Will You Offer This for Free?

I have done many things for free.

All chapters of my new #Workout book have been available for free since I started writing them, because this helped me get early and fast feedback. I have done countless of free talks for local communities, because it allowed me to learn about their needs and stories. And I have offered plenty of participants free seats in my workshops when they offered me some other value in return.

What I don’t do is give away stuff for free just because people ask.

“We don’t charge conference attendees an entrance fee, so can you speak at our event for free?”
“I’d like to offer your book to a local library, so can you send me a free copy?”
“I organize a class for a non-profit organization, so can I use your workshop materials for free?”

No. No. Aaannd… No.

I believe such inquiries are based on a flawed perception of the value exchange. The value that you offer to someone else is no compelling reason for me to grant you a favor.

Imagine the surprise on the face of my copy editor when I asked her, “I’m giving away all book chapters, so can you edit my book for free?” What would the airline answer when I asked them, “I do free talks for charities, so can I get a free flight ticket?” Or consider the position of the caterer of my workshop when I told them, “Some participants here attend for free, so I assume you can pour them some free coffee?”

From an ethical perspective, there is nothing wrong with asking and giving, if done voluntarily and with passion. Even the Dalai Lama has said, “The practice of compassion is ultimately selfish”. When I give something to another, it should make me feel happy. However, one should never expect anyone to happily part with their valuables.

From a business perspective, there is also nothing wrong with the Freemium model: you give something away for free and you get your return on investment with another product or service. I have figured out how to make that model work for me, and you can explore how it may work for you as well. However, the Freemium model does not mean that I give away something for free while you enjoy the return from my investment.

To cut a long story short, always show the value of your request. Don’t hesitate to contact your suppliers with barter proposals, but please make your offer compelling. Don’t just ask them to be happy with the gratitude of your customers.

Photo credit: (c) 2007 Jesslee Cuizon, Creative Commons