Last week when I pressed “go” on our blog, I didn’t expect to see a huge response. But, I got one {closer to home than I would have thought}. My dear friend asked a pivotal question that I knew needed to be answered: “I know I’m priced to low. And, when it comes down to it, it’s fear thing I think that’s holding me back. I’m starting to really believe my clients would pay for it. I’m just scared I’m not worth it.”
It stopped me in my tracks. I don’t think I’ve met a single person in this last year who hasn’t quietly shared that same fear—Am I really enough? And, let me be honest, it’s a fear that I’ve quietly whispered to myself when everyone else is asleep and I’m laying out an invoice.
I don’t have all the answers, but I have some advice my mother {a remarkable CEO of three companies all her own} gave to me that’s changed me life.
“Lise, you need to stop being a yoga instructor, a Pilates teacher, a business strategy coach…you are a CEO and a phenomenal one. Stop hiding behind what you do and own up to who you are. And, don’t forget what a CEO really is…you’re a visionary and that has power.”
{If you can picture this in a lovely Southern drawl, you’ll have the full idea…my mother is the epitome of Southern elegance with a steel magnolia spine of strength}
She’s right, you know. We live behind what we do. You’re a chiropractor, a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, a Pilates or yoga instructor, the head of medical spa, a health coach.
But, that’s what service you provide…what training you’ve had. Once, you started a company you stepped out beyond this title.
You became a CEO.
Some days I’m not sure I want to be a CEO. When I’m staring down a decision that affects both me, my staff and my future….sometimes, I just have to close my eyes, pray that this is the right choice based on all my other options and our future visions and say let’s go for it.
Higher prices, fund the chance for me to educate myself and bring that knowledge back to my clients; fund my vacation so that I can be at 110% when I’m in front of my clients; or even fund the growth of my products which are incredibly unique and personalized, then I’m doing the right thing for my company, my clients and my family. Easy decision? No. The right decision? Absolutely.
If raising your prices is in your future, you’re going to have to find some real strength inside of you. You’re going to need to step outside of the “what you do” box and own that the visionary CEO in you has to take charge.
I for one can’t wait to see that vision. I imagine it’s going to change the world around you and I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing.
With Grit and Gratitude,
Lise
