No matter what profession you’re in it is an undeniable truth that you have to sell on a daily basis. It’s a fact whether you like it or not.
This applies in work and life. However in life, the product is often a little less tangible.
When you’re selling your brand you’re selling your skills and your abilities. This is what makes you “you”. It is a culmination of your life and work experiences.
And what’s important to remember is that you are the expert on those skills and abilities. You know them, you’ve developed them, and you’ve practiced them all.
You are the expert on the product of you. ~ Tweet This!
So then why do I see so many professionals discounting themselves? Accepting less than what they’re worth?
The past few years have been rough for (most) everyone and the resulting record high unemployment rate can prove it. So it’s no surprise that I continue to find stories of professionals accepting job offers with pay well below their value.
The #1 mistake you should never make when selling the brand of you is undervaluing your worth.
This is a simple concept and yet can have a lasting impact on your entire professional career income.
Think about it. By accepting an offer that is $5,000 below a fair price for your skills you are robbing yourself of potentially tens of thousands in future income. Through future raises, increases from that extra money in investments made, being able to have a larger down payment on your house so you pay less interest, etc.
Do Your Research If You Need Help
If you need a little extra help figuring out what you are worth then use any of the online resources that can help you figure that out.
Glassdoor is one of my favorites where you’ll find current and former employees giving first hand experience about the company, interview process, and monetary offerings.
You can also find salary information on the various career sites like Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, and Indeed.com.
The point is that you are worth a lot more than you are sometimes willing to accept in a job offer. And although there will always be times when you have to temporarily accept an in-between job, there is no reason you should settle for anything less than you are worth.
~ Johnny Bravo
Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post, Johnny! buffered it for social media sharing later this week
You make a VERY good point! At first, when i was starting as a freelancer, i used to give discounts now and then, work for less than i knew i deserve - but meh, what can i do, i was a newbie and i didn’t have the luxury to be so particular about my clients (yet). I no longer do that. Instead, i give additional value for the rates i charge - and clients seem to be happy. Prices become trivial when you explain first and foremost the value they get for their costs, right?
Absolutely Diana. I know how you feel so I am glad you could relate to the story. Thanks for sharing.