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I am interested to see what others think of the value of informal “favors” within the trades.
These are favors that others in the industry (not owners/clients) might ask of us, which take up some of our resources (usually time) for which we receive no money.
For example, as a designer I make drawings (how long I should have swung a hammer first, that is another discussion). Some of the contractors I work with occassionally call up and ask if I can put together a few sketches to help them out. This could be perspectives or “concept” designs to help them sell a project, or could be detailed drawings (their design) to help their crew build. Just my own criteria, but I usually draw the line at half a day’s work.
Provided we have a good working relationship, I don’t ever ask for money. Instead, I look at how it all balances out working with them in the big picture. For instance, if someone has just refered a paying job, I see it as a way of saying “thanks”. Similarly, the folks who ask me for drawings are usually the ones I call up out of the blue to ask about a detail from the builder’s perspective.
These favors back and forth can also work like a contingency fund. Invest now by helping others, so they might help you out in a jam.
Any thoughts?
Replies
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I am interested to see what others think of the value of informal "favors" within the trades.
These are favors that others in the industry (not owners/clients) might ask of us, which take up some of our resources (usually time) for which we receive no money.
For example, as a designer I make drawings (how long I should have swung a hammer first, that is another discussion). Some of the contractors I work with occassionally call up and ask if I can put together a few sketches to help them out. This could be perspectives or "concept" designs to help them sell a project, or could be detailed drawings (their design) to help their crew build. Just my own criteria, but I usually draw the line at half a day's work.
Provided we have a good working relationship, I don't ever ask for money. Instead, I look at how it all balances out working with them in the big picture. For instance, if someone has just refered a paying job, I see it as a way of saying "thanks". Similarly, the folks who ask me for drawings are usually the ones I call up out of the blue to ask about a detail from the builder's perspective.
These favors back and forth can also work like a contingency fund. Invest now by helping others, so they might help you out in a jam.
Any thoughts?