Free can be a wonderful thing, and there are some really great things that are (and should be) free. But free is a choice, and it’s not your buyers who decide this, no matter what we like to think in social media kumbaya-ville. Free is beautiful, and costs are part of life.
At a time, when we all have come to accept “freemium” as a way of life, Chris Brogan reminds us that we need to figure out the “value” of a product or service we provide, rather than give something out for free so that it will take off.
If you give something for free, you might never be able to ever charge for it – he says. And that is true – very true.
Times have changed. In the age of “digital” and “globalization” , you cannot blame people for trying to get the best value for their money. I know I have done that myself. The key however seems to be in 2 things –
1. know what you are made of
2. know your market
3. know what value you(your skills) create for them
And then, quote your price for the value you create for your target market.
Read his comments – he advises a person to provide an introductory offer as opposed to lowering a rate.
That piece of advice carries a secret – particularly for me, as an entrepreneur. Never shy away from an opportunity that does not pay. Take it. Work for free. But while you do that, be sure to to use it as an “introductory rate” – aka – limited in time.
Chris, in his post, refers to a blog post by Justin – http://www.justinkownacki.com/2009/10/01/ideas-are-worthless-no-one-owns-anything/
Justin is brilliant (that is understating it) and provides arguments for the fact that ideas are worthless and provides numerous examples for the fact that people never paid for ideas …WHY?
4–because people do not connect with ideas, they connect with a story.
So, between the two brilliant men, this is what I made of it –
1. know what you are made of
2. know your market
3. know what value you(your skills) create for them
4. tell a really good story
And then, CHARGE for your services. (Pricing is a whole new science altogether and know that you will always make exceptions in cases where you will give away a “free” code to someone because – in the end – they create more value for you in the longer run ….)
BRILLIANT BRILLIANT post by @chrisbrogan