What is your value and why does it matter?

 
"I'm not good enough."
"That photographer's work is much better than mine."
"No one would pay that much for my services."

Have you ever said any of those phrases (or all of them)? Are you living in fear of being successful? Do you undervalue yourself?

​First and foremost is figuring out where that comes from. I never valued myself. I compared myself to everyone else in every area of my life. I started working with someone (and energy healer and life coach) who helped me figure out where that came from. I worked hard to overcome it. 

But what also helped me was education. I was still scared to price myself at the price points I knew I should. As a result, I'd raise prices "just a little  at a time". It didn't work for me in the long run. When I started, I was doing this "on the side" But guess what? That doesn't matter. You still should charge what you would for full time especially if you think you will consider moving it to full time at some point. 

I learned more about the things I had been doing wrong in my business and once I got all of my ducks in a row, I also ran the most comprehensive financial analysis I had done. I realized I lacked the solid foundation I needed to figure out how best to run a profitable business. I had studied marketing and management and literally had a course that focused a lot on business plans. I had to create one that would determine if I passed or failed the course. Yet, I didn't create one for my business originally. Once I did, I realized how much it was needed. Not only does a solid business plan lay out your plans and goals but it contains all of the financial aspects and marketing plans to help you stay on track. I have created a Business Plan for Photographers bundle that includes a plan template and guide as well as all accompanying worksheets. This will be released very soon (join my email list to be sure you have it at the introductory rate). But even if you don't get it from me, find one. You generally have to find a business plan from one place, then a cost of doing business worksheet from another, your startup expense worksheet from yet another location. But, they are out there. 

Back to value. If you don't value yourself, others won't either. I hear a lot of people say, "I raised my prices but people tell me I'm too expensive."
There will always be some people who will tell you that. However, two things are probably happening (or at least one of them). 

1. You are not targeting the RIGHT clients. There are plenty of people out
       there who will value you and what you provide.
2. You are still not valuing yourself and that is being portrayed to others. 
       When you are still hesitant about your own worth, that comes across
​       to others. You lack the clear confidence you need to "sell" yourself
       and your services. 

Again, finding ways to work through that is important. In some o fly workshops, I will have a professional who helps with overcoming your fears and old beliefs about yourself. It is an invaluable service that helps in your business and really, your whole life. It was pretty transformative for me. 

When I first hiked my prices, I was so scared and still didn't value myself. I knew I wasn't portraying confidence to potential or current clients. The result was low sales. This was also caused by still keeping prices a little lower than needed and not meeting my minimums (fear of my worth). Then, I had a few clients who spent a lot and would have spent more if the prices were higher. I found that just these few clients who valued me in that way were a piece of what I needed to see it was possible. When I was still fulfilling old client's contracts (I had a could who had booked newborn sessions at my super low prices), I found myself frustrated realizing I was making NOTHING on them but doing a lot of work. These people also tended to be more high maintenance and demanding than those spending more (crazy, right?). Now, I can't imagine working for less than I'm worth and what I need to make to run my business and support my life. I mean, I think it's fair to want to pay my bills, have health insurance, save for retirement, buy groceries and maybe take some vacations, right?? We have the right to do all of this just as others do. 

So, I challenge you to dig deep. Figure out where that feeling of unworthiness comes from. Work on it. Create a business plan so you can actually SEE what needs to be done, what you NEED to make to survive and be successful and then, put it into action. 

I'm here to help. If you want to learn more about workshops and services or even the Business Plan bundle, schedule a free discovery call below.

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