Quote Originally Posted by bc6 View Post
The reason I offered to do it for free was because...it would give me exposure to a crowd
The thread has gotten away from the point of the article that started it.

When you are negotiating with someone who wants you to work "for free" or "for exposure" or "to build a resume"...getting details in writing and having a plan to turn that "exposure" into cash is key. Everyone feels pressure to work for exposure when they are starting out...(almost) no one has a solid plan to turn that exposure into a business plan. The article covers the basics of how to turn exposure into $$$.

How much exposure will you be getting? A mention on their website? A mention on their flyer? So many tweets on social media? How many people are on their email list or follow them on twitter? EXACTLY what "exposure" is being offered? Are they willing to put a review or recommendation in writing, with their name, that you can publish on your website? If they are not willing to put the "exposure" or rather "advertising and promotion" into writing...they are not serious about the value that it has.

The advice about non-profits is also good. The American Heart Association is a "non-profit" organization. They also happen to have media budgets in the 7 (or 8) figure range. My local animal shelter and girl scout troop do not. If you want to donate your time or $, by all means. But do EVERYTHING you can to make sure your services to not "look like it was done for free." That is no way to build a business. Always bring your "A" game.

ALWAYS negotiate. If you are getting "in kind" compensation, ALWAYS use the "wholesale" value of that against your normal fee in cash. So, if you charge $1000 cash...that is equivalent to $2000 in pizza or $1500 in landscaping, and so on.

It also makes for a really obvious moment with the other person says "...we can't really offer anything of value..." You can have a list of actionable things to suggest to them that would be of value to you.

I have nothing against supporting charities or noble causes of your choosing. I have nothing against new artists building their fan base by working for "exposure." I just think that a lot of DJs (and entertainers) are under equipped to turn "exposure" into $$$.