... My commercial standards simplistic, yes, unrealistic, NO, I've never made a loss yet.
BR: I couldn't agree more with your sentiments! In my business (editing, designing, and publishing books), there is much competition. My competitors spend huge amounts on advertising and promotion, and do nothing free of charge - not even a five-minute phone consultation.
I frequently yak on for 15-30 minutes giving free advice to non-clients (and existing clients, too). I also don't charge for some piddling, minor amendments to second-run jobs when clients have changed their minds about something. About 50% of the time, those whom I advised free have ended up becoming paying clients; those who don't have, nonetheless, mentioned my name to others who have then become clients. My success is dependent upon three things: the quality of my work, my readiness to assist without charge (where appropriate and practicable), and word of mouth about the previous two items.
I spend absolutely
nothing on advertising and promotion; I don't go seeking clients or work. Yet, despite my being upfront about being far from the least expensive of my service type in the region, I usually have more work on than I can see the end of. Sure, my business is not capital-heavy in that I don't have to invest much other than my time in the work I do; if I were in Styria's business, having to supply expensive components or utilising subcontractors, it might be different. However, in no form of business at all do I see a valid justification for outright greed. That is not only counterproductive to a business (
unless it's a bank - grrr!), but is counterproductive to the fabric of society. Australia is already far enough down the "me! me! me! - screw you!" gurgler without my assisting its further decline.
Carry on as you are, BR!
Rant over.
PS: This is not a criticism of Styria's (very honest) comments - just my slant on the subject.
