Understanding the Mindset

It's understandable that many people are reluctant to work for free. I used to share that sentiment and still believe it's important to be compensated for your efforts. However, I also recognize that this mindset can hinder the progress of many entrepreneurs at some point.

Whenever I delve into a new area, I aim to create a portfolio that showcases my skills, which is essential if I eventually want to monetize my efforts. I've discovered that hands-on experience tends to impress businesses more than mere theoretical knowledge.

Last year, I decided to enhance my videography skills and explore commercial creation for my clients. A friend generously lent me his Black Magic Pocket 4K Cinema camera, which he was looking to sell. I was keen to expand my capabilities and potentially purchase a similar camera.

Through this experience, I learned the intricacies of operating the camera, selecting the right LUTs, editing commercial footage, and identifying effective shots. To practice my new skills, I produced a commercial for Ghost, a product I had been using since early 2022, focusing on their pre-workout powder. My goal was to emulate the style of the video from Alpha Theory Supps.

After completing my initial project, I reached out to a couple of businesses to see if they would allow me to create a complimentary commercial for them. To my delight, both responded positively within mere minutes.

Now, I have three videos in my portfolio that I can present to prospective clients interested in commercial services. While I initially started without charge, having established a proof of concept has allowed Helms Media to secure clients more consistently and charge standard rates for videography and commercial projects.

Volunteer Initiatives

At the beginning of 2023, I felt inspired to engage more with my community through volunteer work via my company. I approached several local government representatives to offer my services free of charge, aiming to give back to the community. They readily accepted my offer, appreciating the professional expertise I brought.

I documented the condition of abandoned buildings and conducted walkthroughs before and after their renovations. This initiative not only showcased the transformation of each project but also fostered stronger connections within the city, potentially leading to more paid opportunities in the future. Although I intend to continue volunteering, I hope this experience will yield further paid work down the line.

Working at a Reduced Rate

If working for free isn't appealing, offering services at a discount is a viable alternative. The same principles apply. If you're exploring a new area, transitioning to a different niche, or experimenting with your skills in a unique way, many businesses are open to compensating you, albeit at a lower rate.

Earlier this year, I wanted to create more websites for restaurants, as I had some exciting design concepts in mind. I contacted a few friends who owned restaurants to propose building their websites for $1,000—a significantly lower rate than my usual fees. They both eagerly accepted my offer.

Since I have extensive experience in web development, I felt confident charging a nominal fee, as they would receive a high-quality website in return. Additionally, I continue to support these restaurants on a monthly basis by maintaining their websites and implementing updates.