Tiffany Haddish, NY Times Best-Selling Author and award-nominated comedian/actress at the top of her game, came out and discussed being offered "exposure" instead of real money for hosting the first-ever online Grammys. Not a talent fee, or even just the ability to cover her expenses. She turned it down and went public with this offer, and it sparked emotions with Dr. Venus that she wanted to share and turn into some teachable important action items. If that happens to a huge celebrity, what do you think they will do to us? Dr. Venus breaks it down to discuss what to say when people try to play you instead of pay you, how to still get a benefit when there really is no money, and some action steps to get started today to think like a business entity and not as an employee. You know they pay other people, why not you?

Key Takeaways:

[2:02] When Dr. Venus heard the news about Tiffany Haddish being just offered "exposure" instead of a talent fee or coverage for expenses, she took it personally. All too often professionals and talented individuals give their time, money, and effort with just the promise of exposure and experience rather than real money. That time has to end now.

[6:15] Don't let people benefit off your shine, divinity, and genius without properly giving you something in return.

[6:40] When people try to play you for your paper, go public. Get comfortable with saying "no", and know your worth.

[8:34] Find out the budget of the project, and what they can offer you if they aren't able to cover your expenses. Are you able to get a high-quality recording of the event to use in the future? Will there be press to give you coverage? Can you make an offer from the stage?

[14:55] One of the biggest challenges as an entrepreneur is getting quick money to invest in the long term game. While quick money is cash you need now, long money requires you to pour into people.

[17:47] You need to bring in money from your knowledge and lived experience, not your time and skill. If you don't know how to do that, you are in the right place.

[18:53] It's extra important that Black Women stand up and say no to people trying to play them instead of paying them. White Supremacy relates to Black Women like we are just commodities to be used for their labor and then tossed away. The institutions that exploit the bodies, creativity and genius of Black Women and Men are trying to withhold payment and position them as less.

[24:42] Now is the time to invest in yourself and get a business entity with your own name on it. Do some research on the different types and what may work for you, including a sole proprietorship, LLC, S Corp or C Corp. Think like a business entity and not like an employee.

[28:53] You need to have standards and learn to walk away before you are used.

[32:13] Whatever you are charging, Dr. Venus suggests doubling it, and really digging in to get comfortable with the fact that you are worthy to charge and make that much.

Quotes:

• "My fees are appropriate for my level of effectiveness."

• "I need money to become your best friend."
• "You are worthy, and you are worth it."
• "I don't get mad, I get rich."

Mentioned:

Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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(https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese)

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RESOURCES

• Kelechi Okafor Says Black Women Deserve Equity Not Exposure: 'I'm Not A Grateful Black Woman'

• Grammys apologize to Tiffany Haddish after telling her to pay for hosting expenses

• Tiffany Haddish on God, Her Second Grammy Nomination and Making Bathroom Jokes

• Black Women & the Pay Gap

• The Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap