Frugal Framnett

We all have skills and talents others are lacking. In fact, one of your friends may need those skills to advance their own profession, but they do not know where to turn or start.

What do you do?

If you think charging a friend is out of the question then you are not only shortchanging yourself, but you are shortchanging your friend!

Yes, you read correctly. I find when I promise friends access to my professional abilities, skills, and talents I am often willing to donate them. However, the old adage about getting what you pay for.

What I find happening with myself is the free work is so lowly prioritized it happens only slowly and grudgingly. Then, when I do get around to do it, I have little enthusiasm to do it.

Recently, a friend asked to consult me regarding web development. She immediately offered to pay for my time. I accepted the offer and sent an invoice and received payment for the services. Then, again she approached me about putting up a website for a venture of hers. At first it was helping her deal with the original person she retained but then when that relationship fell through, I got the deal.

Getting paid and paid significantly for providing that service caused me to pay a lot more attention to that project than other unpaid or low paid work I have. It is amazing how getting paid well focuses your attention. Don’t