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Are You Charging What You Are Worth As A Coach, Consultant or Speaker?

By Marilyn Ellis

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Published: 27Dec2009
Word count: 502
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Establishing fees and setting boundaries with your clients is always the first priority of a business owner. If you are in a service provider industry, there can be quantifiable prices for supplies and tools and probably even industry standards for your hourly rate. But how do you measure your value as a coach, consultant or professional speaker?

Being all three, and belonging to several professional groups surrounding these industries, I can tell you that many haven't got a clue as to what to charge or even an inkling of the value they offer.

Here's what I hear most frequently among my poorest colleagues.

"I feel guilty charging for my natural gift." Every great artist and entertainer has a natural gift too. But they have also practiced, studied and sacrificed to fine tune their gifts and have no problem charging audiences for enjoying their talent. Haven't you done the same?

"I don't need to make a lot of money, I just want to help people. " Isn't that just an excuse for failure? The more money you make, the more good you can do with it and the more people you can help.

"Money will corrupt me." Really? Are you that corruptible? Money has nothing to do with character. There are many very good,kind, generous and spiritual people who are also very wealthy. They just don't make the news; instead they serve others humbly and quietly.

"Money is bad". Untrue. Money is a just a thing, a tool to use for good or bad. It's entirely your choice how you use it. More money can equal more good works. Money can save lives.

"I don't like selling and marketing" Then get out of business and get a job. Selling and marketing is a necessary part of growing your business. It is a good thing and its really fun! How else will people find out about you and benefit from your good work?

"I'm not comfortable promoting myself". Even the Bible says."Don't hide your light under a bushel".If you don't think you are worth it, how are you going to convince others?

We have a tendency to underestimate the value of what we do. We think that what we know is common knowledge and obvious common sense. Not true! You are unique, amazing and have skills, knowledge, life experiences and insights specific to you and no one else on the planet. You have worked hard to hone your skills. You want to serve others. You have no competition. If what you offer can truly inspire others, change lives and revitalize a business, how much is that worth? Here's an exercise to try. Stand in front of the mirror and practice saying, "My fee is $____and I'm worth it." Say it until you believe it and your eyes show it" Your first client is you and your first customer is you. You deserve to be paid well for what you do. Good Selling and Marketing and don't hide your light under a bushel.

Marilyn Ellis,"America's Organizer Coach", Author, Speaker, Professional Organizer, Business Development Coach. Her focus is on Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs. If you are stuck on the rocks, lost in the fog or surrounded by sharks, she will shine her harbor light on you. visit http://www.lighthouseorganizers.com to receive a free report and/or to purchase her books.

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