rather than building someone else's dreams. However, if you are a client, you may not see the blood, sweat and tears that entrepreneurs go through especially during the start up phase. Entrepreneurs are risking a lot by working day in and day out, foregoing events and sleep to provide an amazing service or product for the customers. 

As an entrepreneur, I started both businesses due to discovering my gifts and talents of being a problem solver, mindful listener, ability to meet deadlines and coach people to their breakthrough to become a better them.  I started my businesses while being broke, unemployed and having the lingering desire to fulfill my calling of coaching people to maximize their full potential. My first business was an idea in which my mom and friends suggested to me.  My family and friends realized that my skills of organizing, career advising and resume writing is a passion of mine in which I transitioned from passion to a profitable business. In 2010, my resume writing business was born. I started to charge once I realized that my resume writing skills were getting people interviews and job opportunities. I recognized my greatness and uniqueness as a resume writer and career advisor hence I gave permission to myself to charge people because I still had bills to pay!

Exposure aka Exploitation: Let's talk exposure. I like to say some people use exposure as a way to   exploit you and your business on their dime and time. When I think of free exposure, I think of a pimp-prostitute situation. The pimp whispers sweet nothings to the inexperienced, naive and attention starved girl; one thing lead to another and all of a sudden she is working the corners earning top dollars while giving a huge percent or possible all her earnings to her pimp. These fast talking, sly and sneaky people see you before you see them, protect yourself  and your business from their sweet talking  before you become the next victim. 

When people approach me about my business, writings, guest speaking or hosting an event, I like to build a rapport with them to see if we are in alignment with one another. I hold the integrity of myself and my business very high to be attached to anyone or anything. I want to see contracts, your professional, your work before we discuss anything else. I am not always about the money because I volunteer my services and time to causes that are near and dear to my heart.

When was the last time exposure pay your bills? I will not wait on the answer. LOL! Exposure don't pay the bills, exposure don't provide me substance, and at the end of the day you are exploiting me and my business. Say no to exposure especially if you are overqualified, unsatisfied with the level of professionalism and don't want your brand attached to shadiness Some people have ulterior motive to steal your ideals right from under you. Repeat after me entrepreneurs and artists: Exposure doesn't pay the bills!

Bills, Bills, Bills: Remember, Destiny's Child with their smash hit "Bills, Bills, Bills" in the 90s? Well, I have a remix for you, Can you pay my bills? Can you pay my National Grid utility bill? Can you pay Sallie Mae her bill? No exposure won't do! Me and you are done talking. Many of us entrepreneurs took a risk, transitioned from our jobs to become full time entrepreneurs. Just because we transitioned from our jobs and living off our savings, doesn't mean you can ask for the "hook up" or get things for free 99. Just like you, we have bills as well. We can't go to our local utility company, mortgage company or Auntie Sallie Mae and ask for the hook up on bills. We rely on our customers to pay on time. We rely on our customers to be honest when it come to payment of service. If you are unable to pay for your services, just be straightforward with the person who is rendering the services instead of disappearing out of nowhere. When you stop responding and disappear I will send you a follow up invoice or reminder but it you don't answer, I take that as a hint to keep it moving.  Even family and friends have to pay in full because I have bills just like you. 

Poverty State of Mind: Whenever you want something from nothing, you are living in a poverty state of mind. You can't possible think you are going to get something for nothing all the time? Are you serious? You are going to pay either way, you either going to pay for that individual's time, quality, professionalism and hard work or you are going to continue to be in a poverty state of mind, stuck in limbo, trying to attend all these FREE teleclassess, workshops and etc while confusing yourself even more because you refuse to shift your mindset from poverty to prosperity. Maybe, you have priorities your life, maybe investing in shoes, bags and getting your hair and nails done to impress who knows is important to you. That's your prerogative, you can do what you want to do!  Material things provide a quick, temporary gratification and you are back to filling a void once again. You will still come out empty, trying to impress no one because in reality no one cares and you are right back where you started but with a new handbag, shoes and cute hairdo but broke on the inside with no money to put in that $2000 purse. Please invest in yourself and in services/products that is going to benefit you in the long run. 

In life you can't always get something for nothing. Being a businesswoman, coach, writer and speaker, I expect my clients to pay me not play me. If you receive contracts from me that means we are entering into a binding agreement. Therefore, I would respectfully like a honest reply of a yes or no if you can afford my services. If you can afford good deal and if you can't that's fine as well but I'm not going to give my hard work away because you want to pick my brain to establish your own services/products. That is what coaching and mentoring are for.  Picking my brain has a cost to it as well. Like I've said either way you are going to pay, on the flip side I will work with you on payment arrangements but once again a deposit is due before services is rendered.  You can't go into a department store, to your hairstylist nor utility company asking for the hookup so please don't disrespect me and ask me for the hook up. The answer is "NO".  That's poverty unconsciousness and I'm in a prosperous state of mind. As an entrepreneur can't be in a prosperous state of mind and give away your products or services for free!

Like my girl Rapsody said in her smash hit "Thank You Very Much"
"For those don't wanna pay me, but want a verse from me 

It ain't getting no cheaper for you baby
I'm at the Barclay nowadays is you crazy?

I gotta house payment to pay!"

Thank you for reading Brown Girl From Boston! We appreciate your love and support. 

Drea

Xoxo

Coaching questions: Do you ask for the hook up on services when it come to family and friends? Answer honestly! Entrepreneurs, do you want your money up front or do you provide payment arrangements. You can comment below on our Facebook page. 

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