Let’s have a real conversation for a moment, especially for those of us in business, nonprofit leadership, education, or community development. I’ve hosted numerous events, webinars, workshops, and networking meetups through the Philadelphia Women’s Network Connection, LLC, and the PWNC Foundation. Some of these events are ticketed. Some are sponsored. And many, by choice, are FREE.
Now here’s what I need to say, loudly and clearly: FREE does not mean it’s worthless. FREE does not mean it’s thrown together. And FREE does not mean we didn’t invest anything into it.
Too many times, I’ve watched people register for a free event, confirm attendance, and then… not show up. No email. No reschedule. No explanation. Or they sign up just to “see what it’s about” and put zero energy into showing up for themselves, let alone the speaker or the other participants. And that behavior, whether intentional or not, sends a message: “This isn’t valuable to me.”
Let’s be real here. You wouldn’t ghost a $199 workshop, right? You wouldn’t brush off a $1,200 mastermind. If you put money down, you’d find a way to be present. You’d be on time. You’d take notes. You’d stay engaged.
So why is it that when something is free, people treat it like it’s optional or disposable?
Let’s talk about what FREE actually costs:
When we say an event is free, it doesn’t mean it didn’t take weeks or even months to put together. There’s time, talent, tools, and real financial resources involved. There are platforms to pay for. Graphics and marketing to create. Email systems to manage. Guest speakers or panelists to coordinate with. Schedules to align. Even if we’re not charging you, someone is investing—with the hope that YOU will benefit.
Free often costs more in effort, because we know the ROI isn’t always monetary—it’s impact. It’s connection. It’s community.
And many of us offer free events because we truly want to pour into others. We want to give access to people who may not be able to afford certain experiences. We want to level the playing field. Especially when it comes to women, Black and brown entrepreneurs, and underserved communities, we offer what we didn’t have when we started.
So when someone registers and doesn’t attend, or minimizes the value because “it’s just a free webinar,” it can feel discouraging—not just for us as the organizers, but for the people who do show up. It sets a tone. And that mindset of devaluing free resources can block your own growth.
Let me put it this way: many of us are giving away six-figure wisdom in free sessions—not because we have to, but because we want to see others succeed. We’ve learned that one free conversation can change the direction of a business. One free workshop can ignite a spark that leads to clarity, confidence, and clients. One free resource can be the bridge from where you are to where you want to go.
But none of that happens if you don’t show up.
So let’s shift our perspective. Let’s stop asking, “Is this free?” and start asking, “Is this valuable?” And if you say “yes” and sign up—then show up. Be engaged. Take notes. Be respectful of the space and the people who created it. That’s how we honor each other. That’s how we build legacy and community. That’s how we grow.
What FREE Actually Costs:
Even when we call something “free,” it still comes at a cost—to someone. The team behind the scenes is working. There’s tech, software, marketing, planning, scheduling, communication, and yes, sometimes even catering and printing. Just because we’re not charging a registration fee doesn’t mean the event is being thrown together with a prayer and a PowerPoint.
In fact, most free events I’ve hosted or been a part of come from a place of deep generosity and purpose. We’re pouring into people because we want to, not because it doesn’t have a price.
The Mindset Shift That Needs to Happen:
We need to start treating FREE opportunities like we would paid ones.
Would you skip a $99 masterclass you signed up for? Would you ghost a one-on-one with a coach you paid $250 to meet? Probably not. So why do we do it when it’s free?
Because we’ve been taught to measure value in dollars instead of outcomes. But here’s the truth: many of us are giving away six-figure wisdom in free sessions—because we believe in empowering others, especially women, especially our communities.
That one free webinar? Could change your marketing strategy forever.
That one panel discussion? Could connect you to someone who shifts your business.
That one lunch-and-learn? Could ignite an idea that becomes your next stream of income.
Let’s Do Better—Together
If you RSVP, show up.
If you register, engage.
If you say you’re interested, follow through.
It’s time to honor the effort, insight, and energy behind free events. Don’t treat it like a handout—treat it like the gift it is.
Because one day, you might be the one on the other end, giving of your time and knowledge… and trust me, you’ll want your audience to show up for you too.
Let’s stop undervaluing FREE. Let’s start treating every opportunity—paid or not—with the same level of respect, gratitude, and intention.
That’s how real transformation happens.
Published by @phillywnc
www.phillywnc.org
