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Say no when someone asks you to work for free

"It'll be great exposure." "Could you just do a quick one for free?" Get a kind no that offers a paid option, and keeps the door open if it's worth it.

Updated 17 Oct 2026

The prompt · ChatGPT

Help me say no to a request for free work.

My business: [what you do]
The request: [paste it]
Who's asking: [e.g. friend of a friend, local charity, start-up]
Anything I'd agree to: [e.g. a discount, a smaller version, a free consultation, nothing]

If something essential is missing, ask me 1 or 2 short questions first. Wait for my answers.

Then:
1. A kind, clear no with a paid option.
2. A version for a cause I'd like to support, with a limited offer.
3. A line for if they push.

Friendly and firm, UK English.

Stay in this ChatGPT chat. Do not turn on apps or connectors, and do not use memory from another chat.

A short example

Fill the blanks, then paste. what you do: a short note you already have. paste it: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.

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