If you’re ready to take the next step and start charging what you’re worth, then this is for you. This article will look at 5 steps to help women entrepreneurs to stop undercharging and start charging what they are worth. The steps are simple and easy and if you follow them, you’ll be charging what your deserve in no time.
I’m overwhelmed
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed about charging what you’re worth. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. We’ve all been there. You work hard and you do good work, and you want people to know it. You want to see your hard work pay off and pay well. But it’s not always about the money. You want people to recognize your worth, and you want them to respect you and your work. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s not impossible. There are a few things you can do to stop the overwhelm. When you start to notice feeling overwhelmed, STOP! Let your awareness come to your breath. You can think “I’m breathing in, I’m breathing out.” You want to bring your awareness into the present moment and interrupt the cycle of overwhelm. Rather than looking at all the things you need to do (that are creating the overwhelm,) chunk it down into what steps you need to take in what order. By focusing on one step at a time, it takes the overwhelm away.
I’m frustrated
Everyone gets frustrated from time to time, especially women entrepreneurs! We have so many demands on us, juggling family and all that entails having your own business. When you feel frustrated, take two fingers of either hand and lightly tap on the inside of one of your eyebrows, saying “Letting it go.” Then move to the outside of the eye, tapping and repeating “Letting it go.” Move to under the eye, again tapping and repeating “Letting it go.” Tap under your nose above your lip, again repeating “Letting it go.” Move to your chin, tapping and saying “Letting it go.” Take your whole hand and tap on your collarbone, repeating “Letting it go.” Then take your whole hand, squeezing your opposite wrist and take a deep breath in and out. Notice how much calmer you feel.
I don’t know what to charge
If you are just starting out, do a little research to find out what other people in your industry are charging. When I first opened my hypnosis practice in 2005, I charged what my mentor in New York City charged. It was higher than other hypnotists in my area and I believed in my heart and soul that I was worth it. I came to understand that people who are looking for the lowest priced hypnotist are not my ideal client. When a potential client balked at the price, I “blessed and released them.” When deciding what to charge, it is so important for you to look at your services as an investment, not an expense. I once had a client who gave me a real sob story about finances and I agreed to offer her a sliding fee scale. When she arrived at my office in designer clothes, shoes and handbag, I realized she didn’t really value what I was offering. It was a great lesson for me to learn. Think about that when deciding what you will charge.
I’m stuck
When we are stuck, we need help to get unstuck. If our car is stuck in the mud, we call a tow truck to get us out. Hire a coach (or a really great hypnotist!) I’ve worked with so many women entrepreneurs over the years to fix their mindset and charge what they are worth. Angela came as a referral from her coach who said “My coach said she worked with you in ’07 and tripled her business in ’08 and I want that too!” Her coach came back a few years later for my help in breaking through the $35million dollar ceiling in her business.
I’m ready to charge what I’m worth
You feel ready to charge what you’re worth, but still may be feeling some butterflies before that first sales call or putting your rates on your website. Stand in a high power position (think superwoman) for two minutes or more. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy says research proves that this will drop your cortisol (stress hormone) levels and raise your testosterone (leadership qualities) levels. Besides, it’s fun and it feels good!
Whether you’re just starting out as a female entrepreneur or have been doing your own thing for years, these steps can help to boost your confidence and help you get paid what you are truly worth.
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