Yesterday we talked about the pros of working
for free, and the times you might need to do so to get started.
Today I wanted to talk about how to structure your free sessions and manage expectations so that your first free sessions don't become a disaster.
If you're a high-quality kinda guy/gal, then you naturally want to provide a high-end service.
It goes without saying. You take pride in your work, even if the first few times are free of charge.
However, when bands hear the word "free" they sometimes expect you to work like a salve without so much of a thought as to how much time you're giving them.
And when you're a hard-working take-pride type of person, it’s hard to say no when bands ask for endless revisions.
So be prepared to manage expectations and structure what FREE means from the start.
What does your free session entail?
- How much time are you willing to give away for free.
- How many songs will you do?
- How many mix revisions is reasonable.
- How much extra work outside the scope of the free session are you willing to endure before you say stop.
Knowing the answers to these questions and accurately conveying them to the bands you’re recording is a crucial step in managing the expectations of what your free session will entail.
Finding a Win-Win Situation
So when you’re starting out and trying to create a portfolio, free seems like a natural solution, however annoying it might be.
However, I would recommend a hybrid solution. Instead of working for free, you work for something.
Can you work for trade?
Instead of working for cold, hard cash, maybe there’s something else the musicians can offer. Even if they just provide you pizza and beer every session, you’re creating a certain expectation of getting something in return.
If you negotiate any deal, it creates a different expectation than just being taken advantage of as the free engineer. It means that the musicians have to hold up their end of the bargain.
Finding a win-win situation and laying out the expectations beforehand is crucial to keeping things professional, even in a free session.
Show Them the Value
Ultimately, if you end up doing free sessions to build your portfolio they should serve one purpose:
To showcase your value and skills to both the musicians you recorded and the rest of the community that might need your services in the future.
A single song session you end up doing for free might end with a band coming back and paying for an album if you’re strategic about your expectations. But if you keep offering free services because you’re too scared to charge, all you’re doing is disrespecting the value you’re bringing to the table.
The absolute key to making it in the oversaturated music industry is knowing how to run your home studio as a profitable business.
Those are the two keywords to understand:
- Profitable
- Business
If you're the type of musician that used to run away at the mere thought of treating your music production skills as a business, maybe this next part isn't for you.
But if you're looking to make this "audio thing" more than just a hobby that annoys your significant other every time you spend money on a microphone, then you'll like the free masterclass I'm offering with Brian Hood of the Six Figure Home Studio this week.
How To Make A Living From Your Existing Audio Skills
(Without The Need For A Fancy Studio Or Expensive Gear)
If you're tired of doubting yourself and want to get a game plan going so that you can finally make back the money you spent investing in your audio gear, then take 90 minutes and take Brian's masterclass.
Inside you'll learn:
- How To Generate More Leads For Your Studio
- How To Turn Those Leads Into Paying Clients
- How To Charge Premium Rates For Your Services
- How To Crush Your Studio's Competitors
Two Time Slots Available Today:
If you're ready to roll and want to get some actionable advice on making more money with your home studio, then we got two slots for you today.
Just click on the one that's more convenient for you and you'll be instaregistered!
Enjoy!
P.S.
I hope you've enjoyed the last couple emails about working for free. In tomorrow's email we'll discuss the flipside: when you shouldn't work for free.
And then later this week I'll burst the bubble of your imposter syndrome because I already know what you're thinking...
"I'm not good enough to make money doing this" and other blablabla doubts that make me want to drag your imposter syndrome into the woods and leave it to the wolves.
But more on that later,
Björgvin