#ThursdayThoughts: Self Worth/Value

Well I'm a little late posting but as they say, better late than never.

Last week we talked about getting paid for your worth.

Today I'd like to discuss Self Worth / Self Value.

In today's society there is a value put on everything and many people won't pay more for an item or service than what they perceive it is worth.

On the other hand, some folks won't charge appropriately for their products and/or services because of their feelings (or lack there of) of Self Value and Self Worth.

Now I'm not saying you should price your products/services so high the person needing them can't afford to purchase or hire you.

But neither should your price be so low folks won't think they're getting decent, reliable, quality products/service for their investment.

Here are a few rules of thumb when setting your prices: 
Research Industry Standard

If you are new to the business/service/product you are selling then set your prices lower than industry standard, but enough that you feel satisfied.

Once you have a few years experience, or more than 1 quality product, raise your prices to reflect that.

Be honest with yourself! If your sense of self worth/value don't match up to the prices you'd like to make then do the spiritual/mental work to get in alignment with what you're doing, where you're at and what your goals are.

After all, if you don't value yourself and the work you do, no one else will either!

Something to think about!!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

#ThursdayThoughts: Knowledge + Experience = Value

We've all heard the old adage, "knowledge is power" and the many variations that go along with that....

© Stephen Vanhorn | Dreamstime.com | Knowledge Is Power

The more you know the more valuable you are.
Knowledge & Experience = job security.

Yada, Yada, Yada.

But how many times in life are we REALLY paid our worth?

Better yet, how often do we charge what we're worth?

As a freelance writer/editor/promotions person I'm often faced with the issue of knowing what to charge. I know what the industry standards are, I also know how it is to need these services and yet not have the budget for them.

Add to that I love what I'm doing and I love helping people and well....there's a fine line that often gets blurred or crossed out altogether when it comes to getting paid for my work, my knowledge and my experience.

© Arcady31 | Dreamstime.com - Experience Sign Photo

We've also heard..."Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."

That's bull LOL! Most of us who do what we love work harder and longer than in a "normal" 9 to 5 job. 

Just ask any self-employed/freelance/contract labor professional. Ask any teacher for that matter.

Here's the deal....as much as I love helping people and sharing what I've learned, my knowledge and experience ARE valuable and I deserve to be paid for doing what I love most!

Yes, like many people I too take advantage of free stuff....like royalty free photos which can be found at Dreamstime, videos and tutorials on YouTube, etc., but I always try to pay something....whether that's a simple acknowledgement and link back to the origin, a byline, or a gift/donation to the provider.

So when I offer my knowledge and experience to you like I have by putting these articles on my website, if you can pay then please do. And, if you ask for my services and I don't know what to charge or you can't pay what I would normally charge, at least offer something, pay what you can, and/or set up a payment arrangement and honor it.

After all, Knowledge+ Experience + Time are valuable.

Something to think about!!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

PS: Speaking of FREE things...don't forget you still have multiple chances to win a copy of Circles of Fate! Details HERE.