A former coworker wants to trade work: a logo design for her consulting co. in exchange for networking help. What’s your reaction? (We are both starting our own biz.)

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I’m a believer that freelancers/self employeds must unite! And help each other out. If you do it, don’t do it with any expectation of return. Do it to keep busy, have something to show and talk about, meet people, maybe the favor will be returned eventually. I’ve done biz favors for people and years later the favor is returned. Good vibes are good biz.

likehelpful

Lopsided deal.

like

Yes sounds lopsided. What exactly will this networking help consist of? Sounds squishy. I have clear cut kickback agreements with a couple agencies that send client biz my way...7%.

like

Way too amorphous a trade. Your work has monetary value that you can calculate. “I’ll hook you up” means nothing unless they have a clear opportunity to throw your way. Unless they have a close connection to someone major who needs your services. If they do have that connection or an opportunity it is weird that they would withhold it to get something out of you. Logo design exercises are worth thousands.

likesmarthelpful

You’re both starting new biz, and it’s tough out there. Give it to her for free. I know it’s not what you want right now but afterwards you’ll be off the hook with this networking help (which will likely be more trouble than it’s worth). Plus she’ll remember you later.

likehelpful

If you’re really into this deal, nail down exactly what networking help means (the aforementioned leads etc). Things get nebulous and then pissy otherwise.

like

One other perspective. Just do it. Even if lopsided now, will pay off in the future. Always help where you can. And do not under estimate the value of their network and the exposure for doing their logo and exposure from that too. Look at it as another portfolio piece. When we stop helping each other in this industry, it goes to shit.

likehelpful

Wow - I need more friends like you who can give 500k. That’s a lot of free logos in anyone’s book. I think the original conversation was different. Paying someone with “networking” is a bit lame. Networking shouldn’t be haggled over. We all have to help each other out. Peace to you.

like

I’d give her a discount perhaps, but not free.

likehelpful

Every time someone gives away work for free, it creates small reverberations around our entire industry, causing downward pressure on our compensation. A logo isn’t a quickie, it’s an important part of a company’s brand identity. The last place I would think I would have to spell out the importance of a logo is a forum full of people in marketing, let alone the value of charging what we’re worth in a forum full of freelancers!

likehelpful

Either charge your normal rate or do it for free.

helpful

Good points and food for thought. Thank you all very much! I like the idea of identifying a truly solid lead, which I bet she can’t provide. She’s nice. I’m often too nice. Feeling like I‘m being taken advantage of is not healthy. We use to work for the same company where she was a SVP for over 10 years and I a manager. Both let go in big waves of layoffs. I just feel a bit insulted that she doesn’t want to pay my humble logo development cost. Pennies for her.

like

The fact that she was SVP level is a huge red flag that she knows exactly what she’s doing

likehelpful

Do it. You will find that doing this with your peer group and support circle is one of the most valuable things you have, when you are getting your practice off the ground.

like

Simply establish a clear value for what you’re offering then trade for equal value. If you say your price for a logo design is $4500, then request the equivalent in return either in services or in a combination of cash and services. If you want to offer a friend discount, quantify it. You’ll be establishing the value of your work and also establishing that you’re running a professional business. GOOD LUCK

helpful

Would it be weird to set up a condition that if there are no successful leads of a certain $ in a certain timeframe, that she would pay the agreed upon fee?

Don’t do it. You are dismissing the value of coming up with her brand identity, which will help her business make money for many years. Tell her that you respectfully decline.

likesmarthelpful

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