How to Set and Raise Your Rates Seminar, for women

It seems like everyone is craving this topic!! Thanks Mikelann!!!

Hmm. I do look great in a dress. I bet I could totally pass.

Shoot.

Well, I'm a woman, but I need more stategic advice on how to get a raise rather than change my rate at the moment.

Post again when you have a seminar more apropos to the worker bees of the world and I'll totally show up.

:) -Cere

Wow, this sounds right up my alley!

This would totally help me in business interactions, as well as art-related transactions. Thank you, Mikelann, I'll let you know if I can attend!

Danke Shoen, Mikelann! Some thoughts on the subject from an old timer:

I was just talking with a colleague up here in the Northlands of Washington state (She is in Bellingham) about this very thing. Even after being in business for 23 years, I still sometimes have problems asking for...oh you know what: $$$$, money, denero, the "Energy Exchange."

Our conversation yesterday was a good one: she asked how much do I charge for weddings (I am a wedding officiate, among other things), and I stated my price--$300 and up, depending on location-- and she was shocked. "I only charged $150!" she said. I told her my price includes two planning sessions, unlimited negotiations over the phone, typing out the service and placing it in a keepsake book....It breaks down to about $50-60 an hour, which is way reasonable.

I asked her how many hours she spent on a recent wedding...and as we talked, she realized she spent close to 8 hours in all...so that is $150 divided by 8, which is approximately $18.75 an hour, excluding gas money, etc. I said if she was comfortable with that, great. But I am not, as my experience should be compensated for: I put on beautiful weddings! She has a lot to think about now.

Also, I provide a very special and unique service called Aura Portraits, a two hour spiritual reading and water color painting of a person?s energy field. I talk about what their purpose in life is all about ,and life trends, and etc...it is a life changing event. But at first, 16 years ago, I had no idea what to charge. Over the years, I have found whenever my rates go up to meet what I feel I am worth, my business increases! Very cool. I now charge $225/portrait in-office and $250 + if I have to travel a bit. Very few people balk at the price, But if they do, I will negotiate as much as I can: I?ll take payments, knock off a few $$ for low income, etc. I do the same for spiritual counseling and every other service I might provide: charge what I feel my time and energy is worth. It works for me, and here is the gift: I find that those who want to afford my services support those who cannot.

One more thought: About exchanges: people, a lot of people, want to do a service exchange with me...Right now I would have an over abundance of massages and pedicures to schedule in, and no money in the bank or to feed my family if I took on all of those exchanges. I rarely do them. What are your thoughts on service exchanges?

I will see if my friend and others can make the class. I am busy that day, but thank you, thank you for offering! Elke

What a wonderful vision and a mission you have! It was about time someone took the lead on the topic "women&money" besides Suze Orman! ;-) I can't wait to attend your workshop! ~banu

Hi Mikelann,

I've read your book (well, most of it anyway) thanks to it being loaned by Ruby G. It's been burning into the back of my brain ever since. I notice you offer seminars pretty frequently and I'd like to attend one soon. I won't be able to make the next one as I'll be out of town...but keep us posted!

thanks, Hannah