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How to combat the evil family & friend discounts!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012 Posted inBUSINESS,CHATTY TUESDAYS

Hey!

You are going to love me for this week’s Chatty Tuesday video because it lets you in on a little secret method of mine when combatting people who want a “family & friends” discount.

This video will enlighten you with three little known tips on how to do “free” or “discounted” work. You will learn:
1) How to decide whether or not to do a photo shoot for free.

2) How to say no when you don’t want to photograph for free.

3) How to do shoots for free without undermining your business.

Seriously, this is a must-see. It will tell you exactly who comes first when it comes to business, and after watching it you will feel empowered and motivated to be the best business person you can be. Who doesn’t need more of that?

You can watch all the goodness right here:

And hey, YOU – not so fast! Leave a comment! Let me know what YOUR friends and family policy is! What works for you, and what hasn’t worked for you? Have you had any amazing experiences? Any horrible experiences? I wanna hear all about it, friend.

Stay inspired, stay hungry, stay lovely!
Big hugs, lover! 
xoxo
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the awesome P.S. in today’s email if you’re a newsletter subscriber!

 

Posted inBUSINESS,CHATTY TUESDAYS

  • Saima

    Awesome advice Alex! I’ve started freelancing as a graphic and web designer and I face the same situation sometimes. This was much needed, really helped!! :)

  • Renée G

    I’m more than happy to do the shoot for free for family and close friends (those make some of the best models for showcasing sometimes) but that doesn’t include any of the prints or products since that’s where you make some of your money. And then they think they are getting a deal and you are still making something. Again all about business.

  • http://www.leahartmanphotography.com Lea

    Good tips. I never quite thought of it that way, but it’s something I definitely need help with! I love doing completely free sessions for my family (brother, sister, parents, etc) but it’s gotten a little out of hand with my friends. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve shot all my local friends for free at some point. We had just moved here and I guess I somehow thought I would make friends easier if I gave them all pretty pictures. Now, I know that none of them will ever hire me because they’ve already received the service for free. I feel like that’s a huge component of marketing that I completely let slip through the cracks. Yuck. I kinda wanna smack myself.

    I will certainly be putting this advice into practice in the future. Thanks!

  • Audrey

    When I first started out, I did shoot my friends for free and it helped me because their friends saw the photos and wanted a shoot that they were willing to pay for. So it brought me more business and I had the time.

    But I completely agree with you Alex! Time is precious and if I have the option of a paid shoot and an unpaid one, obviously my friends don’t stand a chance. My close family however will always get free service because they have done so much for me already and would continue to help me out in the future. :) Thanks for your advice, it really clears things up!

  • http://www.simonbiffenphotography.co.uk Simon (Simon Biffen Photography)

    I like the idea of all or nothing, but there is a third option.

    Now I know from the recent discussion on discounts here a few weeks back that it’s not the ideal answer always, but, if you have someone who is a friend, but not your best mate/brother etc then a discount will still work rather than all or nothing. In fact, I find it hard to sometimes decide what is a suitable discount amount because I have always valued my work and couldn’t remember when I gave something away for free! (Alex, this is something you could look at in future: how charity or voluntary work can actually boost your business in the long run because it is certainly something I am looking at).

    So offering a slightly reduced rate for a friend (but not so much that it will cause you to lose out) is ok because 1) you confirm to your friend that you take amazing pictures 2) they will then be ambassadors for you and spread the word to all their friends (who don’t require a discount) and 3) you’ll feel more comfortable working with someone you know and can therefore attempt new, exciting things.

    I also agree that time is valuable. As long as you don’t end up losing out financially, working for friends is actually a rewarding experience, one that I have never regretted and always enjoyed. You can make some fantastic connections and practice your art. Oh and as mentioned by Renee earlier, don’t subsidise products, they are what you can claw back your discounted rate on when they want to cover their home in with new pictures in frames and on canvasses!

  • Julia

    Hey Alex, thank you so much for this video, it really helped me to clarify some questions about saying “no” to my friends. It’s very hard for me to do, because very often I’m being too kind and softhearted, caring more about my friends than about my business.

    SO thank you! :)
    Looking forward to new videos! :)

  • http://www.skyweird-album.com Jen Meleny

    Oh my goodness Alex! This is just what has been going thru my mind lately. There is no question when it comes to family, they are so supportive. However, when it comes to friends, I offer them a payment plan. They’re actually grateful when this option is presented and I always included something extra in their collections. I have one friend whom keeps booking me for yearly assignments. Thanks for the wonderful feedback. Keep on rocking girl!

  • http://www.belleandbeaublog.com Holly

    Ive never thought of it like this before but making it as clear as would you happily gift them with a cheque for the amount you normally charge is a really brilliant way of deciding whether you are happy to charge or not. Awesome advice as usual Alex x

  • http://MakeLifeCute.com Kristy :: Make Life Cute

    Awesome advice! I soo needed to hear this! As a party/ graphic designer, I deal with this issue often too.. Thanks for the tips, Alex!

  • http://www.shadylaneblog.com Shaina Longstreet

    I loved this vlog, Alex and can’t wait to look back and watch your other ones too. Thanks for your encouragement to keep vlogging. Hopefully it will start to feel more natural for me. It really is a great way to connect with my friends and readers.

    So I totally love your response to this issue in your vlog. I think it something that a lot of beginning photographers struggle with… the fine line when you realize what you and your time are worth. Its something I’m really struggling with right now actually in my blog design business. I’m past portfolio building, but some friends and family think I should create for them for free. I have to learn to say no. I loved how you worded your response. I’ve written it down to use in the future.

    Anyway…(look I came and rambled commented right back at you!;) ) Love your blog…you seem like my kind of girl! Loving life and sharing inspiration. Can’t wait to get to know you better. Have a great week!

  • http://whitedressphotography.com natalie

    couldn’t agree more! that’s my philosophy, all or nothing! if you give huge discounts, it’s symbolic…you don’t value your business so why should they!?

    as always, you rock!

  • http://trulysarah.com Sarah Onken

    I have this problem a lot. Thank you for taking time to make this video, I found it really helpful!

    “Oh, what was that? You want a free photo shoot?…No!”

    Wow, I feel more powerful already! Ha ha

  • Carol

    It is so hard to say no! Great advice on how to go about it tho. I think this applies to other things in life too. Also where did you get your dress? It’s gorgeous!