A friend of mine was in a meeting this past week, talking about some unique deal structures she’s put together through her years as an entrepreneur. The meeting organizer loved what she presented and immediate started talking about putting on an event for her to present it to a larger audience. From prior experience, she knew the tendency of this group to expect her to do this on a volunteer basis and wanted to nip that in the bud.
“You know, this is not the PTA. If you have some funding for this, I would be happy to discuss it with you.”
The organizer chuckled and actually high-fived her for her directness. What she knew, and I have personally seen, too many people – mostly women – are all too quick to offer valuable services for free. We do it on a whim, almost a knee-jerk reaction.
We then work to rationalize or justify giving away our time:
- “I’m building credibility”
- “I want to give back”
- “It would be good experience”
- “I need good references”
I’m not buying it. We give away too much. One of my favorite quotes that I have hanging on my wall at home as a reminder: “Stress is what happens when your gut says no but your mouth says “Of course, I’d be glad to.”
Don’t get me wrong – I am all for giving back and encourage volunteer work and philanthropy, but it must be proactive rather than reactive. It must be done strategically – intentionally.
It’s great that so many entrepreneurs want to change the world, but as I tell my students and clients: It is easier to change the world when you have money. Focus first on building your business by meeting a need in the marketplace for which customers are willing to pay. Give away your time or products only when the cost/benefit has been carefully thought through and the strategic value understood.
Next time you’re in a situation where you’re tempted to raise your hand and volunteer, stop and think. If someone around the table is getting paid to be there, why not you?
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True money helps for “doing good”, but also volunteering your time can go a long way.
I need college classes about that. Thanks.
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This is exactly I need for my college classes, for writing essay papers.
Regards, Tim
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Good for your friend! I love that story. I am usually a bit wimpy when it comes to thing like this, and volunteer my time too much really.
This blog is so informative.
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lol thats interesting and very funny coming from a superior. Great post.
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I guess I had to think more about what you wrote before i can comment on it..
That was a wonderful read,I count on some more post from you.
I think it’s great that people are volunteers in several places.
I am a volunteer in a school are already five years and I feel great I can do that.
Congratulations for the blog!
I really identify with this. My husband tries to do some extra work at the weekends to raise extra cash, but when family ask him to work for them, he doesnt feel like he can charge, and they dont offer! We both could do with taking up your advice!
I really like this blog. Please continue the great work. Regards!!!
i just read your blogg, great story with great comments to follow, i agree that its really good to volunteer, but i too have been taken advantage of and sometimes feel i do a little too much, i dont ask for payment but it seems the more i do, the more they put on to me, its not that i mind, but it does get a bit much sometimes and i dont like to say NO!, maybe i will just always be that sort of person, i cant say NO to anyone really as i like to help out peopl, i feel thats what my life is planned out to do somehow!!, Nice read anyway!
That is a great point. I think if you volunteer, it comes back to be a blessing in the long run, bubt at the same time, if you are an exoert in the field that you are talking about, people need to recognize that and pay you for that knowledge. Attorneys make tons of money because of their knowledge, not because what they do is actually super hard. You could learn to do what an attorney does in a 6 week training course, however, they put in years of school and money to know what they know. Thats why they charge anywhere from $150-$1,000 an hour. Knowledge and wisdom is worth money my friends.
Volunteering is also in my opinion the solution!
It’s good advice about the volunteering, but even if people are getting paid to be there, then it’s not really volunteering at all. Good idea to keep your eyes open.
I enjoyed the article and I agree, there is only so much time you have to divide amongst everyone in your live. Especially you.
I volunteered for years and the more I did the more was expected, I started with doing a few hours a week, the nest thing I was carrying a pager and cell phone for a crisis line, emergency centre and the speaking for the red cross. I hardly had tie for me growing business let alone my family.
Now as a relationship, speaker and life coach, I know how life can change (I lost my son suddenly, which has crushed our lives and my husband at the age of 35 getting Rheumatoid Arthritis) life is too precious, so next time you are asked to take on something you are not prepared for , it is just fine to say NO.
Andrea Preece