SEATTLE -- But, if you happen to come across a new persona in need of your miscellaneous skills (and you will do it pretty soon), the following pieces of advice will be quite useful.
Raise your rates at once (like, right now)
Haven’t you been raising the sum you charge your clients within the last six months? Too bad, it means you have old-fashioned rates, and it means you’ve been out of business for half a year. The truth is simple – the more you charge, the more you earn. Sounds obvious? Then why haven’t you done it by now? If you feel that your rates should be higher, raise them without a moment’s hesitation. Being afraid to repel clients off by increasing the charges means being afraid off higher incomes.
Your clients seek value, not cheap prices
Hiring a freelancer or outsourcing expert like yourself, clients never see themselves in a mall looking for the lowest price at the cost of quality. No, business owners usually have enough money to afford consistent and efficient solutions, and they are ready to pay someone the sum required to have the job done. All you need is to be that very person.
Are you charging 20% more than your competitors? Provide results 10% better and clients will plate you with gold. Do more, earn more. If you can’t ensure top-notch results, then you’ll be earning as much as you do right now. No pain, no gain (and no magic could ever amend that). Thus, each time you increase the charge rates, be ready to put an extra effort.
Cast a mysterious aura, create an arcane image, make a name
Smart men say: “For ten years I’ve been making a name. Now it’s high time the name starts working for me.” Thought-leaders, field mavens and business wallahs charge 30% more only because their name is familiar to every second employer. It’s like buying a Mercedes Bens car: brand name constitutes nearly half the price of the ride, but it’s 100% worth spending money on.
So, if your name is on the lips of potential clients, the price of your services can be increased right off, and they will be paying it to have you do the task.
Aren’t you that popular and renowned at the moment? A couple of hints may apply. First, get yourself a fancy nickname. For example, if you’re a marketing copywriter, call yourself a marketing wordsmith. If you’re an accountant, call yourself a financial advisor, etc. Secondly, focus on one or a set of skills you’re especially good at and point out what you do the best. And thirdly, charge per hour, not per the amount of work done. At the beginning, it will be difficult to come to terms with clients, but in the future such approach will pay off quite well. (Here at http://academic-writing.org/blog you may also find some interesting and informative articles regarding training and self-development).
Know your price
The bottom line of the entire article is that you have to stand in front of a mirror, look at yourself and tell (with all honesty) how much the price of your services truly is. Remember, cheap attracts cheap. Doing low-paid job just because you need money is a very short-limited temporary solution. And thinking globally means charging 1) the righteous sum and then 2) the greater sum. Is some client offering you less money than you deserve? Don’t step over yourself, better say “No” and have a rest instead. In three days, the same client will approach you with an offer featuring the rates you want. Just be patient and be smart.
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