3 Tell-Tale Signs That It’s Time To Raise Your Fees

When it comes to fees and charging, most spiritual women feel a lot of conflict. We’re spiritual, we’re women… it’s a double-whammy of cultural conditioning that says “give it all away.”

Thing is, this leads to women chronically undercharging and waiting far too long to charge what their work is really worth. It may feel giving and generous, but as the saying goes, you can’t give when your cup is empty. Ultimately, undercharging leaves you depleted and defeats your purpose of making a big impact in the world.

Here are 3 “dead giveaways” (and one bonus!) that both you and your clients will be better served by giving yourself a raise:

Tell-Tale Sign #1: You’re exhausted instead of juiced.

Back when I was a direct response copywriter, I would spend hours and hours and hours and hours (did I mention hours?) on projects that paid very little. Sure, the money was nice when it was coming in, but 40+ hours on the project later … let’s just say it was hard to stay motivated. And I love writing.

Doing what you love should inspire, well, love. And gratitude. If you’re not feeling the love, that’s a big clue that you’re falling far short of receiving money in alignment with the energy you’re giving – and you simply can’t sustain that for the long haul.

Read more

Divine Feminine Entrepreneur Spotlight: Michelle Leath

“The best decision I’ve ever made!”

Michelle Leath
Leverage & Leadership client
UnlockYourPossibility.com

“Having recently launched my coaching business, I had a web site, a vision, and a lot of information, but no idea what to do next. I had a lot of doubt and fear around my ability to attract and enroll clients.   I was frequently tempted to discount my fees, give my services away or hold back entirely from making an offer. As a result, I was not even making a dent in creating enough income to meet my monthly needs.  I was also struggling with owning my own ‘mess’ and making it my message.

Just a couple of months into Leverage & Leadership, I am finally stepping into my value! I have created my Food Freedom VIP Day program, created my signature talk, and launched a new blog specifically focused on eating disorder recovery. I am becoming more and more comfortable and skilled at delivering strategy sessions, and have learned how to make a strategy session offer from the stage that people enthusiastically raise their hands for.

As a result I’ve booked 7 highly-targeted speaking engagements, held my first teleseminar, and have almost doubled my list. Even more exciting is that I enrolled my first two VIP Day clients, and created over $2700 of income in just one month, which for me is a milestone!

I am overflowing with gratitude for Elizabeth’s wisdom, compassionate guidance & support, and the support of the other amazing women in the program with me. I’m especially grateful that I found the courage to make this investment in myself and my business – it’s the best decision I’ve ever made!”

Is It Time To Step Up To 1-On-1 Support?

Being an entrepreneur can often feel like the loneliest job on the planet.  Nobody in “the real world” gets what you’re doing, there are about a zillion new skills to learn, you’re responsible for everything, and oh yeah – every emotional trigger and hot button you have will get pushed in the process.  (Good times!)

It’s no wonder that so many women give up on their dreams of being successful, or keep themselves playing so small that they never make even a fraction of the impact they want.  But it doesn’t have to be this way!

The key to making it through the biggest challenges in your business is working very closely with someone who has “been there and done that” – a personal mentor.

Running your business is NOT a solo act.  You can try to figure it all out on your own (or piece everything together from trainings, or watching what others do) for a little while… if you like making costly mistakes.  At some point, you need someone to SHOW you the shortest, fastest path to the outcome you desire.

Hiring a personal mentor is a big decision, and it’s an investment.  And yet, waiting too long can be even more expensive.   So how do you know when it’s time to step up to 1-on-1 support?  Start by honestly answering these questions:

Read more

Divine Feminine Entrepreneur Spotlight: Bonita Richter

“The most cash ever in the shortest period of time:
$45,000 in 60 days.”

Bonita Richter
Leverage & Leadership client
BonitaRichter.com

“Before working with Elizabeth, my business was growing but I knew there was a lot more potential.  I was enrolling clients, but I didn’t know how to put offers together in a way that created consistent cash flow.  Without a concrete plan to bring in consistent revenue, I felt frustrated and stuck, plus I was working just part-time in my business.

In the 60 days I’ve been working with Elizabeth, I’ve generated the most cash I ever have in the shortest period of time – $45,000 in 60 days.  I have a 12-month cash flow plan that far exceeds any goals I would have set by myself.   I’ve created my first Platinum group and will be stepping into some very big things this year, like hosting my first event.

With Elizabeth holding a space for me to step into, I feel 1000% more confident that I can be successful.  I know I have someone who is shining a light for me as to where to go.  I have great clients, and for the first time, my business is positioned to grow with a plan that feels right to me.  Best of all, I’m achieving my goal of going “full-time” in my business, a decision I’d been delaying for 2 years!”

How To Give Yourself Permission To Go For What You Really Want

I’m often asked by the women I mentor, “Elizabeth, how is it that you get to work with such amazing clients and built a multi-6-figure business so quickly?”

Yes, I have the skills – marketing, sales, coaching, copywriting, and more – that go into making a business successful.  But the real answer is that I gave myself permission to be successful.

There is a part of us that longs for approval and begs for permission. As you’ve probably discovered, you can give time to that part ‘til your dying day… and still it’ll never be satisfied.  Which means that at some point you have to just say, “This is who I am.  This is what I’m going to do.  Starting… now.”

Now you might be thinking, “Easier said than done, Elizabeth,” especially if you wrastle with doubts, fears and feeling like you’re not good enough.  And trust me, Goddess… I know EXACTLY what that’s like.

But once I made the commitment to go for what I really wanted in business, no matter how much “stuff” I had to move… I discovered that there’s actually a method to giving yourself permission.  And I want to share it – my gift to you!

Step 1: Recognize that all the “yeahbuts” aren’t really your own.

As human beings, we can’t help but “pick up stuff” from the people in our environment, especially as children.   Then the beliefs that are handed to us when we’re young end up running the show for years – rearing their heads as doubts, fears, and feelings of inadequacy every time we try to take a step forward.

Most people will never realize this is happening, let alone shift it.  But as entrepreneurs, moving through fear is not an option – it’s a requirement.

Here’s a simple way to get started.  The next time you feel doubt, fear or an inkling of “I can’t,” stop and examine the idea from a place of curiosity.  Is it truly yours?  Probably not. You can safely release it or give it back to whoever it came from.

Step 2: Surround yourself with support

One of the most vulnerable stories I share with my circle is that of my husband Leland calling me forward.  At a time when I was completely on my knees, he was the one person who said, “I will not stand for you holding yourself as anything less than the powerful woman you truly are.”  He could see my brilliance when I couldn’t see it for myself.

Without that reflection, I can honestly say that I’d probably still be in the same place.  And that’s why it’s SO important that you surround yourself with people who will SEE you.

Most women don’t have people in their day to day lives who truly see them and hold them accountable to their greatness.  But I promise you, there are people out there who WILL.  It’s your responsibility to find them, even when it means investing in yourself to do it.

Step 3: Create impeccable boundaries.

The flipside of receiving support is boundaries.  Surrounding yourself with amazing people also means limiting your exposure to negative, dream-stealing people and ideas.

No, this doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your friends – in fact, your growth can be a true gift to those you care about.  You can have compassion for those who are hurting, as negative people truly are. But you must take back your power by setting clear boundaries with the people who drag you down.  (This also goes for what media you allow into your field. Turning off the television is a great first step!)

Step 4: Put yourself in the game.

When the clutter of doubt, fear, and negativity is gone, what do you get to say YES to?

Hire the mentor.  Go to the event.  Reach out to that potential partner.  Throw the “rules” out the window and be yourself.  Say what you really mean without worrying what others will think.  When you’re feeling shaky, reach out to your support system.

Saying YES to your dream consistently is a practice, one that creates incredible momentum.  Small “yeses” count – celebrate them all!

The Difference Between Bliss And Mediocrity Is Giving Yourself Permission.

Whatever you want to create this year – whether it’s to double or triple your business, cut the time you work in half, treat yourself to a 2-week vacation, share the stage with big players, land your book deal – you can have it when you give yourself permission.

It’s easy to look at others and envy what they have, but really, the only difference between them and you is that they said YES and followed through.  You can do the same – no matter what you wish to be, do or have.