Listen up virtual assistants, creative specialists, and marketing mavens, always charge for your services. Today I’m sharing a couple of real-life stories where giving away “free” services actually backfired for these service providers.  This is an important lesson to learn, especially if you’re new in business when your reputation is at stake. I’ll also help you find ways to thank referrals without giving away free hours. To be a viable, sustainable freelance business, you have to pay attention to your profits and where you’re spending your billable time. Free doesn't make you money. Plus, we really don’t want you to resent your client work or your business down the road. Also, pay attention to the one thing you can do to combat the freebie expectation from well-meaning friends, family, peers and acquaintances. This tactic works every time You will never do free work again.    Announcement: The Digital Marketing Workgroup is closing for the year. This is your chance to get in with a freelancer community and be a part of the behind-the-scenes conversations, encouragement, and troubleshooting that we all need when we’re working solo. We also have advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and job leads. Apply here before Dec. 15.   Related Podcasts Mentioned on the Show Creating Healthy Money Habits & Money Mindset with Chelsea Brennan #107 Three Rules of Essentialism for Service Providers #40 Feeling Guilty about Charging for Your Client Work #25 Links Mentioned in Show: Freelance Business Kickstarter   Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab Instagram: @emilyreaganpr  Facebook: @emilyreaganpr 3 ways we can work together:  Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that’s in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I’ve got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to apply here for the Digital Marketing Workgroup. You’ll get the latest updates and trainings, networking opps and job leads from online business owners who are looking to hire digital marketing implementers and assistants. Looking for a fast way to get your foot in the door with up-to-date skills? Take my 2-hour Quickstart to Facebook Community Management workshop and learn how to help online business owners like course creators and membership site owners manage and engage their community    >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services