I have been self employed for 4 years come September and I love it but the thing that I have struggled the most with is the money side.
When I qualified I decided I wanted to work for myself and set up my own classes (crazy I know) so off I went to find my first venue and then the hardest part came, walking the streets delivering leaflets.
The day of my first class arrived and I was so nervous, what if no body turned up, thankfully they did, just two ladies. I was over the moon somebody wanted to pay me to teach. Joy quickly turned to fear as I stood there with 2 sets of eyes staring at me expecting me to tell them what to do, when I look back now I was grateful that only two people turned up as I’m not sure how I would have coped if that class had been full. I left that class poorer financially 2 people didn’t even pay for the room hire but richer in confidence.
I built that class up over time and still teach that class today, I have also established new venues, walking the streets delivering leaflets was soul destroying and I still look back now and shudder at the thought of having to do it again, I would if need be as at the beginning thats how I got all of my clients, thankfully now I have built up a reputation that clients recommend me to people. Word of mouth is the best way to build up your client base and also the cheapest.
I bumped into one of my old clients last week (she moved away with work) after the general, how are you, I miss you etc etc. She told me that I was too cheap after we laughed at her calling me cheap she explained that she was paying twice what I charge and that I should put my prices up as I’m worth it, her words not mine.
My clients have become my friends which is great but it doesn’t help you build a business and ultimately thats what I am trying to do, so after the advice of not one but many clients I have eventually increased my prices, not loads but its an increase. You need to believe in yourself and believe in your ability, I am good at what I do and if they want me to continue I have to make money as this is my job and I have bills to pay just like them. So message to myself Put your business brain on and Value yourself because as my clients have told me and told others as my class sizes have grown I am GOOD at what I do!
So my message to anyone starting out work hard be passionate about what you do but DON’T, yes don’t under value yourself!!!!!
Q
x
