Want to know what keeps a lot of freelancers and service providers from charging what they’re really worth?
It’s that all-too-common belief that “I am not a salesperson.” Combine that with a healthy dose of “It’s rude to discuss money,” and you can see why it’s just easier to keep your rates low.
It’s time to think of your services from a different angle. Not only will you see things in a clearer light but selling suddenly won’t feel so…salesy.
Here’s how traditional pricing discussions go:
You talk to a potential client, and you explain what you can offer, how your freelancing or service works, what he or she can expect (how many calls/emails, phases of work, length of contract), etc. And then you say, “My rate is $XXX.00.”
Your client either says yes, no or (the kiss of death) maybe.
Let’s turn that around, and rather than focus on what he or she will get from YOU, take a look at what she will achieve when she hires you.
For a business freelancer, this is easy. Talk money. How much more profit will your client make when she/he hires you? If your service fee is $1,000 per month, but you can show her how to increase her sales by $3,000 per month, then your price is inconsequential. She’ll earn it back three times over, not only while you’re actively servicing her, but for the rest of her business life.
Who wouldn’t jump on that with both feet?
What you’re doing here is not talking about the cost of your services, but rather the cost of not hiring you. Because if she doesn’t work with you, she’s losing $3,000 per month.
What about other kinds of freelancers though? The same applies, you just have to find a way to show your clients the cost of their inaction.
If you’re a marketing person, inaction (to your potential client) might mean years of feeling unhappy and unfulfilled. Imagine what it might be worth to your client to lift that depressing burden forever?
The same goes for other types of providers. What can you add to their bottom line on a regular basis? That’s priceless.
You just have to paint the picture.
What will life/business look like without your services, and what can it look like with you? Once they see the difference, pricing becomes nearly irrelevant.
Be creative in setting up what you’ll say when you get to that part of the client interview and things will go smoothly.
Jeannine Grich, CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, provides marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. For information about finding a VA, download her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or to learn why Social Media should be an important part of your marketing plan check out her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: https://accbizsvc.com/, or contact her at Jeannine@accbizsvcs
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