WORKING FOR FREE CAN BE MORE VALUABLE THAN GETTING PAID
If I could tell you there was an extremely simple way to build your network so dramatically over the course of a few months to a year that you end up becoming friends with some of the most successful entrepreneurs and businesses, would you hear me out for a couple minutes?
Good. I thought so.
Let me start by telling you that the counterintuitive secret to building your network is very simple. You work for free.
Now I can already see some of you rolling your eyes, probably saying “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’ve heard this before.” But let me ask you: have you actually done it? Have you been in contact with someone who you admire or maybe a big business you’ve followed for a while and offered to do free work?
Most will say that they haven’t.
I know some of you have a business in which you put so much effort in your work that you can only believe the smart thing to do would be to charge a higher monetary value. I understand. Your work is valuable to you – as it should be. I’ve been on the same boat.
But, I just need to make a point though…and I want everyone to read this carefully: Stop putting money above the value of relationships.
For those who fear that working for free is a recipe for exploitation, I beg to differ. The relationships built through free work is worth way more than money – especially if you’re just starting out.
Lucky enough, regardless of skill level, people have utilized free work for as a means to gain incredible experience, sharpen their skills, and learn directly from master craftsmen – an apprenticeship, if you will.
The experience and relationships you will gain are priceless, and trust me, they will pay off far more than any amount of money “lost” in the short-run. All you do in this situation is gain.
Now, if you’re one of those people who scroll to the bottom of the page lemme tell you something: IT IS OKAY TO WORK FOR FREE…and I highly recommend it.
Somewhere down the line your business is going to need a video view, or a like, share, a testimonial…you name it – and when that time comes, you’re going to ask that big company or that person you did free work for. Working for free will lead you to countless job offers, recommendations, freelance work, and new friendships.
There are several keys to making this work for you:
- Be clear on the timeline of free work (1-3 months is ideal)
- Go in it clear that you’re looking for a case study and/or testimonial
- Ask for a testimonial and document your results
- Don’t sign an NDA
- Offer the client continued work at your paid rate
If you want to learn more ways to secure clients, check out my free resource – 80 ways to find new clients: https://rachelpedersen.clickfunnels.com/80-ways