Related Posts Widget for Blogs by LinkWithin
Heading to SXSW? Consider our session: How did this happen? I'm in business!

Is it worth paying for help with free tools

Saturday, October 31, 2009

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.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.

6 comments:

paul merrill said...

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.

Becky McCray said...

Paul, graphic design fits perfectly. Thanks for adding.

Donna said...

Becky, Now that is giving a visual on projects.
This analogy will be very helpful to small businesses. Perfect!

John Sternal said...

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

Matt Hames said...

Don't forget this: you get what you pay for.

MAS said...

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

Post a Comment

Having trouble commenting? Read our comment help.
Comment policy

Regular Features

  • Small Biz 100: 100 hands-on useful small business articles
  • Reviews: tools, resources and products to help your small business survive
  • Tourism: taking tourism to new places
  • Failure: if you aren't failing, how are you learning?
  • Brag Basket: celebrate! Once a week, we give you a chance to share your business successes.

Best Recent Posts

Get our Small Town Business Advice

More Small Town Biz in our Newsletter

Want to pass our conversations on to other small town and rural business people? Get our small town biz newsletter. It's perfect for sharing.

  © Blogger template Newspaper by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009, Banner photo (cc) by Becky McCray

Back to TOP