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.

Tell-Tale Sign #2: You feel resentful towards your clients.

Ironically, women who undercharge often find themselves attracting needy and demanding clients. But even the best of clients can become a drain when you’re not charging enough. (Or not charging enough and overdelivering!) If you’re feeling resentful and feeling guilty… it’s time for a shift.

Tell-Tale Sign #3: You’re working constantly and still just getting by.

You can always create more money, but you can never create more time. So when you’re signing on clients and charging too little, what happens? You get burned out… quickly.

One of my past Platinum clients was in a situation where she had two choices: continue to serve the last few clients in the “old way” of working (dollars for hours), or release them with love if they weren’t ready to step into her new high-end packages. The decision was really weighing on her because they were awesome clients who she deeply cared about. (There was a lot of history there, too – all of them had been with her for years.)

With a little coaching, she had a huge breakthrough: saying yes to those old clients would have meant saying no to herself – her own needs, self-care, time with her family, and her dreams of a much bigger business. (And the opportunity to give those clients something bigger to step into, as well.)

And here’s one more tell-tale sign you’re charging too little…

When clients consistently quibble about your already-low fees, chances are it’s time to raise them. Counter-intuitive, I know, but experience has shown this again and again. (Indeed, back in my copywriting days, increasing the price of a floundering offer would often increase conversion.)

“But Elizabeth,” you may be saying, “My fees are already way too low and people are complaining. How can I raise them when I can’t even get them to say yes now?” (I hear this all the time!)

The way to authentically increasing your fees is this…

To increase your fees and feel great about it, you must stay connected to the value of the transformation your clients get. What really gets to happen for them as a result of your work? How can their lives change when they step up and you step up… together?

Often this means letting go of the clients who aren’t a fit for the value you provide, and turning your attention to those who are. Remember, energy follows energy. When you own your value first, you’ll naturally attract clients who value you… and themselves as well.

A Breathtaking Example Of “Add Massive Value” In Action

Just got back from Milana Leshinsky’s incredible weekend intensive, The Bliss Factor. That’s me with Sanyika Calloway Boyce.  I discovered Sanyika and her work for the first time at the workshop.

If you’ve ever met Sanyika, you know what a warm, vibrant person she is! And her story is incredible. After graduating from college with cripping debt, she went on to become the financial fitness expert for teenagers (and now adults).  Along the way, she made hundreds of appearances on national and local media.  Now she also teaches entrepreneurs how to become TV-ready guest experts that producers love and invite back.

Sanyika’s presentation at the workshop was full of valuable content and kept all of us on the edge of our seats. Her offer for her Television Publicity Secrets course was strong.  But there was another expert on leveraging television for business at the workshop, and many participants chose to invest with him.

Instead of being daunted (or feeling rejected), as others may have been, Sanyika took action. She approached those who had purchased the other program and from a place of service, asked two powerful questions:

“Why did you choose this one?”
“What else can I help you with?”

The other expert had offered a “done for you” infomercial package.  His new customers said they could really use some support around getting ready for the camera and feeling comfortable and confident on video.

Within a day, Sanyika put together a package to help them do just that. She presented her new package at the end of the workshop.

This time, about half the room took her up on it. Even those who hadn’t purchased the infomercial said they had been holding back on using one of the best marketing tools out there, online video, because they felt uncomfortable in front of the camera.  Talk about finding a need and filling it!

I thought, “This is a woman who truly gets it.”

Most people would have felt “too pushy” asking someone else’s new clients for feedback.  They would have stopped themselves.  And that would be a shame.  This way, Sanyika got to help more people, and they will get the massive benefit of working with HER.

Plus, they felt listened to, and heard. How could they not?  That kind of massive action speaks volumes.

Sanyika’s mantra throughout the entire weekend was, “How can I help?” and “I’m here to support you.” It didn’t surprise me to learn that she created her Television Publicity Secrets system because her peeps kept asking, “Can you help me get on TV?”

(One last thing: if you visit Sanyika’s Television Publicity Secrets page, you’ll see her contact information right at the top of the page.  Is she someone who puts her clients and customers first?  Clearly!)

Sanyika, you rock! I look forward to working with you.