Is it worth paying for help with free tools

Many times, it is worth paying for help with what seem like free tools like social media, websites, or even photography.

House under constructionLook at it this way. If you want to build a house, you probably already have a hammer and all the tools you need. You can find some lumber pretty cheap. There are even books full of house plans and instructions.

Or you can hire a professional home builder. Or only subcontract out the parts you need. It depends on what kind of results you want, how much time you can invest, and your personal skill level.

Photo by Becky McCray.
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Posted by Becky McCray on Saturday, October 31, 2009
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8 comments:

  1. LOVE IT Becky!!

    That is such a great analogy.

    A friend of mine made a similar comparison when it came to graphic design and the advent of desktop publishing becoming available to the masses - it's like an airplane is made available to everyone - but only pilots can fly.
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  2. Paul, graphic design fits perfectly. Thanks for adding.
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  3. Becky, Now that is giving a visual on projects.
    This analogy will be very helpful to small businesses. Perfect!
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  4. This is very good, simple advice. The small business and entrepreneur crowd should always consider the DIY approach. The Internet helps connect us to virtually all kinds of information we would need to do things we're not comfortable with. We preach this all the time to our audience.

    John Sternal
    @sternalpr
    @understndnmrktg
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  5. Don't forget this: you get what you pay for.
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  6. I have a hammer and can hit a nail but in no way should be building a house! Or...if I did, it would take me years to get it right.

    Experts can provide training and contribute skills to get the project done efficiently. At least that is how I try to sell to clients.

    Thanks!
    MAS
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  7. I read this post and immediately thought of my current situation! I am an at-home mom, with no prior proficiency in computers (other than email!) and recently started a online business. My brother set up the basic framework, but it's been up to me to update content, and manage the admin pages. There have certainly been times when I've wanted to just hire someone to fix or finish things for me, but thanks to Google and the abundance of info available on the web, I've managed to figure most things out. Paying someone would definitely have been quicker and easier, and probably would've created a more professional looking site, but I am SO proud of what I've done on my own. I hope I pass that sort of "can do" attitude on to my kids. :)
    Erin
    Erin
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  8. Donna and John, thanks for the kind words.

    Matt and MAS, you added good points, that fit right in to the analogy.

    Erin, thanks for adding your own experience. You're right to be proud.
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