Interesting little tidbit from Dave Ramsey

[JohnT]

http://www.davesays.org/index.cfm?Fu...ontentID=11562

Question:

Dear Dave,
I’m starting a photography business on the side to help generate extra income. I have friends who’ve told me they’d like to use my services. However, I feel weird about charging them because they’re friends. How do I get past that?

Daniel

Answer:

Dear Daniel,
I understand how you might feel weird taking money from friends, yet you’re providing a service, and you’ve opened this business to make money. They’re going to pay another photographer if you don’t do the job so why shouldn’t they have the fun of working with someone they already know and like?

There’s a psychology at work here. If you comp or discount them now, they may never see you as a true professional. But if you charge them a fair price, you’ll be establishing yourself as a pro.

Still uncomfortable? Tell them you’ll do the work free of charge this time if they’ll help you find six new clients. There’s nothing wrong with a trade, especially when you’re starting out. Just make sure you get something worthwhile in the deal!

Dave

[toverman]

Dave Ramsey is a wise man! Fairly common sense when you think about it.

Still doesn't resolve the "what do you charge family?" thread recently posted, though.

[Jeff Lane]

I've done the "I'll give you a freebie if you'll bring me six new clients" bit, and it's been my experience that all you ever get is six new deadbeats all looking for exactly the same freebie or an unrealistic discount.

As to what do I charge family? No matter what their problem is, "I don't practice that kind of law!"

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lane

I've done the "I'll give you a freebie if you'll bring me six new clients" bit, and it's been my experience that all you ever get is six new deadbeats all looking for exactly the same freebie or an unrealistic discount.

As to what do I charge family? No matter what their problem is, "I don't practice that kind of law!"

Amen on both counts!

[sldi]

simple way around the "six new deadbeats" deal is to offer the first client rebates from their original purchase for the new clients. You get your money first then they get paid later.

"Charging family", thats a whole different matter. My other half is a hair stylist, when my mother-in-law visits free hair styling is always expected. When my mother visits, she is always the first to demand that she pays, it's all in how the family looks at you. Even if I do a big portrait of my folks dad always insists on paying, then I take his money and we all out to a fancy restaurant.