Giving Production Services Away is a BIG Mistake

In the world of business, not limited to just the production industry but any business giving

away one's work for free can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can lead to

increased exposure and recognition, and potentially even new business opportunities. On the

other hand, it can also be dangerous and have negative consequences for the individual as well as the wider business community.

The first danger of giving away work for free is that it can devalue the work that is being done.

When a business owner or individual provides their services for free, they are essentially saying that their work is not worth anything. This can lead to a negative perception of the value of their work and can make it more difficult to charge for it in the future.

Furthermore, giving away work for free or at bottom rates can also have a ripple effect on the wider business community. If one individual or company is providing services for below value, it can create an expectation that others will do the same. This can lead to a race to the bottom, with everyone trying to undercut each other and provide services for less and less money.

Another danger of giving away work for free or extremely low rates is that it can lead to a loss of revenue for the individual or company. If a business owner is giving away their services for free, they are missing out on potential income that could be used to grow their business, pay their bills, or invest in their future. This can ultimately lead to financial instability and even bankruptcy.

In addition, giving away work for free can also create an unhealthy dynamic between the

service provider and the client. If the client is not paying for the services, they may not value

them as much as they would if they were paying for them. This can lead to a lack of respect and appreciation for the work that is being done, which can be demoralizing for the service

provider.

Moreover, giving away work can create a situation where others are taking advantage

of the individual or company. If the services are being provided for free, there may be no

boundaries or expectations set, which can lead to an imbalance of power in the relationship.

This can ultimately lead to exploitation and a loss of control over the work being done.

In summary, giving away your work in business can have many dangers and negative

consequences. It can lead to a devaluation of the work being done, a race to the bottom, a loss of revenue, an unhealthy dynamic with clients, and even exploitation. As a result, it is important for individuals and companies to carefully consider the potential risks before giving away their work for free. By doing so, they can ensure that they are protecting themselves and the wider business community.

I wrote this article because I’ve seen several posts recently on social media in my local markets with people offering their services, time, expertise and equipment for free. I know when I was coming up in the production industry, I heard it from everyone I worked for to never do that as it will hurt others around me and through the years that’s really stuck with me.

These things have a value to us and if we give them away or charge way less than the industry standards it holds little to no value to anyone.