Good morning, friends!
Starting a business is an exhilarating adventure, filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and connect. But it’s also a path where boundaries and self-worth are constantly tested.
Today, I want to share a personal story that taught me a valuable lesson: working for free is rarely worth it, even when it seems like a good idea.
The Well-Intentioned Agreement
When I first launched my virtual assistant business, I was eager to gain experience, build my portfolio, and secure glowing testimonials. So, when a friend approached me for help, I saw it as a win-win. We agreed that I would work for her—for free—in exchange for an amazing testimonial.
I poured my time and energy into her projects, managing tasks as I would for any paying client. When she asked for my assistance, I showed up with professionalism and dedication, thinking of the testimonial as my "payment." It felt fair—until it wasn’t.
The Cost of Working for Free
Months passed, and while the work kept coming, the promised testimonial never materialized. I waited, hoping for that glowing review or referral that would help me land my next client, but it never came. What did come, though, was resentment.
I realized I was undervaluing my time and skills. By working for free, I wasn’t just missing out on financial compensation; I was teaching myself—and others—that my work wasn’t worth paying for.
The Ripple Effect
This experience didn’t just impact my finances; it also affected my confidence. If I wasn’t advocating for my value, how could I expect others to recognize it?
The Lesson: Value Yourself and Your Work
Looking back, I don’t regret helping my friend, but I’ve learned an important lesson: your time, expertise, and energy have value, and it’s okay to ask for fair compensation.
If you’re a new virtual assistant—or starting any business—you might feel pressured to offer free work to gain experience or testimonials. But remember:
You deserve to be compensated. Your skills, even at the start of your journey, are worth something.
Mutual respect is key. Clients who value your work will be willing to pay for it, even if it’s at an entry-level rate.
Testimonials are great, but they’re not guaranteed. If someone isn’t willing to pay your rates, it’s worth reconsidering the relationship.
Setting Boundaries with Confidence
Here’s what I wish I had done differently:
Offer a discount instead of free work. A discounted rate can help new clients feel comfortable while ensuring you’re compensated.
Use contracts. Outline expectations clearly, including what you’re delivering and what you expect in return.
Trust your instincts. If something feels one-sided, it probably is.
Moving Forward
Since that experience, I’ve redefined how I approach my business. I’ve built relationships with clients who respect and value my work—and they gladly pay for it. The respect I now receive from clients began with respecting myself.
If you’re in a similar place, wondering if you should offer free work, let me encourage you: you don’t have to. You are building something amazing, and your time and skills deserve recognition.
Have you ever faced a similar challenge in your business or career? I’d love to hear your story! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.
Here’s to valuing our worth and building businesses that thrive!
Warmly,
Kristina
Kristina Brooks Virtual Administration
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