Comments on: If this bothers you, you’re likely selling yourself short

By: Cynthia Occelli

Cynthia Occelli — Wed, 08 May 2019 01:59:03 +0000

In reply to Elio Chavez, Jr.. You are too! <3

By: Elio Chavez, Jr.

Elio Chavez, Jr. — Thu, 02 May 2019 22:05:46 +0000

You’re the bomb!

By: ResurrectingVenus

ResurrectingVenus — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 21:58:00 +0000

In reply to Alice Ann Hengesbach. Love your comment, Alice. So spot on. :)

By: Alice Ann Hengesbach

Alice Ann Hengesbach — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 21:00:00 +0000

I have been and currently am in professions which require me to sell “my time.” I find that when I do not discount my time I set strong expectations for both the client and myself. Every now and then should I choose to charge a little less because I want to be helpful…I TELL THE CLIENT! Generally in marketing and public relations I don’t discount; and, in healthcare I don’t discount. It’s all about value … cheapest is not the best.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:04:00 +0000

Thank you for this post, Cynthia. As a life coach and entrepreneur, there are a those who have blazed the trail before me that inspire me and assist in guiding me through navigating my own way. You are at the top of that list. I find that when I look for answers, really look… they show up. Here is one such answer, so thank you. I’ve been careful not to compare myself to others regarding fees, but am also open to what works and what doesn’t for others. I established my fees and then have gone back in several times to “adjust” when clients aren’t showing up. I feel good about where my price point is at present. Where I struggle is in spending time with someone who says they want to work with me (in recent cases, acquaintances), write up a proposal and then they quickly shift to “oh, I’m not ready yet” or in other words, I don’t want to spend that kind of money. They know what my fees are prior to my meeting with them. I am working to push past this wall and am sharing as this is somewhat along the lines of potential clients wanting reduced fees. I believe in the value I offer and I know that clients will show up. Thanks again for your post and for allowing me to “brain dump” here. Again, you inspire me! So thank you for that.

By: Tracy Seegrist

Tracy Seegrist — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 13:56:00 +0000

I agree completely! I am in the service industry and my experience has been as you’ve described.

By: Alice Koko

Alice Koko — Wed, 29 May 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Good Morning!
Fantastic piece of advice, as self-employed I struggle with price reduction for sake of economy and people who want it cheap. But the bottom line is, that I need to pay my bills and put food on the table too and by clients seeking discount simply put no value on what I do, they just want it cheap! Greedy for more and pay less. Knowing how much effort, skill and love I put in what I do- reminds me to stay firm! I truly understand that times are tough for all of us, but I try to distance myself from reducing already in my opinion reasonable prices! If people truly value what I do, they will pay! If they are just window shopping,so be it! Even when it comes to those I know and friends,I remind myself to be professional not let them walk over me!
This is a big issue, inner battle, to lower your own achievements to Walmart level.
Big Thank You, for reminding that we have to hold our value to our own standards and not give into bargaining of cheap minds!

By: ResurrectingVenus

ResurrectingVenus — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:22:00 +0000

In reply to Kim.

Kim, I hear you! I was most interested in family and property law and while in law school, I had the opportunity to spent time with lots of people with those practices. It was terrible! Whatever the outcome in a family law case, it rarely makes anyone happy. Happy would be keeping everything, retaining custody and getting support! NOT GOING TO HAPPEN 🙂 and then there are tough cases with things like abuse, adultery, theft allegations etc. Of course the lawyer is looked at as a psychologist too. Property law was less emotional in a sad way, but many people lose all appearances of grace when their money or potential profit is at stake. At the end of the deal or settlement both types of clients lamented the bill and wanted a reduction. The clients who complained about price from the beginning were, like you noted, super high maintenance and insatiable.

Thank you for your comment. I am very clear on why I don’t practice law 🙂

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:03:00 +0000

I work in a law office as a paralegal (family law for the most part) and more often than not, when a client requests a fee reduction those client’s turn out to be troublesome, their own worse enemy and typically end up subbing us out because they want to litigate their emotions while the attorney is only interested in the law. The children suffer because the parents “have no boundaries” when venting their frustrations in front of their children, they are angry over 50/50 community property, child and spousal support, etc. In short, you discount your fees, the client is unrealistic, angry, and suddenly cannot pay even your discounted fees. It’s just not worth it!

Stand by your fees! Serious fees beget serious clients! Your intuition will let you know when you should step up on a pro bono basis.

By: Mary Kay Maas

Mary Kay Maas — Mon, 27 May 2013 19:17:00 +0000

Amen.

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:51:00 +0000

In reply to Robin Colucci. Absolute pleasure Robyn thank you also :)

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:49:00 +0000

In reply to ResurrectingVenus. My absolute pleasure Cynthia Thank you so much for the opportunity and all you are :)

By: Robin Colucci

Robin Colucci — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:44:00 +0000

In reply to Tracyg. That's a great breakthrough, Tracy! Good for you!

By: Robin Colucci

Robin Colucci — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:43:00 +0000

In reply to NVhealer. Yes, we are not talking about medical care or therapy. We are talking about coaching and consulting which assumes the person has their basic well-being handled and is ready to up-level and create the life of their dreams.

By: Robin Colucci

Robin Colucci — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:41:00 +0000

In reply to Liz. Thanks, Liz. :)

By: ResurrectingVenus

ResurrectingVenus — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:34:00 +0000

In reply to Mikel Ann. I completely agree and it's funny you mention hairstylists, I have a great hairstylist friend and EVERYONE asks her to cut her rates as a "friend." Not so friendly, is it? Thank you for commenting and giving such good insights :)

By: ResurrectingVenus

ResurrectingVenus — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:34:00 +0000

In reply to Robin Colucci. AMEN!

By: ResurrectingVenus

ResurrectingVenus — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:32:00 +0000

In reply to Tracyg. Tracy, You help others with your example. Love to you!

By: ResurrectingVenus

ResurrectingVenus — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:31:00 +0000

In reply to NVhealer. Hi Love, The people I coach are typically not dealing with people in crisis and most give money and time to organizations that support people in need. I am very happy that you received what you need. Love and hugs to you.

By: ResurrectingVenus

ResurrectingVenus — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:24:00 +0000

In reply to Liz. Thanks, Liz. I appreciate you listening and sharing, especially as a therapist. :)