Owning and Honouring Value

So the key question is…what can I do to own and honour the value I bring?

First of all be very clear on what rate you are charging. Define your ideal rate and then what the lowest discounted rate that you could live with is. Never, ever, ever go below this rate! Don’t be talked into it. Stand firm and remember the value you bring. If the potential client doesn’t get it, try to educate them, if they still try to negotiate you lower, run the other way.

I know, I know how can you possibly do this when you have bills to pay and a family to feed? The answer is to trust in yourself, believe in your abilities, honour the value you bring and you will automatically attract those clients to you. When one door closes another door opens. When working with less than ideal clients you do not have the space to open the door for your ideal client to come in.

Come from a place of abundance versus scarcity, from a place of choice rather than need. Keep in mind that the VA profession is still very much in it’s infancy therefore potential clients are almost limitless. Always remember that you are a business owner not an employee and as such have a choice in who you work with and financial compensation. Get out of the employee mindset.

Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Debrief and analyze all that you do in order to grow and make changes. The right clients will pick up on this and be willing to pay for the right person.

Use the amazingly support community of VA’s!  Many have gone before you and will guide, support and celebrate with you, especially when you have to make some of those tough decisions. Work with a coach or mentor. Having someone in your corner to remind you of who you are and what you bring can be priceless!

Author: Mary-Lou Ashton, www.vatp.ca