Navigating the Fine Line of Pro Bono Work: Setting Expectations and Valuing Your Skills

Summary

Pro bono work, or providing free services, is a topic that Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens delve into in this podcast episode. We share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate this aspect of our professions. One key takeaway from our discussion is the importance of setting expectations when doing free work for friends. This helps to avoid potential complications and ensures that both parties are on the same page.

Takeaways

• When starting out, it's important to say yes to as many opportunities as possible to gain experience and build a portfolio.
• As you gain experience, it's important to be selective with projects and only take on work that aligns with your goals and values.
• Communicate yes and no effectively by being clear about your availability and setting expectations upfront.
• When doing pro bono work, it's important to write contracts and clearly define the scope of work and expectations.
• Limit the number of edits for pro bono projects to avoid scope creep and ensure a manageable workload.
• Avoid paying others for pro bono work to ensure that you're not spending your own money on the project.
• Navigate friendships and pro bono work carefully to maintain healthy relationships and avoid taking advantage of each other.
• Maintain boundaries and relationships by valuing your work and ensuring that your friends understand and respect your professional boundaries.
• Future episode ideas include reviewing recent rebrands and discussing how to decide between employing or contracting for the agency.

Show Chapters: 

[00:00:00] Pro bono work discussed, setting expectations.

[00:03:14] Don't expect anything back without a contract.

[00:06:29] Gift services to close family and friends.

[00:09:54] "Valuing time, charging fair prices."

[00:13:47] "Say yes to everything, be cautious."

[00:16:32] Saying yes and providing options.

[00:20:04] No cash transferred, in-kind sponsorship. Contract with limited edits.

[00:23:49] Pro bono work, discounts for friends.

[00:26:38] "Value your friends, but don't exploit."

[00:29:54] Summary: Discussing project management, asking for money, and avoiding pro bono work.