How to Respond When Someone Asks You to Work for Free (Without Feeling Awkward)

In this episode, I'm talking through what to do when someone asks you to work for free, whether it's an unpaid "test project", spec work, or a talk with no budget. I share why you can (and should) feel confident declining, plus a few polite scripts you can use.

If you do want to offer something, I cover alternatives like directing people to your portfolio/testimonials, creating a short free resource that builds your mailing list, offering a paid taster or paid spec work, or agreeing a clear skill swap.
I also explain when free appearances can be more like PR/marketing (such as podcasts or local networking talks), and why "exposure" rarely pays, especially without anything agreed in writing, even for unpaid work.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why Free Work Requests Happen
01:05 Just Say No
01:39 Polite Declines and Freebies
03:19 Handling Spec Work
04:23 When Free Has Payoff
06:17 Get It in Writing
06:28 Skill Swaps Done Right
08:03 Exposure Myths and Boundaries
08:58 PR vs Free Consulting
09:48 Wrap Up and TLDR

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Email: hello@emmacossey.com

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