Transparency is how we know we're on the right path and that extends to those who are comfortable with sharing what they charge or what they make. We often don't know that we're underselling ourselves or being underpaid until someone who's been at this longer informs us. That's why some folks are open about their salary much to the annoyance of the companies they work for lol. I don't see how a freelancer doing essentially the same thing is being "cringey."
I think people see a high price tag as a deterrent when it should really be a goal if it's something you want. Rachel Rodgers, who is the founder of Hello 7 and an incredibly successful business coach, spoke about this and it stuck with me. She was explaining in her book, "We Should All Be Millionaires," that for whatever reason people are actually better clients when they're paying an amount of money that counts as an investment in the service being provided. When they're paying what they may consider to be an insignificant amount they're lazy about staying on top of their side of the transaction whether that's attending a course and putting their all into it or providing documents and materials necessary for the service to be completed. It's a rather strange occurrence but it's true.
Thank you, Amy, for being transparent. I do believe it helps with perspective shifting. I know it did for me. I knew you can make a living as a writer but I had always tied that to an established institution, a place that lends its credibility to you. And while I see no issue with writers looking to find a place at legacy/known outlets as a staff member, getting laid off from a publication did teach me that I don't want my entire livelihood tied to the needs or whims of a business or industry particularly one as mercurial and in constant flux as media. Your newsletter has been a major help and motivator as someone who is figuring out next steps and how I want to move in the writing space.
Thanks Sabrina -- I appreciate your encouragement and insight, especially about the example with Rachel Rodgers. I've seen the same thing -- clients who are truly investing in something really do see it differently and treat the project as sacred. That makes the experience (and the output!) better on both sides of the transaction.
Girl, God bless you—-seriously! I cannot tell you how much your newsletter and blog have helped me through this agonizing journey of freelancing and self-promo. Love the way you assert your points without shame. We need so much more of this. Thank you for being such a reliable, forthright, and generous resource for all of us out here hustling 🩷
Transparency is how we know we're on the right path and that extends to those who are comfortable with sharing what they charge or what they make. We often don't know that we're underselling ourselves or being underpaid until someone who's been at this longer informs us. That's why some folks are open about their salary much to the annoyance of the companies they work for lol. I don't see how a freelancer doing essentially the same thing is being "cringey."
I think people see a high price tag as a deterrent when it should really be a goal if it's something you want. Rachel Rodgers, who is the founder of Hello 7 and an incredibly successful business coach, spoke about this and it stuck with me. She was explaining in her book, "We Should All Be Millionaires," that for whatever reason people are actually better clients when they're paying an amount of money that counts as an investment in the service being provided. When they're paying what they may consider to be an insignificant amount they're lazy about staying on top of their side of the transaction whether that's attending a course and putting their all into it or providing documents and materials necessary for the service to be completed. It's a rather strange occurrence but it's true.
Thank you, Amy, for being transparent. I do believe it helps with perspective shifting. I know it did for me. I knew you can make a living as a writer but I had always tied that to an established institution, a place that lends its credibility to you. And while I see no issue with writers looking to find a place at legacy/known outlets as a staff member, getting laid off from a publication did teach me that I don't want my entire livelihood tied to the needs or whims of a business or industry particularly one as mercurial and in constant flux as media. Your newsletter has been a major help and motivator as someone who is figuring out next steps and how I want to move in the writing space.
Thanks Sabrina -- I appreciate your encouragement and insight, especially about the example with Rachel Rodgers. I've seen the same thing -- clients who are truly investing in something really do see it differently and treat the project as sacred. That makes the experience (and the output!) better on both sides of the transaction.
Girl, God bless you—-seriously! I cannot tell you how much your newsletter and blog have helped me through this agonizing journey of freelancing and self-promo. Love the way you assert your points without shame. We need so much more of this. Thank you for being such a reliable, forthright, and generous resource for all of us out here hustling 🩷
Thanks, Ann -- I appreciate you!