I’m in an online class right now, sharpening my skills in PR and related lovely things. Recently a classmate posted in search of a graphic designer… loads of people chimed in.
“Hire my girl, she’s great, and super cheap.”
I didn’t chime in, nor was I put off, really. I’m not a graphic designer, and “cheap” isn’t a client I want to align with anyway.
So this is what’s interesting to me. As small business owners, we want to be valued for our time + talents. I’m good at web design, I’ve been at it for a lot of years I also have a strong team of professionals, and that deserves more money than a newbie. I show up carrying a bucket full of value for your business. It’s about more than just the hours, or even the color choices. I know you feel the same about your industry/business too.
Isn’t it funny how we want to be valued, but we don’t always value others?
Because immediately after getting all fired up about a cheap graphic designer, I thought about myself in similar situations. Going back and forth about the high cost of a professional photographer, or a handmade doll (not crafted abroad with slave labor), or even my kids’ play set. We aren’t immune to this thinking. Maybe Target made us this way? (ps. I love Target) And shopping ethically is a whole can of worms I can’t even open right now. But it’s there. That $9 shirt was made by someone. It won’t last 3 washes and another human was paid less than pennies to craft it. (I still bought it.) Ok, moving on.
I know right thinking comes from replacing wrong thoughts…on the repeat.
So here are some…
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You get what you pay for. Every. Single. Time.
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A professional brings more to the table in wisdom and experience. This is priceless.
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If I want to be valued for my time and talents, I must value others. In every space in my life.
It’s a journey in being thoughtful and deliberate with our money and choices. It’s about having less, but having great things and a great circle of creators around us. So here’s to starting today.
(ps. I bought that handmade doll. She’s lovely, isn’t she? You can get one here)
Dee says
I do agree with you and can see how that post hurt you…I am also see how the poster thought she was she was sending good vibes your way…it like in real life- a face to face situation you say something and can tell by the reception received that person took it the wrong way…there is then a chance to clear the air and both let the other know their thoughts. I am a retired lady with a young mind and I find social media can be a mind field…I had some problems with work emails but am a great face to face communicator and listener…but I also want to get paid or valued as to my real worth
Anyway my two cents worth—-but after reading this I will definitely make sure to remember.
ps love the doll