Frances, an expert in audience needs and value perception, and Simon, a professional in client relationship building, join to tackle the sticky subject of pricing. They discuss how understanding your value can boost your confidence when setting rates. The duo explores handling rejection in negotiations, emphasizing that a 'no' can actually strengthen future interactions. They also highlight the importance of clear communication about professional worth, especially in personal relationships, ensuring that value is recognized without compromising connections.
Recognizing and communicating your value is essential for confident pricing strategies that resonate with clients' perceptions.
Experiencing rejection should be viewed as an opportunity for growth, helping refine pricing strategies and enhance resilience in business.
Deep dives
The Concept of Pricing Philosophy
Pricing philosophy encompasses the underlying principles that guide how individuals set their prices. The discussion highlights a story from Derek Sivers about charging $1,500 for a two-hour music set, which transformed into a $2,000 quote for a one-hour performance. This approach illustrates that pricing isn't just about time spent but also about the value and effort entailed in providing the service. Ultimately, the exchange should reflect both the seller's worth and the client's perception of value, which can lead to a mutually satisfying agreement.
Confidence in Pricing
Confidence plays a crucial role in how one approaches pricing, influencing both the price setting and the delivery of that price to potential clients. It is not merely about arbitrary increases in price but about understanding and articulating the value provided to clients. The conversation emphasizes that genuine confidence stems from clarity in the value one offers and how it meets the needs of others. Building this confidence also involves recognizing the boundaries that should not be crossed when it comes to pricing, ensuring that one does not undercharge for their work.
Navigating Rejection and Building Resilience
Experiencing rejection, such as receiving a 'no' from clients, is essential for developing a robust pricing strategy and resilience in business. The idea is framed as a chance to reevaluate and improve one's pricing strategy and understanding of client needs, transforming a 'no' into an opportunity for deeper communication. Engaging with potential clients can be daunting, but familiarizing oneself with rejection helps in recognizing the dynamics of pricing conversations. Ultimately, receiving no can lead to valuable insights about how to better align prices with the perceived value of services.
Establishing Pricing Boundaries
Defining boundaries is fundamental when it comes to pricing, as it helps in maintaining self-worth while engaging with clients. The discussion underscores the importance of ensuring that pricing is not solely based on one’s time but also reflects the value of the service offered. It is indicated that working with friends and family can complicate pricing due to the personal connections involved, suggesting a possible need for setting even stricter boundaries in these scenarios. A clear understanding of one’s worth and the value provided can help in avoiding uncomfortable pricing situations, ensuring both sustainability in business and personal fulfillment.
Understanding your value can help you price more confidently, without being brash. When we understand our target audience and what they need, we can create a perception of value that resonates with them. But we need to be prepared to handle rejection and understand that a "no" isn’t necessarily the end of the conversation.
If we don't communicate the value of our work properly, we undervalue it and risk missing out on valuable client relationships.
This week, Carlos is joined by Frances and Simon from the Better Bolder Braver community, who help coaches market their work with more ease. That involves having tricky conversations around pricing, and being able to clearly communicate the value they bring.
This episode is perfect for you if you
Want to learn how to confidently set prices
Are interested in understanding how to convey your work’s value to potential clients
Need advice on dealing with rejection and building confidence in pricing conversations