Great response for "volunteer" requests...

[# 43 Cristian]

I was reading a photo forum today, the thread was talking about asking to shoot events for free or deeply discounted rates "for the publicity." One of them linked to a photo site with this blurb from Author (yes capital "A"), Sci-Fi genius: Harlan Ellison, who wrote for series such as Star Trek, Outer Limits and Babylon 5.

In the beginning, he says:

" a young woman calls me" about the a video interview he's done about his role on Babylon 5, and he recounts "she says 'we'd like to use it on the DVD, can that be arranged?'

I said, absolutely, all you've got to do is pay me, and she says 'what?', I said you gotta pay me, she said 'well, everyone else is just doing it for nothing', and I said 'everybody else may be an a**hole, but I'm not.

I said, 'by what right would you call me and ask me to work for nothing, do you get a paycheck?" 'well yes' (she responded)....'how dare you call me and want me to work for nothing', 'well it would be good publicity' (she responded)

'lady, tell that to someone a little older than you who has just fallen off the turnip truck, there is no publicity value in my being on the DVD...the only value for me is to put money in my hand..."

Ha! While I probably wouldn't phrase the conversation in exactly this way, I loved the question "Do you get a paycheck?"

Maybe I'm cynical, but I do not do "free for the publicity." I guess in the back of my mind, that's what I was thinking... If THEY are getting paid, I should be getting paid too.

Full rant here: (warning: language) Harlan Ellison's "Pay the Writer"

 

[Marc M]

I agree and found that to be so funny!

At this point, I just say no, that it won't fit into my schedule.

 

[Psycho?Kitty]

Awesome rant! Especially good because I am in the process of re-watching the B5 series on DVD.

As Mr. Ellison so eloquently put, I agree it's that because of a few who fall for the "publicity" line, it drags the market for professionals down. I can especially relate this to doula work. Because doulas tend to volunteer their services for the qualifying births they need for certification, most of the market in many areas are looking for volunteer or heavily discounted doulas.

A client sent to me by a former instructor was aghast that I would charge her for a massage since I was "just starting out." She figured that since she was a prominent community figure, that the publicity she would give me would be enough. Yeah, right.

 

[10-T3]

A client sent to me by a former instructor was aghast that I would charge her for a massage since I was "just starting out." She figured that since she was a prominent community figure, that the publicity she would give me would be enough. Yeah, right.

LOL! So, what? How many other professions have this deal where you graduate, and your official (licensed, hired, whatever) but you're still expected to work for nothing until you're not "new." Hahaha!


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Topic review - Great response for "volunteer" requests...






Author
Message





Anastasia






 
Post subject: 

 













I did some free chair massages this year but I did them b/c I wanted it, not b/c I got roped into it. A grand opening for a friend's fitness studio, an open house for a chiropractor (also a friend and she bought 3 GC's), Humane Society (I offered myself), then a plastic surgeon's office for breast cancer survivors (the office was very appreciative and they even gave me a free procedure).
I had a good time at all these events and I don't feel taken advaneforum.xxxe of because it was my choice, not b/c I got a guilt trip from some PTA mom!

I did some free chair massages this year but I did them b/c I wanted it, not b/c I got roped into it. A grand opening for a friend's fitness studio, an open house for a chiropractor (also a friend and she bought 3 GC's), Humane Society (I offered myself), then a plastic surgeon's office for breast cancer survivors (the office was very appreciative and they even gave me a free procedure).
I had a good time at all these events and I don't feel taken advaneforum.xxxe of because it was my choice, not b/c I got a guilt trip from some PTA mom!











Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:05 pm














YFChoice






 
Post subject: 

 













Except for 2 charities that I donate time to, I never do work that "will promote me". The other line used on me by a public radio station marketing person trying to use me for their fundraiser was, "It'll look good on your resume". I told her that my resume looked just fine the way it was.

During "Teacher Appreciation Week" I am bombarded by requests from the local PTAs. One, when I told her how much I charge, informed me that she could get someone from the school for free. I asked her, "Why are you calling me then? Isn't free low enough?"

Another sparkling PTA member informed me that I obviously didn't care about education since I wouldn't give the teachers free massage. What?????

I told yet another PTA pain that I would gladly do the massages for free....what time could I expect one of the teachers to arrive at my house?
When she asked why would a teacher be coming to your house, I told her to tutor my kid.....for free of course. She said that teachers don't work for free. I said, "Neither do I lady, neither do I".

To be fair, I always have a couple of PTA's who always are willing to pay for the services, saying that their teachers deserve it.

It's amazing how many people think I do this as a hobby and not as a job.

Except for 2 charities that I donate time to, I never do work that "will promote me". The other line used on me by a public radio station marketing person trying to use me for their fundraiser was, "It'll look good on your resume". I told her that my resume looked just fine the way it was.

During "Teacher Appreciation Week" I am bombarded by requests from the local PTAs. One, when I told her how much I charge, informed me that she could get someone from the school for free. I asked her, "Why are you calling me then? Isn't free low enough?"

Another sparkling PTA member informed me that I obviously didn't care about education since I wouldn't give the teachers free massage. What?????

I told yet another PTA pain that I would gladly do the massages for free....what time could I expect one of the teachers to arrive at my house?
When she asked why would a teacher be coming to your house, I told her to tutor my kid.....for free of course. She said that teachers don't work for free. I said, "Neither do I lady, neither do I".

To be fair, I always have a couple of PTA's who always are willing to pay for the services, saying that their teachers deserve it.

It's amazing how many people think I do this as a hobby and not as a job.











Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:06 pm














Breathe






 
Post subject: 

 













Bodymovers wrote:"Hi, Carol, this is Bill, I discussed with you last year about this fabulous marketing thing...Im going to tell you all about it again, tell you a few jokes, and then take your order, hows that?"




same person called me. My answer:

*crickets*


*click*



[quote="Bodymovers"]"Hi, Carol, this is Bill, I discussed with you last year about this fabulous marketing thing...Im going to tell you all about it again, tell you a few jokes, and then take your order, hows that?"[/quote]


:shock:

same person called me. My answer:

*crickets*


*click*

:lol:











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:10 pm














shivashiva






 
Post subject: 

 













Haha! re: what Bodymovers said. Hope this is not derailing too much, but the owner at the spa where I am an IC does the same. I can totally tell when she's talking to a salesperson cause she puts on this cute professional voice and says "No! She's not in right now...Can I take a message?" all perky like. That's when I know they're calling for her! lol

Haha! re: what Bodymovers said. Hope this is not derailing too much, but the owner at the spa where I am an IC does the same. I can totally tell when she's talking to a salesperson cause she puts on this cute professional voice and says "No! She's not in right now...Can I take a message?" all perky like. That's when I know they're calling for her! lol











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:33 pm














Bodymovers






 
Post subject: 

 













Its hard to say no sometimes, but Im getting better at it! I had a call this week that went something like this.. "Hi, Carol, this is Bill, I discussed with you last year about this fabulous marketing thing...Im going to tell you all about it again, tell you a few jokes, and then take your order, hows that?" No lie. First thing I said was "my name's not Carol. Im not interested" and hung up. Tell me a few jokes?? Does this really work?? lol I do the same with people calling about me working free for their healthfair or whatever. Its making THEM look good, but does not do a thing for my business. Heck, Ive even startted telling telemarketers that Im not in, and I dont know when I will be back lol

Its hard to say no sometimes, but Im getting better at it! I had a call this week that went something like this.. "Hi, Carol, this is Bill, I discussed with you last year about this fabulous marketing thing...Im going to tell you all about it again, tell you a few jokes, and then take your order, hows that?" No lie. First thing I said was "my name's not Carol. Im not interested" and hung up. Tell me a few jokes?? Does this really work?? lol I do the same with people calling about me working free for their healthfair or whatever. Its making THEM look good, but does not do a thing for my business. Heck, Ive even startted telling telemarketers that Im not in, and I dont know when I will be back lol











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:12 pm














Anastasia






 
Post subject: 

 













I also get bombarded with offers to help me market my business. fairs, expos, shows, sponsor a golf hole. And they all want my money.

Last week I got approached by a guy who has a post card mailing business. Imagine that. You pay $99 and for "membership" then you pay something per month and each time you want to send a card to a client, you type it in on the computer and some comapny in Utah (I am in WI) will mail it for me (again, for a fee). He says it will "help" my business. His other business venture is a collection agency so you can imagine he was very persistent. He is in my business networking group so I can't simply hang up on him.

Then tomorrow I am going to meet with a girl who does "turn key wellness programs" whatever that means. I think it's something they will charge me for. I initially misunderstood what she wanted. I thought they connect medical professionals with each other but after I replayed our phone conversation in my mind I realized she will want my money, too.

I need to think of a good way to get rid of these people quickly. I have better things to do.

I also get bombarded with offers to help me market my business. fairs, expos, shows, sponsor a golf hole. And they all want my money.

Last week I got approached by a guy who has a post card mailing business. Imagine that. You pay $99 and for "membership" then you pay something per month and each time you want to send a card to a client, you type it in on the computer and some comapny in Utah (I am in WI) will mail it for me (again, for a fee). He says it will "help" my business. His other business venture is a collection agency so you can imagine he was very persistent. He is in my business networking group so I can't simply hang up on him.

Then tomorrow I am going to meet with a girl who does "turn key wellness programs" whatever that means. I think it's something they will charge me for. I initially misunderstood what she wanted. I thought they connect medical professionals with each other but after I replayed our phone conversation in my mind I realized she will want my money, too.

I need to think of a good way to get rid of these people quickly. I have better things to do.











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:57 pm














Spock






 
Post subject: 

 













Totally agree.

I did my first and last free "it will promote you" event last week at a corporation. My students and I took a day off of work, we were promised certain things, such as a separate room none of which came through and the day was a bust. It was dead. There were maybe 10 people in this Dilbert office building. The rest were given the day off.
Never again.

I'd like for us to come up with a good "response email".


Totally agree.

I did my first and last free "it will promote you" event last week at a corporation. My students and I took a day off of work, we were promised certain things, such as a separate room none of which came through and the day was a bust. It was dead. There were maybe 10 people in this Dilbert office building. The rest were given the day off.
Never again.

I'd like for us to come up with a good "response email".
:lol:











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:25 pm














Anastasia






 
Post subject: 

 













I like it a lot. People call all the time expecting free services and they get shocked when I say no. I was asked to volunteer at a marathon a few weeks ago and I said no. I told them that there is so many hours of massgaing we can do a week and I already had a full schedule. Working 4 hours at an even would mean 4 hours less of doing massages at my office which would mean I'll actually be losing money.
I still volunteer for a few charities that I support but it has to be my call.

I like it a lot. People call all the time expecting free services and they get shocked when I say no. I was asked to volunteer at a marathon a few weeks ago and I said no. I told them that there is so many hours of massgaing we can do a week and I already had a full schedule. Working 4 hours at an even would mean 4 hours less of doing massages at my office which would mean I'll actually be losing money.
I still volunteer for a few charities that I support but it has to be my call.











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 11:05 am














Breathe






 
Post subject: 

 













sjidoulamt wrote:A client sent to me by a former instructor was aghast that I would charge her for a massage since I was "just starting out." She figured that since she was a prominent community figure, that the publicity she would give me would be enough. Yeah, right.

LOL! So, what? How many other professions have this deal where you graduate, and your official (licensed, hired, whatever) but you're still expected to work for nothing until you're not "new." Hahaha!

[quote="sjidoulamt"]A client sent to me by a former instructor was aghast that I would charge her for a massage since I was "just starting out." She figured that since she was a prominent community figure, that the publicity she would give me would be enough. Yeah, right.[/quote]

LOL! So, what? How many other professions have this deal where you graduate, and your official (licensed, hired, whatever) but you're still expected to work for nothing until you're not "new." Hahaha!











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 8:21 am














sjidoulamt






 
Post subject: 

 













Awesome rant! Especially good because I am in the process of re-watching the B5 series on DVD.

As Mr. Ellison so eloquently put, I agree it's that because of a few who fall for the "publicity" line, it drags the market for professionals down. I can especially relate this to doula work. Because doulas tend to volunteer their services for the qualifying births they need for certification, most of the market in many areas are looking for volunteer or heavily discounted doulas.

A client sent to me by a former instructor was aghast that I would charge her for a massage since I was "just starting out." She figured that since she was a prominent community figure, that the publicity she would give me would be enough. Yeah, right.

Awesome rant! Especially good because I am in the process of re-watching the B5 series on DVD.

As Mr. Ellison so eloquently put, I agree it's that because of a few who fall for the "publicity" line, it drags the market for professionals down. I can especially relate this to doula work. Because doulas tend to volunteer their services for the qualifying births they need for certification, most of the market in many areas are looking for volunteer or heavily discounted doulas.

A client sent to me by a former instructor was aghast that I would charge her for a massage since I was "just starting out." She figured that since she was a prominent community figure, that the publicity she would give me would be enough. Yeah, right.











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:12 am














softhearted515






 
Post subject: 

 













I agree and found that to be so funny!

At this point, I just say no, that it won't fit into my schedule.

I agree and found that to be so funny!

At this point, I just say no, that it won't fit into my schedule.











Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 4:53 am














Breathe






 
Post subject: 
Great response for "volunteer" requests...
 













I was reading a photo forum today, the thread was talking about asking to shoot events for free or deeply discounted rates "for the publicity." One of them linked to a photo site with this blurb from Author (yes capital "A"), Sci-Fi genius: Harlan Ellison, who wrote for series such as Star Trek, Outer Limits and Babylon 5.

Quote:In the beginning, he says:" a young woman calls me" about the a video interview he's done about his role on Babylon 5, and he recounts "she says 'we'd like to use it on the DVD, can that be arranged?'I said, absolutely, all you've got to do is pay me, and she says 'what?', I said you gotta pay me, she said 'well, everyone else is just doing it for nothing', and I said 'everybody else may be an a**hole, but I'm not. I said, 'by what right would you call me and ask me to work for nothing, do you get a paycheck?" 'well yes' (she responded)....'how dare you call me and want me to work for nothing', 'well it would be good publicity' (she responded) 'lady, tell that to someone a little older than you who has just fallen off the turnip truck, there is no publicity value in my being on the DVD...the only value for me is to put money in my hand..."

Ha! While I probably wouldn't phrase the conversation in exactly this way, I loved the question "Do you get a paycheck?"

Maybe I'm cynical, but I do not do "free for the publicity." I guess in the back of my mind, that's what I was thinking... If THEY are getting paid, I should be getting paid too.

Full rant here: (warning: language) Harlan Ellison's "Pay the Writer"

I was reading a photo forum today, the thread was talking about asking to shoot events for free or deeply discounted rates "for the publicity." One of them linked to a photo site with this blurb from Author (yes capital "A"), Sci-Fi genius: Harlan Ellison, who wrote for series such as Star Trek, Outer Limits and Babylon 5.

[quote]In the beginning, he says:" a young woman calls me" about the a video interview he's done about his role on Babylon 5, and he recounts "she says 'we'd like to use it on the DVD, can that be arranged?'I said, absolutely, all you've got to do is pay me, and she says 'what?', I said you gotta pay me, she said 'well, everyone else is just doing it for nothing', and I said 'everybody else may be an a**hole, but I'm not. I said, 'by what right would you call me and ask me to work for nothing, do you get a paycheck?" 'well yes' (she responded)....'how dare you call me and want me to work for nothing', 'well it would be good publicity' (she responded) 'lady, tell that to someone a little older than you who has just fallen off the turnip truck, there is no publicity value in my being on the DVD...the only value for me is to put money in my hand..."

Ha! While I probably wouldn't phrase the conversation in exactly this way, I loved the question "Do you get a paycheck?"

Maybe I'm cynical, but I do not do "free for the publicity." I guess in the back of my mind, that's what I was thinking... If THEY are getting paid, I should be getting paid too.

Full rant here: (warning: language) [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE&e]Harlan Ellison's "Pay the Writer"[/url]











Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:55 pm


















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[Angel Eyes]

I like it a lot. People call all the time expecting free services and they get shocked when I say no. I was asked to volunteer at a marathon a few weeks ago and I said no. I told them that there is so many hours of massgaing we can do a week and I already had a full schedule. Working 4 hours at an even would mean 4 hours less of doing massages at my office which would mean I'll actually be losing money.
I still volunteer for a few charities that I support but it has to be my call.

 

[Boomer Wisdom]

Totally agree.

I did my first and last free "it will promote you" event last week at a corporation. My students and I took a day off of work, we were promised certain things, such as a separate room none of which came through and the day was a bust. It was dead. There were maybe 10 people in this Dilbert office building. The rest were given the day off.
Never again.

I'd like for us to come up with a good "response email".
:

 

[Rasmah.com]

I also get bombarded with offers to help me market my business. fairs, expos, shows, sponsor a golf hole. And they all want my money.

Last week I got approached by a guy who has a post card mailing business. Imagine that. You pay $99 and for "membership" then you pay something per month and each time you want to send a card to a client, you type it in on the computer and some comapny in Utah (I am in WI) will mail it for me (again, for a fee). He says it will "help" my business. His other business venture is a collection agency so you can imagine he was very persistent. He is in my business networking group so I can't simply hang up on him.

Then tomorrow I am going to meet with a girl who does "turn key wellness programs" whatever that means. I think it's something they will charge me for. I initially misunderstood what she wanted. I thought they connect medical professionals with each other but after I replayed our phone conversation in my mind I realized she will want my money, too.

I need to think of a good way to get rid of these people quickly. I have better things to do.

 

[smmay2]

Its hard to say no sometimes, but Im getting better at it! I had a call this week that went something like this.. "Hi, Carol, this is Bill, I discussed with you last year about this fabulous marketing thing...Im going to tell you all about it again, tell you a few jokes, and then take your order, hows that?" No lie. First thing I said was "my name's not Carol. Im not interested" and hung up. Tell me a few jokes?? Does this really work?? lol I do the same with people calling about me working free for their healthfair or whatever. Its making THEM look good, but does not do a thing for my business. Heck, Ive even startted telling telemarketers that Im not in, and I dont know when I will be back lol

 

[LennyG]

Haha! re: what Bodymovers said. Hope this is not derailing too much, but the owner at the spa where I am an IC does the same. I can totally tell when she's talking to a salesperson cause she puts on this cute professional voice and says "No! She's not in right now...Can I take a message?" all perky like. That's when I know they're calling for her! lol

 

[Pompal 09.]

"Hi, Carol, this is Bill, I discussed with you last year about this fabulous marketing thing...Im going to tell you all about it again, tell you a few jokes, and then take your order, hows that?"

:shock:

same person called me. My answer:

*crickets*


*click*

:

 

[sublimebch]

Except for 2 charities that I donate time to, I never do work that "will promote me". The other line used on me by a public radio station marketing person trying to use me for their fundraiser was, "It'll look good on your resume". I told her that my resume looked just fine the way it was.

During "Teacher Appreciation Week" I am bombarded by requests from the local PTAs. One, when I told her how much I charge, informed me that she could get someone from the school for free. I asked her, "Why are you calling me then? Isn't free low enough?"

Another sparkling PTA member informed me that I obviously didn't care about education since I wouldn't give the teachers free massage. What?????

I told yet another PTA pain that I would gladly do the massages for free....what time could I expect one of the teachers to arrive at my house?
When she asked why would a teacher be coming to your house, I told her to tutor my kid.....for free of course. She said that teachers don't work for free. I said, "Neither do I lady, neither do I".

To be fair, I always have a couple of PTA's who always are willing to pay for the services, saying that their teachers deserve it.

It's amazing how many people think I do this as a hobby and not as a job.

 

[DC Chillin]

I did some free chair massages this year but I did them b/c I wanted it, not b/c I got roped into it. A grand opening for a friend's fitness studio, an open house for a chiropractor (also a friend and she bought 3 GC's), Humane Society (I offered myself), then a plastic surgeon's office for breast cancer survivors (the office was very appreciative and they even gave me a free procedure).
I had a good time at all these events and I don't feel taken advaneforum.xxxe of because it was my choice, not b/c I got a guilt trip from some PTA mom!