Pro Bono Work For Training/Consulting Business Marketing
In response to a question about the value of doing free (pro bono) work to market a consulting or training business, Robert responds:
I agree that some feel pro bono work is a poor way to generate business, but I’m hesitant to discourage people from giving it a shot. Generally, I’ve found that pro bono speaking (or dirt cheap) doesn’t increase business, but there are exceptions. Some of it is blind luck. Some of it has to do with what you present and how you do it.
Late last year, I did a freebie for the local HR association — as much to contribute to the local HR community as anything else. Out of that I got a paid speaking arrangement, and then another more lucrative one from that one.
I don’t think that ONE exposure is going to make much business difference but if you keep in mind you are marketing, and consider free things as a small part of that, it’s more effective.
I CAN tell people that I see people who take active part in Chambers and associations, hugely benefiting business wise. That means being on the exec., that kind of thing.