Are you the person everyone calls when there’s a problem that needs solved? The one that goes the extra mile to find a solution for a family member, friend, or client in need?
Problem solving skills are incredibly important to develop. And being a problem solver is the best! Or is it?
Let’s explore what it really means to be the one who’s always called to fix things, specifically from an entrepreneurial point of view.
Being a problem solver is a big part of a lot of our entrepreneurial stories. We value the gratitude and compliments of the people we help, but that can be a pothole on the road to success if we don’t appropriately value our time and the services we provide.
As entrepreneurs, we constantly have to work to find balance -- between the personal and professional, between our past decisions and our present experiences, between the value we offer and the pricing that we set. Many of us have lived out of balance, and we’ve become comfortable there. However, staying there -- in that place of imbalance -- holds our personal and business success hostage.
This is particularly true when it comes to properly valuing the services we offer and communicating that value.
So here are a couple big questions: Do you invoice the right amount for the work you’ve done? Do you invoice a sustainable amount that will keep your company going?
The answer is likely no.
If it is, don’t judge yourself too harshly, it’s all part of being human. We all want to go that extra mile to show our customers how good we are at whatever good or service we provide. By gaining their praise, we’re also validating the value of our products and services to ourselves.
Now, this post isn’t a rant meant to get everyone to immediately raise your prices. My goal is for you to really think about how you value your work. You know all of the hard work, skill, and time that goes into doing what you do. Is that reflected in your pricing structure?
Will your business be able to survive the coming year based on your current pricing?
If you get hit by a big expense, are you earning enough to be able to handle it?
Are you communicating the full value of your products and services to the world?
By being a problem solver you bring incredible value to your customers, and they may just love you even more once they find out all the little things you do to make their lives easier. So take the time to define that value -- to both yourself and your customers -- and create a pricing structure that reflects the hard work and skill you provide.
As small business owners, we’re all in this together. Share how you’ve grown your pricing structure over the years in the comments below!
If you'd like to examine your costs vs. profits, contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Terry Doloughty is the Founder of B.O.S.S. Consulting with thirty years of experience in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors. Terry believes that leadership is the most valuable renewable resource. He’s passionate about sharing his skills and life experiences with the next generation of leaders so they can grow their organizations and support their communities.
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