Originally published September 13, 2012
I called a colleague with a question the other day, and when I said, “Have a quick question for you,” she replied (in jest), “Five bucks.” We both shared a laugh about it, and later reflected on how important it is to value our time as professionals, regardless of our industry. Currently, I value my time at an average of $2.50 per minute, depending upon the specific work required of me. Key here is to know how much your time is worth, whether you charge hourly or flat fees.
In the service industry, we often make the mistake of marketing our time because we know that it is time – and expertise – for which clients actually pay when we deliver intangible products. Rather, consider this: learn to value your time and expertise first. Then market that value instead. If you think only of the time it takes you to complete a job, you could work yourself into a rut in which you don’t earn what you’re truly worth. By learning how to value yourself and then by marketing that value, you offer yourself greater opportunity for current and future business. What’s your value? How do you market that value to clients? Share in comments.