Unveiling the Conundrum of Smart Friend and Family Pricing

When I first started my decorative painting business I struggled with this as well. I used to give my services away to my friends and family and then felt resentment and taken advantage of. But then I realized it was my fault, I was the one that set the boundaries and made one little tweak.

You’ve got this incredible talent, right? Whether it’s painting, crafting, or designing, your creativity is unique and valuable. But here’s the thing: why is it often so tough for us creative souls to put a price tag on our work when it comes to friends and family?

I mean, seriously, why do we end up giving away our creations for free and then feel this twinge of guilt for even thinking about charging our loved ones for it? It’s a conundrum, for sure.

I spend a lot of time with fellow creatives, delving into how our minds tick. And you know what? Sometimes, the reason friends and family expect freebies from us is partly our doing.

Let’s talk boundaries. You’ve probably had those moments when someone close to you asks for your creative work without realizing its value. Here’s why that happens:

CONFLICT

First off, sometimes they simply don’t understand the effort behind it. And you know what? We’re not always great at saying no because conflict? Not our favorite thing. So, we cave and do it for free even if it comes at the cost of recognizing the true value of our craft. It’s easier, right?

FREEBIES

Then there’s the history. Maybe you’ve done freebies in the past, so they assume it’s still cool. But guess what? Times change, and so should our boundaries.

Treat your hobby like a business, not a hobby

Another reason is they might not take your creative hustle seriously. If you’re not treating your craft like a legit business, why would they? It’s about showing them your dedication.

Oh, and let’s not forget the golden rule: treat others as you’d want to be treated. If we’re always asking for freebies from others, can we really be shocked when the same happens to us?

Here’s a top tip:

When someone asks for free work, don’t shy away. Instead, gracefully say, “I’d love to help! Shoot me a picture, and I’ll give you a price.” It sets the tone without awkwardness.

If it’s for a family member, you could offer friends and family discounts. This way you get paid, and they feel like they got a deal.

Our creativity is invaluable, just as much as any other profession. Seriously, imagine a world without us making it vibrant and beautiful! So, know your worth, charge what you deserve, and don’t apologize for it.

Hey, implementing boundaries isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. Your talent deserves recognition and respect. Don’t forget y tips on Smart Friend and Family Pricing. Until next time, keep shining bright with those creative endeavors!

If you’re ready to turn your hobby into a legit business and need help getting started, I would like to invite you to First Things First. This course has everything you need to turn your hobby into a business in just 30 days so you’re not relying on friends and family to sell your goods.

P.S. Do you already have a legit business but need help building and monetizing your online business?  Join Empowering Women. and let me help you take it to the next level!

P.S.S. Don’t forget to grab my Bi-Weekly blog where I share my best business tips and strategies.

XOXO

Cheryl