"Do It for The Exposure!" Breaking Assumptions on Free Services

I once walked into a restaurant, complimented the chef that the food looks promising, and asked for free dinner to treat my table.

He looked puzzled.

"I know that everyone is going to love it!" I assured him. "This is exactly what we need right now!"

"Yes, but… we don't give free food", he replied.

"Don't worry – there are many others who do that! it's really common", I told him.

"Well, it's their choice…"

"Think about it", I tried a different way. "We can take a picture together and I'll promote you and your restaurant!"

"???"

"Seriously! Think of the exposure. I'll even put your logo and a link to your website".

"That's not how it works", he insisted.

"Well, I'm a fairly new diner, can't you make an exception? Besides, how do I know that the food is good before I tasted it and decided it's worth paying for?"

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If I'm putting myself in the shoes of this imaginary chef, this is how I feel when I'm being asked/expected/assumed to give a free professional talk to an organization.

Please note: I'm not talking about a charity cause, not a panel in a conference, not an individually hosted event, but an organization that has a revenue stream, or a source of financing in the case of well-established NGOs.

And if to judge by other professionals who present/give talks/work in social change related areas – I'm not the only one.

* * *

I've given and I'll continue giving pro-bono (AKA free) talks when the cause or situation seems appropriate.

I've asked people to participate for free in panels I hosted, always as an individual who doesn't generate money herself from this specific event.

This article refers to organizations that expect someone to give their best knowledge, practice, advice, research, insights, and experience gained over years – for nothing or practically nothing. And no, exposure is not fair compensation. It's a side benefit.

* * *

In my talks, I often refer to boundaries setting, as this is a huge part of burnout prevention.

This is a piece of an interview from my book about burnout, which speaks louder than any data:

"Because my work was tended to be low paid, I found myself someties overstriving as if I am somehoe trying to compensate for the fct that my salasy is too low. Almost like, 'Look, I'm making the right kind of sacrifices to make the world a better place'".

-Kimberlyn David, interviewd for "Burning Out Won't Get You There"

When we don't set our boundaries and keep giving and giving for free, out of an empty cup, at some point we can no longer serve others. We are depleted, worn out, burnt out. We have nothing to give anymore.

This is why I set my own boundary: Choosing when, where, and to whom to provide a free professional service, and not accepting any expectation for free work when it feels like exploitation.

And honestly? That's a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Let me know if this resonates with you.