04 May 2010

What is your time worth?

OK,
I know this is a touchy subject....

All of us, who own a business
are subject to this question though....

What is your time worth?
Mostly...
we hear it expressed like this
"How much do you charge?"
and then we 
freeze......

Lingering doubt 
overwhelms us.....
negative feedback from crazy former clients
springs back to life in our 
frontal lobe....
we don't want to say....

But 
if we intend to become successful business
owners......
(IF is such a big word, don't you think?)

Then we must have an answer.

Here is something I have done in
the past to help me answer
 this question.

I went to seminars
conducted by "successful" people 
in my industry. 
And listened to
 what they did to 
develop their style
 and reputation.
And by,
Successful,
I don't mean just 
financially.
I mean that I have 
looked at their 
websites.....
seen their portfolios....
read client feedback....
and then,
made my own determination
as to their 
success.

Did I admire their style
(remember that I am a photographer)
Do I like the way that they promoted 
themselves. In other words,
were they boastful or did their 
personal assessment have to do with
achieving high ideals?

Success is a subtle thing.
In my mind,
money has very little to do with it.

Here is an example.
Over five years ago,
I was approached about photographing a wedding.
The bride had seen my work and wondered if 
I was willing to negotiate on price.
I wasn't over-booked, so I was willing to entertain
the notion.....and the result was a lasting friendship.
Not only did I receive my base pay,
but this lovely lady is now in the same industry
(photography)
 and allows me to mentor her.
It has been a win-win situation.




What am I worth?
Well, I know that my previous coverage of 
weddings says that I can record the moment 
 you want to see.
It says that I try very hard
 to stay out of the way....
 not "stage" your moment.
It says that I will make it my goal to
record people's reactions,
 smiles,
surprise,
 tears
 and pride 
with the 
utmost of respect.
Now 
what that is worth to 
someone 
depends....
smiles.

For more on this subject,
check out this article that 
instigated this train of thought.


4 comments:

  1. I have been seeing a lot of this angst around lately. You are an amazing photographer. Your time, talent and treasures are valuable;)

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  2. I think this is something you have to deal with in a way that stays true to you, but also allows room to move. I used to set a hight price on my paintings, now it is more important that I sell, and sell to people who love my work, so i cut the prices and it turns out well for both. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is always a struggle. It is definitely a mix of what feels right and what is reasonable in the market place. I will be looking at the article in your link. Thanks for sharing this.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment...I am grateful....smiles.