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.

HERE