FREE != BAD
For those of you who have no idea what the title means, the != means DOES NOT EQUAL in some computer programming languages. In this case, the statement reads "FREE DOES NOT EQUAL BAD."
Now to my point, which I feel is self-evident: just because it's FREE does not mean it's BAD. The word "free" really has gotten abused, much like other overused words like "love," and it's hard to tell when it means just what it says.
In my opinion it all comes down to trust. Do you trust the person saying it's free? How does the person offering X for free benefit? Does it benefit them to benefit you? Well, there's always a catch, even if everyone wins there is a cost to everything. That still doesn't mean it's a bad deal.
I tend to over-deliver on what I offer. Not because I want to sell myself short or don't feel what I offer is valuable, but because it is one of the added benefits of choosing me over anyone else. I feel as if what I offer is very valuable, but I'd rather not have to sell it.
There are a lot of offers out there, and a lot of advice, but if it doesn't feel right to you then by all means go somewhere else! There are so many options. Free isn't always bad, and paid isn't always good either.
//end of rant
Recent Comments
7
I agree that free does not always equate to something of low quality...and there is not always an assumed catch with free stuff. The power resides in offering VALUE...it is the true relationship builder. Offer something that is more valuable than price in the eyes of the consumer...that is the key to making a sale.
Great post BTW!
For a moment there I was alarmed that you might be able to read my thoughts Louise. But then I realized there was nothing in there worth stealing for now and breathed a sigh of relief. =) Thanks for sharing the article, I've been reading/hearing Seth Godin's name everywhere in the past two weeks and this is the first publication of his I can recall actually reading. The potlatch concept is so fascinating. Thanks for giving as always.
Good post Ian ! Your thoughts are always worth reading. Well I mean the ones you post here ! lol :)
It's funny it makes me think of Seth Godin's today's post called "The Hidden Power of a Gift".
You can read it there -> http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/02/the-hidden-power-of-a-gift.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Fsethsmainblog+%28Seth%27s+Blog%29
I'm sure it'll interest you ! ;)
See you around,
Louise
You have a very considerate nature, your comments are always very thoughtful. I hope you're having a great day.
You just taught me something about programming language. Cool!
I agree with you. The "added value" feature is a subtle way of selling and it gives you a chance to show your stuff and gain a customer. I do it by providing free information in the form of free content on my site and newsletters. I even help people for free when they email me. I pack in the value. Sometimes I wonder if they appreciate all I'm giving away. Focusing on the big picture and building.
Thanks Kyle!