11 responses for when companies come for free work (especially when you have credibility)

On every platform I scroll, numerous women share a story about another (large) profitable company, asking them to serve their time for free this International Women's Day.

With the theme of International Women's Day (UN, 2024) being "Invest in Progress", it's ironic that the reward is still exposure over paying the expenses. Nonetheless, it's another example of why we need a day to remind the world that equality nor equity exists, and we are still prodding along in our own lives.

I have credibility - a business, book, talk show, 2 TEDX talks, BBC radio show, etc., but sometimes, an opportunity makes you think twice about your response. In those moments, pause before responding, think about how it may truly serve you, and ask an ally when in doubt.

When I started public speaking, workshops and storytelling, much was done without monetary compensation for feedback, networking, testimonials, opportunities and practice. As a British Asian Neurodivergent Woman, there is no doubt that it is difficult to get into spaces which aren't meant for us -and in those instances, I have favoured the practice and people in the room overpayment. There is a thin line between skill swapping, practice and free labour. I am also aware that the systemic structures do not support the brown woman in the room for success. Therefore, we must take it upon ourselves to increase representation, which means that sometimes, you have to weigh out your options in the hope of something bigger and better. That itself is another point we can get into another time. Still, after years of experience and credibility for this article, I have learnt to calculate the opportunity cost and want to share it with you.

This is not my first rodeo, and, with my words of the year being finance and focus, I have given myself the strength to both decline opportunities which don't add value and say yes to the ones which genuinely align with my current state of mind - representation, storytelling, inclusion, accessibility and fun.

I am not industry-specific, though I lean towards technology and now travel space. Still, I focus on the career upskilling angle - which, according to recent data from Linkedin, is where the world is heading. We are taking the emphasis away from the masculine energy and leaning into our femininity: emotional intelligence, kindness and connectivity. Companies want to know how to truly invest in their women, confidence and power so that they can level up in their careers, ultimately adding profits and increasing productivity.

That said, recently, in these instances, I have leaned into my masculine business first traits - setting boundaries, knowing your worth and saying no ... Because, at the start of the year, I was inundated with requests for gigs that don't serve me, my time, or my bank account, so I jumped on a trending sound on Instagram to creatively share my peace.

What was a fun way of sharing my advice turned into 100s of saves, and people even stopped me in the street to say they saved my responses for their subsequent requests. So, it was time to share it on the most professional platform - Linkedin.

How do you respond to someone when you are asked to work for free? 11 responses when you are asked to work for free :

[save for later]

Thanks for thinking of me. What is your budget for this opportunity?
Based on widely available data, the average price for such a project is X. Can you please let me know what you have committed to for this work?
Can you provide me with a testimonial, professional photos and introductions in exchange?
What have you committed to a similar opportunity of this kind in the past?
I'm curious - What is each colleague's average training budget internally, and can we unlock this?
Based on your request, my average hourly rate is X, and my long-term project rate is Y.
I appreciate that you may not have the direct funds, so I suggest donating to X charity or Y enterprise on my behalf.
I'm confused about why there is no budget when you're paying for food, drinks and people's tickets to attend; please explain the rationale.
I appreciate that this may be an internal community project, but I, too, have to pay rent, and unfortunately, exposure doesn't guarantee new business; for that reason, I have outlined the time and tasks below with a financial plan for compensation. Please let me know if this is possible.
Since you asked for a workshop for women to know their value and build their brand, I'd like to ask you to deliver this for free. I can understand your requirements, but I'd like to understand what alternatives of payment you can offer which can mutually benefit all parties, as right now, it seems that I am providing you with over 2 days worth of work (preparation, practice and delivery) to make you and your business look good in your inclusion practise.
I acknowledge that someone else can provide this service for free, which may suit their situation. However, you asked me to know my experience and reputation. So, it would be unfair of me to offer my services for free when I can justify the quality of work, effort and service I will provide following your brief.— adapt for your tone— follow your gut— ask for help

Taking my advice (which sometimes human nature means I don't), I have negotiated budgets for travels, campaigns and IWD events in the form of payment, donations and buying my book - Unprepared to Entrepreneur, for all those attending.

I also have to thank my agency, RIVA Media, mentors and members of the LMF NETWORK (Like Minded Females) for reminding me of my worth - sometimes, if you don't know what to say - ask an ally!

I understand that different cultures, people, and processes may require an alternative approach, so feel free to send me your suggestions, and I can update the list accordingly.

Plus, if you save and use it, drop me a line, as I'd love to know the outcome!

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Sonya Barlow is an Award-Winning Founder of Inclusion Consultancy LMF Network, the Best-Selling author of Unprepared to Entrepreneur, and BBC Presenter of The Everyday Hustle.

She is a keynote speaker, MC and thought leader on tech, travel and trends. She has delivered 2 TED talks, a keynote for the House of Commons, and was named UK Entrepreneur of the Year, Top 50 Women in Tech EU and a LinkedIn Changemaker. Sonya has over 100,000 social followers and her own talk show on YouTube, where she interviews changemakers, thought leaders and business folks on the future of work.