Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts: Uncover the Hidden Dangers of Too Many Freebies

In business, as in life, it's important to be wary of Greeks bearing gifts. While it may seem flattering to receive free products or services from potential partners or vendors, these seemingly generous offerings can sometimes come with strings attached. Here's what you need to know to protect your business from the pitfalls of Greeks bearing gifts:

Benefit	How to Do
Build Relationships: Freebies can be a great way to build relationships and show appreciation for your customers.	Limit the number of freebies you give out. Too many freebies can devalue your products or services.
Increase Brand Awareness: Freebies can help to increase brand awareness and get your products or services in front of new potential customers.	Target your freebies to specific audience. Sending out freebies to people who aren't interested in your products or services is a waste of money.
Generate Leads: Freebies can be a great way to generate leads and build your email list.	Use freebies to collect email addresses. Offer a freebie in exchange for an email address.

Case Study: How a Free Lunch Led to a Costly Mistake

A small business owner recently received a free lunch invitation from a potential vendor. Thinking it was a harmless way to get to know the vendor, he accepted. However, during the lunch, the vendor pressured him into signing a contract for a service that he didn't need. The business owner ended up paying thousands of dollars for a service that he didn't want.

Benefit

Build Relationships

Free lunches can be a great way to build relationships with potential vendors or partners.

How to Do

Limit the number of free lunches you attend. Too many free lunches can take up too much of your time.

Benefit	How to Do
Build Relationships: Free lunches can be a great way to build relationships and show appreciation for your customers.	Limit the number of free lunches you give out. Too many free lunches can devalue your products or services.
Increase Brand Awareness: Free lunches can help to increase brand awareness and get your products or services in front of new potential customers.	Target your free lunches to specific audience. Sending out free lunches to people who aren't interested in your products or services is a waste of money.
Generate Leads: Free lunches can be a great way to generate leads and build your email list.	Use free lunches to collect email addresses. Offer a free lunch in exchange for an email address.

Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts: Uncover the Hidden Dangers of Too Many Freebies