What works for me might not work for you and what works for you might not work for me because we’re both two different people right?
Anyone who’s been folloiwng my story for any length of time knows how when I first entered into the freelance writing industry(part time) I felt super entitled.
As a recent grad, I felt that people should be lined up to pay me huge amounts of money for my work because I had EARNED it but when hose high paying clients didn’t come knocking on my door as quickly as I expected I was instantly humbled. I realized that maybe I was good but I hadn’t earned even half of what I thought I had.
Now as a freelance writer full time I am often amazed at how many freelancers (and not just writers) are wiling to charge insane amounts of money as beginners and when I say INSANE, I mean INSANE. When I reach out to these writers and inquire as to why they charge so much many respond with the answer that they know their worth which is awesome but knowing your worth means nothing when you’re first trying to get your foot in the door into the industry.
As many of you know, I am a firm believer in writing for free and I am also a firm believer that you should not be held prisoner to a price tag. Any good freelancer and or consultant knows that every client’s budget is different and when you learn to respect that, others will respect your prices.
YOU’RE NOT TOO GOOD FOR FIVERR.
While I do have my own micro job site platform that I recently launched I am still a firm supporter of Fiverr. Yes, I work with fiverr. Fiverr has actually helped me secure alot of clients this year and you would be surprised to know that none of my copy writing clients have paid me $5.00 to do work. So many freelancers often look down on Fiverr because they feel as if what they have to offer is worth more than $5.00 and while that may be true, Fiverr isn’t designed to be your end all be all. Fiverr is what gets you in front of clients worldwide who have no clue WHO you are. If buidling your clientele means doing a few $5.00 gigs to build up your portfolio, go for it.
I talk to companies, brands and professionals every day and I don’t know how many times I’ve heard these people say that they’ve passed on really great freelancers because these freelancers were unwilling to negotiate their rates.
Negotiating your rates if done correctly will not destroy your business. So today’s challenge? Don’t allow the fear of lower rates keep you out of the game.