Pricing. Assigning Value. It's a sticky-wicket for even the most seasoned professional. And it can be particularly hard for small shops or individuals.
So I thought I'd share a story with you that helps me remember the power of valuing yourself. It's short, to-the-point, and like all good parables, it helps me remember something important.
My dad held a garage sale once. Nothing special - just your average garage sale. While setting up, my mom pointed out an old wheelbarrow that had been sitting around taking up space. It had been left out in the weather a few too many times and the bottom was nearly rusted through. All in all, it was practically useless, at least for its original purpose.
So my dad set it out on the driveway with the other items, and told anyone who asked that it was free for the taking.
Hours passed and the garage sale was wrapping up. My parents were pleased that they'd sold most of their items, but that wheelbarrow still stood untouched.
Then an idea struck. My dad got out the tape and wrote "50ยข". (Hey, remember when you used to actually see the cent symbol?)
I'm sure you can see where this is going. Within 10 minutes, someone had made him an offer and taken the wheelbarrow. All they needed was someone to tell them it had value.
The morale of the story is this: If you don't value yourself, no one else will. Be specific about that value and don't underestimate yourself. It's a principle that holds true at all levels, for all services, products, and people.
So the next time you're tempted to give it away for free - think of the rusted-out wheelbarrow, and value yourself.
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