Last week I asked my amazing Chika’s Tax Tips Facebook group of badass women entrepreneurs how many hours they work during a typical week and if they felt like their rates were high enough. 60% answered they work over 40 hours while many others expressed that they were not sure they charged enough for their services.
Wait. Pause.That doesn’t sound right. Let’s go over that again
Peanut butter and jelly? Yes, of course!
Wine and cheese? Please and thank you!
Overworked and underpaid? HELL NO!
Those things do not go together.
If your days are starting at 8AM, ending at 8PM and your bank account hasn’t nudged at all, that is no bueno. If you aren’t sure that your rates are high enough, you already know the answer: THEY AREN’T!
I know, because I’ve been overworked and underpaid before (for waaaaaaay too long). It was a miserable time and I had to make drastic changes to flip my life in the reverse. You already work hard anyway – why not work hard toward something real and better?
Let’s talk about goal setting. Ugh I know, I sound like a high school career counselor but I believe so strongly that we all need to WRITE down our goals and keep them safe so we can actually achieve them.
Sis, I know you feel stuck, stressed and striked-out but trust me – It really takes one moment for you to ask yourself, and I mean REALLY ask yourself, what do I need to do to get out of this position and how can I start?
Well, there is a way.
*cue music* it’s called the SMART Method! Many of us have heard of the SMART method before and it is super relevant in all areas of life.
To set a SMART goal, it has to be:
S – Specific
- What exactly do I want to accomplish?
- Why is this goal important?
M – Measurable
- How much or how many?
A – Achievable
- How can I accomplish this goal?
- How realistic is it?
R – Relevant
- Is this the right time?
- Why do I want to do this?
T -Time bound
- When can I accomplish this?
This helps you organize your goals formally. For instance, let’s say your goal is to increase your income by $1,000 per month
S – I will make $1,000 more each month
M – I will raise my rates by __ or secure ____ new clients to supplement this increase in income.
A – I can achieve this if I increase my rates, sell more products/services and/or cut back on extra spending.
R – I need to increase income so I can take care of my family. I am tired of being overworked and underpaid.
T – I will accomplish this by June 2019
It’s crucial you use action words, but you can pretty much use this method for any kind of goal. I’d advise you test it out with something small first and then move forward. When you have success with the smaller things, you’ll gain confidence to apply SMART to bigger goals. Or just go full throttle if you’re like me. 😉
To more money in our pockets,
Chika
P.S. If you’re subscribed to my emails, you should also join my Facebook group! This way, I can provide more relevant, action-packed tips. I sent this email because a lot of my members shared how they are overworked and sent questions about raising rates. I just need to know what you need. 😉
P.p.s. You should also follow me on Instagram. I drop life gems on there too!
