Here's a question: What services do customers ask for that I do not offer?

As you all probably know, I am new to the 48 Days network and I was just poking and prodding around on all of Dan's websites, wordpress blog, and network. And I found what I am guessing a business plan kind of template post. I just copy/pasted the blog into a word doc and started to go through it.

So I cam across a question and want to get some extra insight on it. The question was: What services do customers ask for that I do not offer?

There have been times that I have been ask for a service that I DO NOT offer but is part of the productivity of my business/ministry.

For example: I do videos and podcast as an extension of my blog. My videos vary from slideshow music videos, commercials to promote my product, services, or events. I have done videos as samples of my training programs, keynote/power point presentations for school at Full Sail University and to preach in hip-hop styled churches, and to even teach and train my leadership team. And I have also done tutorials and Christian hip-hop album/mixtape reviews. But these are all for benefits for promotion reasons not necessarily a service I offer. And I had a lady pay me to do a video on some clips she sent me to put together a talent show promo. I really didn't want to do it but I did.

Another example is I make up my own "info-graphics", charts, and visual aids for training purposes, etc. I've had ministries come up to me to pay me to put together charts based upon certain sermon topics of whatever to teach from there notes. And some have asked for internet banners for Facebook, etc. I do my own banners and images also for all of my websites and other social media platforms, but again they are not part of my services, though I have done it.

What I am asking is how to you handle that? I actually feel uncomfortable doing it, even if they impress on me to that they will pay for it even though I push for them to not give me their money. Plus my motive is not right when I am doing the project, because it's not a passion to service or do business in this capacity.

Anybody have any insight?

Thanks in advance.

Ricardo Butler aka ReAsOn DiSciPLe
Leadership Developer, Teacher, and Founder of:
Ricardo Equips Artistic Leaders (R.E.A.L.) @ http://www.ricardoequips.com/

"Equipping Leaders to Impact the Digital Music, Marketplace, Ministry, and Media Cultures!"

Tags: I, What, ask, customers, do, for, not, offer?, services, that

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Permalink Reply by Lee Smith, ND on October 3, 2012 at 12:41pm

Too often we expect people to value the wrong things, when it only matters what THEY want to buy.

I sell a tangible product, but it's more expensive that you can buy anywhere else...except that my expertise is included.

If you package your business as "Leadership Services," then you've cast a net big enough to provide whatever they want.

If you consider the banners "added value," with another purchase, you can give them away...if they only want the banners, then you sell them separately.

Short Answer: Refine your menu.