I have been designing websites for over 13 years now and have been blessed to always have a flow of clients no matter where in the world I have traveled or lived. When I first started I knew that I would have to give away my gift in order to build my portfolio and sharpen my skills as an artist. At some point in my career and after buying into so many other people's dreams, I decided I was done paying dues. There was nothing left to prove. They would either see my work and trust that I would do a great job or go to someone else. Either way I would have my time or my money and that's considered a win-win in my book.
I'm always approached by others who want my gift as a web designer for FREE in exchange for a promise. The illusive opportunity that by me giving them a website for FREE would maybe one day turn into something profitable in the distant unknown future. What I found out was that if you give someone something for free they will not appreciate it or find value in the offering. If by chance they did refer you to someone else, that person would also want something for FREE. This is the infamous Hook Up. OMG... Give me a break people. I have to feed my kids too. The phone company won't except a hook up, but rather I would get a hang up or a cut off.
My Aunt Mae (bless her soul) would always say, "if you give a man your cookies for free, he will tell everyone about it and want to share it with his boys. If he has to spend time and money trying to court you, he will cherish your relationship and will want to keep you all to himself." She was so right. It doesn't have to always be money, because TIME and ENERGY is more valuable than that.
It's so easy to give away your gift because it comes to you from within and there is no limit to its supply, but there's a reason for having this gift. God grants these abilities to us when we are in the womb to ensure that we will be able to take care of ourselves and our families throughout our lifetime. Your gift is meant to substin you. In every group there is something unique that each person possesses that is meant to benefit the whole. It is not an exchange when you are giving away your gift for FREE in hopes that you will receive something later.
The next time someone asks for your gift for FREE, ask them to exchange something of value that YOU can use right then... not later. Make sure it's something of equal value and not a company pen, t-shirt or a bridge. People who want something for free are manipulators who prey on others with a good heart. Don't be fooled... they will come to you as family, freinds, co-workers or business prospects. I know it's hard to put a price tag on your gift, but think about how much money per hour you would like to make and then think of how much time it takes you to produce your gift and there you have it....
