Charging for services rendered is a necessity of business. With Technology services there may be questions concerning what is billable. As knowledge bank availability has increased, cost of access has decreased. Some mistake what they find in a Google search for professional expertise. Just because you can Google "expert" doesn't mean you are one. There is no substitute for experience.
I love what I do. I study my profession 24 hours a day. I have done this for over 20 years. I am a giver who enjoys helping others. In my services, I provide all the expertise I have. I always attempt to provide services above what is required. If I don't know the answer, I find someone who does. You can't Google the knowledge base in my head (yet).
Here is an easy to read guide of my charges:
Here's what's free: Everything I send out on a one to many email. Anything I can answer in a quick email.
Here's what's not free: Detailed questions about a project that will increase your revenue.
Here's what's free: Webinars or calls to groups of people of my choosing.
Here's what's not free: Lunch, emails, meetings or phone calls to pick my brain.
Here's what's free: Discovery calls with prospects concerning solutions or business agreements.
Here's what's not free: Deep dive information requests and details requiring my professional expertise.
Here's what's free: Charity work at any organization that I choose. If you have an organization that needs something, please don't hesitate to ask.
Here's what's free: Information found on my blog, ezine, social networks and email.
Here's what's not free: Writing for your blog, magazine, newsletter, company manual or website.
Here's what's not free or negotiable: Speaking, reading and/or writing fees. Any time spent on a project requiring my professional expertise.
Summary: If something requires my expertise or time, I charge. When you need me one on one, I charge. Asking questions to customize and increase your revenue, I charge. Information I offer freely to the masses, I don't charge.