How much are you worth?
Last week I decided to put my prices up. I was feeling frazzled, over-worked, under-paid and running around like a chook with its head cut off. So I added 10% to my normal prices and sent a quote to a lady I’d seen that morning, and I got my first rejection. Hmmm… now apparently this is a good thing, if you don’t get complaints about your prices it’s supposed to mean you’re too cheap. So that’s OK. Or is it?
I sat with it for a few days and imagined living a life of luxury, the mansion on the hill, drinking pina coladas every day and working less hours for more money, you know, all those clichés. It felt lonely. And I came to realise that none of that is what makes me happy. What gives me joy is helping other business people to make their dreams tangible, to use my skills to take their ideas and turn them into something that can be seen and touched. To give their business an identity that resonates with them and makes them proud. That, my friend, just lights my fire and gets me super excited!
So, I’ve decided I’m not in it for the big money. If I could afford to, I’d do this for free, seriously. Because I love it. But the reality is I need to eat and pay the bills and put fuel in my car, so I have to ask for money in exchange for my design services. This of itself is, in my estimation, an indication of the value of what I do. In return I value the services and skills that others can offer me, and I’m more than happy to pay them for it, so what goes around comes around.
I used to have a lot of trouble asking for money in exchange for my services, but as I learn to acknowledge that what I offer adds enormous value – not to mention the fact that I have years of experience and a hard-earned uni degree – it’s becoming easier.
Ultimately though, the thing that gives me joy and happiness is the thing I get to do every day. I wonder how many people can honestly say that their job makes them happy? I suspect there are more of us every day as we begin to understand the importance of happiness, and that’s a wonderful thing. What makes you happy?
20 Responses to How much are you worth?
What a fantastic insight Jeanne. You will see you’ll start attracting those who will appreciate what you do in a different light. If what they are after is the cheapest, they don’t need somebody with your skills and passion.
In reality, if you start adding up the hours you spend on a project, they are normally DOUBLE of what you are actually charging. I imagine you not only work behind your computer, but THINK and CREATE all the time. This time has no real value in money, it goes beyond that. This is commitment to make their business successful because when they are, you are successful too!
Love your work!
Thank you Taty, you’re right you know, once we start realising and valuing our worth we start attracting the clients who appreciate what we do. Magic happens!
Fantastic post Jeanne – and yes it’s so important to love what you do. Just as important as valuing what you do for others to grow their business. It’s something that I’ve grappled with too but feel so much better when I stay firm with the rates I set. You do attract the right people when you do so.
What you do Nikki is awesome, after my wardrobe edit with you I felt so much lighter and focused on my styling and appearance. You are worth every cent!
You are special Ms Jeanne. Your passion and heart are two of the things I love about you. But I also LOVE YOUR WORK! I love to tell others about you, because I know you are the real deal. Thanks for sharing your special insight. Krishna xx
Hey Krishna
Thank you for being my cheer leader and helping me to get really clear on the direction for Witch Words, it’s friends like you who support me that keep me going and creating from the heart. x
Great post Jeanne! I love that you recognise the value of your work. I have experienced lately that people want to pay for value, they want to pay for the experience and for life changing moments. It is almost as though the moment of exchanging the money for the value works as a switch towards the change that takes place, the learning is enhanced and embedded in to the mind at a deeper level. I am not completely sure how or why that works, it would make an interesting study
That would be an interesting study Kama! That moment of exchange works for both parties in the transaction I think and is further validation of our purpose and value. As my very first ever client, you are very special! x
I second this Kama. I think people value you more when they pay for your services:) And I’m sure both you and Jeanne are worth every cent.
It’s true Annabel, we do value what we pay for. I notice that with our kids, if you give them something with no expectation of having to earn it, they don’t value it, whereas if they are expected to either pay money or do a chore in exchange, it holds higher value and therefore they tend to have more respect for the item or experience.
Hi Jeanne, well written:) I am glad it is not just Natural Therapists that feel sometimes uncomfortable about charging for their time and services. In saying that I increase my charges every year, not hugely, however enough to keep in line with my ongoing expenses. Remember the line from Annies workshop…”It is OK to charge others for adding value to their lives” and I think that is the key. The value you add to others is huge and a well written website, blog, marketing material adds enormous value to businesses. It is not the money or the big house on the hill so much as being able to share my wealth others as the situation arrives, and to be in a position to share. Wealth is a means to an end and end can be anything you want it to mean, because if you do not have it you can not share it. Also who says you can not love what you do and be paid well for it. Cheers
Thanks Marney, so true. To me true wealth is happiness and that deep sense of knowing that you’re fulfilling your purpose. Ultimately that’s to help others, in whatever way we can, so yes, I am rich and abundant beyond my wildest dreams!
Hi Jeanne, Thanks for the post. It reminded my why I do lots of the things I do. When others ask do you have to work this weekend I struggle to think why they would you want to work. Doing something you love doing is much better than mansions, etc. Enjoying every minute and charging a fair price is a wonderful choice. Regards Fran
Hi Fran, thanks for your response. I agree with you, it’s so nice to be doing what gives you joy, regardless of whether you live in a tent or a mansion!
Jeanne, this is so awesome. So open and honest. You are just beautiful. When you love what you do, it doesnt seem like work. As long as you’re comfortable with those prices and can fit in the workload. You do an amazing job. No wonder you’re so jolly busy!!
Sue xxx
Thanks Sue, you’re such a sweetie! Yes, the biggest problem for me is getting it all done in the hours I have, so I’m busy working out systems and processes to manage that. The one little nugget I have is my wonderful designer Amanda, she’s awesome and helps heaps!
You can’t expect respect from others if you don’t value yourself!
Well done Jeanne for stepping up to your mark and values.
So true Nobby, we do need to value ourselves before we can expect anyone else to – except perhaps those who love us most and encourage us. Thank goodness for them!
Hi Jeanne, This is a very deep and truthful blog which I really relate to and thank you for sharing. It’s not what I charge that’s important, it’s the buzz that I get when I know I’ve helped my clients feel great and give them tools to help them look after their bodies. I look at it as energy exchanges, so when a client comes to me and pays for my service, I then can go and exchange my money for another service. This is what keeps our businesses functioning. I love your work too Jeanne and thank you for the last Flyer which looks fantastic!
Great insight Teresa and so true! Your services are beautiful and very special, to know that you’ve helped someone else to relieve pain, offered some quiet pampering and a safe space to relax is such a beautiful gift. You have magic in your hands Teresa!