In this episode, I'm talking through what to do when someone asks you to work for free, whether it's an unpaid "test project", spec work, or a talk with no budget. I share why you can (and should) feel confident declining, plus a few polite scripts you can use.

If you do want to offer something, I cover alternatives like directing people to your portfolio/testimonials, creating a short free resource that builds your mailing list, offering a paid taster or paid spec work, or agreeing a clear skill swap. I also explain when free appearances can be more like PR/marketing (such as podcasts or local networking talks), and why "exposure" rarely pays, especially without anything agreed in writing, even for unpaid work.

Timestamps: 00:00 Why Free Work Requests Happen 01:05 Just Say No 01:39 Polite Declines and Freebies 03:19 Handling Spec Work 04:23 When Free Has Payoff 06:17 Get It in Writing 06:28 Skill Swaps Done Right 08:03 Exposure Myths and Boundaries 08:58 PR vs Free Consulting 09:48 Wrap Up and TLDR

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