I think for years I suffered from Imposter Syndrome i.e. thinking that I wasn't as good as other people may have thought I was. I guess it stems from leaving school without school certificate with the mindset that I wasn't really ever going to succeed in life.
It wasn't until my later years that I finally realised that yes, my time is super valuable and what I have achieved in my life is worth paying for.
Once I started blogging and built a brand for myself with my Sydney Lifestyle Blog, Sydney Chic, it took off much quicker than I imagined. In fact, I was receiving invites to VIP events and products to review from PR companies within 6 months of launching in 2013. This did wonders for my ego (all the wrong reasons to be blogging - that soon changed). However as the brand grew, I grew with it and the blog became a full time business. Since starting Sydney Chic I have amassed a genuine following in social media as well as the people who visit the site.
It's taken me nearly five years of hours and hours of work. I do all the website work and marketing. Recently, I have taken on some intern contributors which is a big help.
What I have noticed, and what blows my mind, is the number of PR companies and brands who have zero respect for my time. I can't tell you how many press releases I receive from PR companies suggesting that my audiences will love their client! Thankfully, I have finally come to the point where I say no. Or I simply delete their email without responding. I even had one PR company insist that I give her in depth details of the coverage of an event I advertised for her client for free! She was quickly told no. The fact is, these people basically want me to spend my time promoting their product or their client's without paying me. I'd love to know how they think I can actually fund this free service for them?
Thank goodness I now realise the value of my following and I can, easily without fail say, no thank you or you might like to consider paying to tap into my audience.
I hope that you too, value your time and don't let people walk all over you for their own benefit.
HOW TO GET THE CONFIDENCE TO CHARGE FOR YOUR TIME
Start appreciating yourself and acknowledge that what you know is valuable
Look at other people in your field of expertise and check out their value proposition
How long did it take you to become an expert in your field? Well isn't all that time worth other people paying for to tap into your knowledge?
Do not give your IP away for free - if anyone ever asks to 'pick your brain' you come back with "I'd love to help you with that, let me know exactly it is you would like to know and I'll put a quote together for you for my time"
Make a list of all the things you are good at in your role and go over it every day
Chat with other people in similar fields about what they charge - hopefully their confidence will rub off on you
Practice out loud (looking in the mirror) how you confidently quote your fee
Stop doubting yourself
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