#231: Try This Powerful Question When Pricing a Client Project

A few years ago, I shifted my thinking on how I price my work.

And it’s had a huge impact on the growth of my business and income.

For most of my writing career, I would ask myself the following question when quoting projects:

“What number is high enough to make this project worth my while — but low enough for the client to say yes?”

That construct worked for a long time.

I grew my business and even broke six figures with that approach.

But a few years ago, I was completely burned out. I was working all the time.

I was also getting bolder. I’d tried a few new things in my business that had once felt a little risky … and they worked.

So, I started taking a different approach to my pricing.

And that made all the difference.

In this podcast episode, I outline my new approach to project pricing — and how a simple mindset shift can make all the difference.

The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscribe in iTunes to get this show delivered straight to the Podcasts app on your smartphone, tablet or iPod.

 

 

Rather than starting with the lowest possible number and adding incremental amounts to it, I asked myself this set of questions:

“What number would make me really happy? What number would make me feel like I can take my time with this project and deliver an amazing product?”

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I did shoddy work before.

But you know what it’s like to get the job for a number that, in hindsight, was too low.

Do you know what happened when I started asking myself this question?

Most of my clients said yes.

I don’t know if it’s because I felt good about that number.

Or if it’s because the number was right.

I just know I was getting to yes.

Not with everyone, but with enough clients that I knew I was onto something.

This is a mindset more than a pricing formula. But that’s where you have to start.

Only then can you make the lasting improvements you need to get to where you want to go.

Only when you shift your mindset can you get to where you want to go.

 

By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:

1. Grab a copy of my book for ESTABLISHED writers.

You’ll discover a different way to think about your challenges during this crisis. Plus you’ll get clear recommendations to get you through the storm safely … and to come out the other side stronger than ever. — Click Here

2. Download a free copy of my book for writers who are NEW TO FREELANCING.

I’ll show you the 3 things you need to do to get your business off the ground safely and land your first paying client faster.  Click Here

3. Join my implementation program and be a case study.

I’m putting together a new implementation group this month. If you’d like to work with me to grow your income quickly with better clients (and become one of my new success stories) … just hit reply and put “Case Study” in the subject line.

4. Work with me privately.

If you’re a 6-figure writer who’s trying to earn more in less time, with less stress, I might be able to help you get there faster than you think. Just hit reply, put “Breakthrough” in the subject line, and I’ll back to you with more details.