Not sure whether or not to swipe up the next opportunity that comes your way? Read on.
I get asked quite a few business-related questions, but one of the most common is often money-related (yes, we’re going there). More specifically, “Erin, how do I know if I should charge for this speaking opportunity?” or “Should I write this guest post even though I’m not being paid?”.
And although I can’t tell you what to do, I can tell you how I gauge each opportunity that comes my way. Behold, the 5 reasons to say “Yes!”:
1. Passion
So, you were asked to speak at a super slammin’ conference. Awesome! Yet the directors have zero budget. Less than awesome. But still awesome, because if you happen to be super passionate about meeting folks in your industry, mentoring others with your above-average knowledge or just getting the heck out of dodge, you’re in luck. Say yes to passion.2. Credibility
An exciting email just flew into your inbox and a big brand company that you love wants you to appear as a guest writer in their new blog series. No pay, and a lot of work is involved. Yet by aligning yourself with this brand you admire, you’ll up the credibility factor in terms of audience trust. After all, if “Big Brand” believes in you, who wouldn’t? Say yes to credibility.3. Exposure
Your former university has asked to profile you in their next alumni magazine. It requires a lot of travel, phone calls and a photo shoot. Yet you’re guaranteed a new audience that has something in common with you in that you attended the same university. Say yes to exposure.4. Money
A corporation is paying you a fair rate to review their product for an upcoming soft launch. You’re not particularly passionate about the subject, and exposure isn’t involved. Say yes to money.5. The Wild Card
This is for the risky folk. A company you sort of like has offered to fly you out to visit their showroom. You’re not being paid or promised exposure/credibility, and you’re not particularly passionate about the subject at hand. But something in your gut feels excited at the future opportunities that could stem from this event. Say yes to the wild card.
An important note to remember: Your “Yes!” reasons will mold and shape as you grow. Three years ago, exposure might have been more important than money. Now, passion comes first. Let your gut dictate your reasoning. Always.
Lastly? Rarely does an opportunity to possess all of the above properties, but sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised. In that case, definitely say yes.
Hm, I hope one day I’ll have a chance to say “yes” to all of the above :D
Wow, I followed your little Twitter link over here and my eyeballs were shocked! I didn’t realize you were redesigning the site, little lady. I love it! They grey, the clean, the little slashes at the end of the post. You’re awesome.
Love this- such great insight! You are wonderful. Love the new site- it is quite shocking & perfect for you:)
thanks so much, friends!
and this works for pitching, too — pitch for any of the above reasons! you don’t always have to be asked for an opp; you can go get them yourself, as well!
go get em tigers!
!RAWR! WATCH OUT WORLD, HERE WE COME!!
YES, DORA, YES!
this was so helpful erin!
oh i’m so happy you found it helpful! go forth and say yes!
So helpful! I’ve been trying to psych myself up for months to pitch to a few articles/posts–thanks for the inspiration!
This is great & super helpful! Thank you for sharing this & hopefully there will be more opportunities to say “yes” to ;)
you’re welcome!
and lisa, if not — MAKE them! pitch away.
Great advice Erin, and much of it pertains to other aspects of life too, beyond just business – especially passion.
I love the new look so much, well done to you and your elves!
great advice. definitely agree with all 5. may passion be the guiding force in work and in life. what a great thing to keep in your mind. :)
That’s a fantastic post Erin. I really needed to read something inspiring & with hope in the future today.
so.awesome! love it!
i LOVE this advice!! thanks for passing this on:)
this is great advice. thank you for sharing! it’s nice to find people out there that are doing this because they love it, and think it’s downright FUN! even your advice posts scream of your passion and excitement for what you do. you seem like a truly kind, fun, warm individual who really wants the best for everyone. i admire that!
Thanks for this Erin, this is great advice and insight.
So meaty! Thanks for this.
Also, your new site design is perfection – love it.
thank you so much, guys! i love writing more advice from the heart, rather than surface design finds (although come on – that’s delightful, also!).
expect much more meaty posts and a few personal thoughts as well.
thank you for reading!!!
This post is so good that I want to print it out and paste it on my wall. I have a lot of difficulty with pitches, and this article definitely works as motivation to go forth. Thank you!