From Free to Fee — How to communicate that your former free hobby is now your paid hustle
One of my friends is building a business, and I have no doubt that in the next two years she will make enough from her described “side hustle” to out provide her 9–5. The challenge she has, many of my friends have had, and many of you might have — is creating boundaries with acquaintances who have received your products or services without charge in the past.
Hobbies usually start from a place of enjoyment, so it is natural to share your talent or gift with the world for free. Now you’ve established your LLC, you have paying clients who willingly meet your rates/pricing, you’ve invested money in establishing your digital presence and enhancing your product/service, and you have revenue goals that you’re relying on for things that matter to you. You are ready to make moves.
It is hard for some of us to have money conversations, so I want to share some tips for how to communicate the changes to acquaintances tactfully if you are ready to make the transition from free to fee.
Before I share the communication tips, I think it is important for you to know why you’re charging. Do you have a financial goal? Are you aiming to transition away from your current full-time role to do this business full-time? Are you interested in giving more to causes and organizations with missions that matter to you? Do you want to improve your quality of life or the life of your loved ones? Figure it out and make it clear to you. It is helpful for it to not be about the money itself, but what it represents for you. If it is connected to something meaningful, it will be easier to establish boundaries.
Create a digital presence that sends the cue that this is no longer a hobby. Think about the evidence you look for to determine if a business is legit or not. Well-designed website? Active social media account? It is hard for someone to deny the validity of a business when there is a website, Instagram account, testimonials, and clear instructions to book services or purchase products online. Invest in creating a web presence that makes your business validity clear.
Proactively message your network to let them know that your business has launched. Share an announcement in channels that connect with your network. Don’t frown on email, if the people in your network check theirs daily! It can be simple and brief, with a link to your website.
Respond to inquiries by redirecting to your site or social channels for news on how to book/purchase products and services. You don’t have to avoid an inquiry because you are afraid of asking for payment, or even annoyed that the person is so persistent. Remember, up until now your message to the world has been that you provide your skill or talent free of charge. They have not changed, you have. If someone reaches out to you before you have a chance to tell them that things have changed, make it clear that you don’t have availability (or cannot provide the product), and then kindly direct them to your site, store, or social for information on how to book or purchase.
Communicate a barter that’s valuable to you, if you’re willing. In the early days of business, you may be in need of services that your acquaintance provides. You can communicate your transition, and share what alternative arrangements you are willing to make to be compensated for services. If you’re building a career coach agency and are increasingly doing public speaking events, and an acquaintance who is a building her business as a stylist is interested in your services — you might be willing to exchange a set amount of services in lieu of payment for a period of time.
I know you probably need more time to build amazing products and services, instead of coming up with comms. If you need some inspiration based on the tips I’ve shared, you can find free templates that I’ve created for these messages to get you started, here.