Interesting question, isn’t it. How often have you said- I couldn’t do that? I’d hate for people to think… How could I ever ask for fees that high…
Just today while listening to a great speaker talk about eliminating limiting beliefs about money (I’m trying to get an interview with her now), I heard her say, “I don’t want you to think I’m bragging, but.’ What??? Feeling like you can’t talk in an direct way about your accomplishments is DEFINITELY a limiting belief that needs to change. Don’t you agree? Just goes to show everyone has blind spots and needs reminders.
You may feel awkward asking brides to pay for quality, especially when times are tough. It’s easy for you to start thinking yourself down. When you don’t let your light shine, when you don’t give your full effort, it’s like saying I don’t deserve the yes. I don’t believe I can have the win. You cheat yourself out of a yes.
If you don’t set your prices and then ask for them, you’re literally saying, don’t pay me what I deserve. I’m not worthy. If you don’t think your wedding business is as good as the invention of sliced bread, the printing press or the automated washing machine, meaning something fab & life-changing, get out now. Because nobody else will either. You’ll be stuck negotiating out of a hole.
What would you say if your best friend felt or acted unworthy? Or your child. I know you’d be right there offering comfort and a ton of support to help this person see her value to you and the world. So why not do that for yourself?
One of the most popular pre-questions for the negotiation preview call is: how can I demonstrate my value so that I’m paid what I’m worth?
Good question, right? Especially if you’re caught in the ‘I can’t say that’ bind. It’s something we all struggle with from time to time. We’re gonna talk about self awareness on the call. Not in a touchy feeling kumbaya- kinda way. But in a clear, ‘what I need-to-run-my-business’ way that helps you attract your ideal bride and feel comfortable asking for your worth. Because if you don’t know who you are, what you need, and what you, and only you, can bring to the table, well, you’re gonna leave a lot of cash on that table during negotiations.
I hope you’ll join Moshe and I on the call. To get ready, why not send some time thinking about you. Answer these questions to tease out your talent (and ask your friends and family to help out- it’s a real eye opener!)
- When you think of me what 1-3 words come to mind?
- When you describe me to other people what words to you say?
- What’s the one word that describes my best quality?
Be honest. Cut loose. Say what you know to be true. And, please don’t be fooled. Just because this talent- maybe it’s listening, or discovering new ideas, or being a calming influence- comes easy to you does not mean it’s easy or not valuable. Someone else really would love to have that gift. So value it, darn it!
None of this deep thinking is easy. But it’s so worthwhile, so let me leave you with a thought from someone who I consider to be America’s treasure, Maya Angelou:
Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.
