Staying Savvy Series: What’s In It For You? (And Them?)

This is Number Six in a series of posts, which will present some simple tools for protecting yourself from common mis-uses of your work. You can find the rest of the series over here.

Chapter Six: What’s In It For You? (And Them?)

I touched on the idea of “exchange” in my last “Savvy” post. Exchange can be a difficult idea to swallow, because culturally, I think we tend to look down on people who are always asking “What’s in this for me?”

But, as I mentioned earlier, the more your work becomes well-known, the more you’re likely to be approached by people or companies who want things from you. Sometimes, it’ll be a simple thing, like “Will you link to my website?” Sometimes it’ll be a big thing, like “Will you design a handbag for us?”

It’s so easy to get excited by all this attention, and say “YES!” to everything. But before long, you’ll begin to see that all these opportunities aren’t created equal. (And you’ll find that it’s pretty easy to get burned out, running around trying to make good on all these “YES“-es.)

Here’s how you can tell the good opportunities from the bad: look at the exchange being offered.

What do I mean? Read on…

First, how much is being asked of you?

When someone asks you to do something for them, look hard at what’s involved. How much time will it take? (Adding that link to your site: a few minutes. Designing that handbag: many hours.) Will it involve buying materials? Will you have to run all over town for them? Will you have to invest your own dollars in the project?

And then, what are they getting?

This person or company that’s asking you for something — what exactly are you giving them? (That link gives someone more exposure. That handbag gives someone a valuable product design.) If you had to put a dollar value on what you’re doing for them, how much would that be worth?

And what are YOU getting?

What is this person or company offering you in exchange for your time and effort? It doesn’t have to be money, either. That person requesting a link? They could link back to your website. That company wanting the handbag? They could offer you valuable exposure, or craft supplies, or a copy of the book they’re publishing your design in.

Are these two sides balanced?

Seriously – are you giving the same amount that you’re gaining? If not, then you might want to think hard before accepting the opportunity. Why tie up your time and energy on something that won’t bring you equal benefit?

If you tie yourself up with poor exchanges, then you could find yourself too busy when the really good opportunities come your way.

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And I’ll say this again, because I feel strongly about it: the blogosphere is about personal relationships. When a person or company asks you for something without offering anything in return, they aren’t really seeking a continuing relationship with you. They’re more likely seeking to capitalize on your hard-earned notoriety.

Anyone who wants something from you has it in their power to offer you some small token in return. This is how good working and personal relationships are built. And relationships are so worth cultivating.

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In the next installment, I’ll delve more into the “E-Word:” Exposure.