I’ve worked with clients across the globe and I’m happy to say that I haven’t had a low-paying client.
I haven’t worked for peanuts per word or an article. And I account that to one thing.
The courage to demand money comes from the courage to believe
Before we get there, let me tell you why I’m writing this.
This is to show that you can earn well if you try this. This is what I’ve learned after reading many self-help and psychology books and personal development podcasts.
You have to believe you’re worth the money.
Yes, it’s that simple. Why? Because if you don’t believe you’re worth more money, why would anybody else? If you’re willing to settle, you will get opportunities that are at that level.
First, you need to have the courage to demand money.
I once upped a gig price by 80%, and it got agreed upon without further negotiation, but the only way that happened was because I believed I could add value, which gave me the courage to ask.
Stop perceiving yourself as just another freelancer who will get paid in peanuts to make it work. You don’t have to.
There are whale clients: rare and high-value
You chose this lifestyle to attain freedom, not to struggle.
Yes, there are people who will charge way less than you, and a potential client may prefer them over you because that’s economically feasible.
But a golden client will see what you offer and the value that you can add.
A golden client knows you come with a high cost, but your work will yield them high returns. They know that they’re investing in you and not simply paying you.
That’s what separates low-paying freelancers from thriving freelancers.
They believe they’re worth the money, and they ask for it. They believe they’re valuable, and their work adds excellence to their customers. They produce with this belief, and their value can be seen in their work.
How can you do this?
1. Decide on your input and output
Do you want to fill in 6 hours a day and do multiple $50 articles or 4 hours with a few $100 articles?
No one choice is better than another, as one may seem more taxing but gives stable income and multiple streams if you have more clients. The other may sound great, but there’s always the possibility that a few of the clients paying you well could suddenly go, and you’ll lose a chunk of your income.
This happened with me, as my highest-paying client walked out due to a personal and professional crisis and ghosted me completely. After payment, of course.
2. What makes you stand out?
While pitching to an Australian business, I knew they’d enjoy something quirky. So I applied with a few puns related to their product. They hired me.
What makes your services different?
Are you a photo editor whose Lightroom edits are to die for and work in all weathers or a satirical writer?
Do you do voice-overs for children’s books or science fiction?
Figure out your creative streak so you can vouch that you’re the absolute best that person will get.
3. Pretend to be confident and gamble big
Dr. Amsellem, a clinical psychologist, suggests that in a situation that requires confidence even when you’re not feeling it, fake confidence.
She describes faking to be a healthy balance between the visualization of success and positive self-talk. After that, put on a brave face in a situation. With that, it’s similar to how you feel when you get on a diving board. It’s hard to reach, but it gets easier when you take the first leap and then take it again and again.
Lastly
So whether you’re a freelancer trapped in the low-paying circle or a budding freelancer, know that you can still turn this around for yourself.
Remember why you started.
Yes, most will reject you. But continue producing high-quality work. And when you know the value of your work, don’t settle for lower because you’ll eventually find somebody who knows it too.
Use these 3 techniques to put your strongest foot forward to get the work you desire:
- Decide on your input and output, finalize the numbers
- Find what makes you stand out; that’s the halo around your head
- Pretend to be confident and gamble big; fake your confidence until it turns real
If I can, you can.
All the best!
Love,