If you’re a coach and/or consultant it’s likely you began your business because you have a need to make a difference. There’s also a good chance you would do what you do even if you didn’t get paid for it.
This is when you know your career is a great match for your passion; you love it so much you can’t help but do it.
However, in order to continue doing what you love and run it like a business you absolutely must get paid for your services. The challenge for many coaches and consultants, especially those new to running a business is this; they either don’t know what to charge, when to charge or how to ask for the paid business. There seems to be an invisible line of comfort one crosses when money figures into the equation.
Anyone who is going to not only survive, but thrive in this industry, needs to establish from the beginning that they not only deserve to get paid, but paid well for services rendered.
There is never a lack of people who will gladly use your services and tell you what a difference you are making for them until you talk money. Then many of your greatest cheerleaders suddenly disappear leaving you to doubt your abilities and/or wonder why you ever thought giving your services away would somehow turn a free client into a paid client.
Unfortunately, many coaches and consultants are under the false impression that if they can just show how wonderful they are money will somehow jump from the free clients pockets into their bank account. Rarely is this the case.
Granted, there are occasions where it is acceptable to “showcase” what you do. But knowing where to draw the line is critical to building a thriving business.
From the beginning establish within your own mind that it is okay to charge. What you charge is based on a number of factors:
- Uniqueness of what you offer
- Skill set
- Expertise
- Track record of success
- Experience
- Market demand
As much as you know your clients need a coach and/or consultant to address specific areas, it is likely you would benefit from having a mentor who will guide you through the process of how to go from free to fee. The sooner you get on board with the “I deserve to be paid” mindset the sooner your business is to grow. The sooner your business grows the more you can live your passion and focus on what you do best – coach and consult.
To learn more about how to attract more business access the FREE 3 – Part Video Series from Kathleen Gage, “Building a Successful Coaching and Consulting Business”. Click here