Why does pricing get us so worked up? Because it’s hard, people! There are so many factors that go into coming up with a fee that feels good to you and your client, that it gets most of us a little bent out of shape at times. The complexity inherent in pricing creativity—and the belief that an hourly rate serves no one—is probably the reason that helping creatives get paid what they’re worth has been a theme for my entire…
I recently hosted a brand new webinar called “How To Break The Hourly Rate Trap” for the Freelancer’s Union. I had a feeling this topic might be right up the freelancer folks’ alley, but I wasn’t prepared for the incredible level of engagement and energy from the folks who showed up. It turns out that just about everyone wonders if their pricing is on the money (sorry, I couldn’t resist!). So, why is pricing such a challenge for creative freelancers?…
One of the biggest challenges creatives share with me is knowing how much to charge for their services. Can you relate? If you can, you’re not alone. Pricing something as subjective as creativity can feel like a confounding riddle at best and an impossible task at worst. Throw in limiting beliefs, scarcity thinking, and discomfort talking about money, and you’ve got a holy mess on your hands. Is it any wonder pricing remains an issue for so many? So, you…
Perhaps you have some great clients who agree to your fees, respect your time, and love the results you deliver (we love those ones!). Or, maybe you have clients you love, but can’t really afford you and consistently push back against your rates (that one’s a bit tougher). And you probably have had the awful clients that nickel and dime you, torture you every step of the way, and are never happy (I give you full permission to let those…
As a business coach for creative business owners, I can honestly say most clients entering my practice aren’t charging enough. Not nearly enough. And I understand why. I remember a pricing conversation in my days as an agent for independent creatives with a prospective client that I’m sure will sound familiar. The prospect was a large national brand looking for an estimate for tagline development. When I quoted the fee, the woman on the end of the phone practically fell…
Three Things is a monthly newsletter designed to help creative professionals, founders, and freelancers get clear, stay focused, and build momentum in a landscape that’s always shifting.
Each edition includes a personal insight, a mindset-shifting reframe, and three practical, doable steps to help you build a fulfilling, efficient, and profitable creative business.