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.
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