Hello friend.

In this Issue

	You're invited
	Content coaching anyone?
	Talking about money
	That's it

In Other News

I am working on Moodie(tm), a web application for graphic designers with HolyCowGal, very exciting! We're still working behind the scenes, but you can sign up to give it a test drive.

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I am working on another book called Website in a Weekend to help those who want to get up to speed with a website very quickly. I have had good feedback so far, and would love to keep you in the loop if you're interested. Please drop me an email.

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You're invited

Thanks to all who have joined our WebServant Community, there is still room for more, and you are invited! There are two events I want to tell you about:

• On June 18th at 1:00 EST we're having a mixer and wishlist call where you can request tutorials, learn how to list your events and use the community to network with others. There is no charge, but please register.
• On July 16th at 1:00 EST coach and speaking strategist Kim Avery will speak on creating a signature speech you can use over and over again to market your business and win new clients. If you aren't a speaker already, this seminar will show you how you can be. Visit the WebServant Community for more information. I hope you can join us! 

Content coaching anyone?

I am considering starting a website content coaching group in July for eight weeks to help you create or refine your website content. Would you be interested in this?

We will use the recommended writing guidelines for every page of your website from my book, Essential Web Marketing, which you will receive as part of the group. This will help you present yourself and your offers authentically without sounding artificial or spammy. It works!

The cost for the group will be $25 per session for eight sessions. The fee applies whether you can make the class or not, but all sessions will be recorded and available for download.

If you are interested, please let me know by June 19th by sending me an email.

Talking about money

One of the most difficult aspects of being self-employed as a coach, consultant, or freelancer is setting your prices and feeling good about it. So many people I talk to have angst in this area. While I am not a pricing expert I want to layout some ideas here that might help you feel more confident when it comes to talking about money with your prospects.

First off, I think we need to get away from the notion that we compete on price and that we will win more clients if our rates are lower than someone else's. If this is your mindset and approach to pricing it's time for a reset. The truth is, you are selling yourself. Much of what you are offering the client is wrapped up in your personal brand, the promise of value, the evidence of success and credibility that you bring to the table. As a good steward of the gifts and abilities you have been given its okay to have the mindset of value pricing vs. commodity pricing. Your coaching service has value to your prospect because of your depth, who you have become, your expertise, your satisfied clients, approachability, packaging, etc. It is worth something to the client. It has VALUE. You are not competing on price. I think it is good to know the rates of other coaches in your niche but I wouldn't let that dictate your pricing in the end. Instead, make your pricing your own.

Secondly, I think there is a disconnect between the hourly rate we need in order to make a profit, and the rate we are actually charging. Remember,the hourly rate is not all ours to keep even if you are an office of one. And profit is not a dirty word. Our creator designed business so that we could be givers. Earning a profit will help you practice good stewardship. So your hourly rate should take into account all of the overhead you have in running your company, as well as taxes and profit. Your hourly rate shouldn't be based on going wages or what you were paid at your last job. To arrive at your hourly rate for coaching you might start with the hourly rate calculator offered by Freelance Switch  Another excellent tool is this PDF guideline available from Marketing-Mentor which I highly recommend.

So what about the actual conversation about money, how is that going for you?

Most of us offer a 20 minute consultation or a free session as a test drive to see if there is a click. This is an opportunity for us to listen and connect with the prospect, and talking about money may seem out in left field, but I think you should always talk about money during this conversation.

One way to do this is to ask about the prospect's budget, find out where they are in terms of what they are looking to spend for coaching. If the prospect isn't sure, ask if there is a range for example less than $250 per month or more? They can usually answer this question and if they say less, and your coaching package is over $250 per month, you know there is not a click. So what next? How about offering this person a group rate. There are always alternatives. If the prospect is set on one-to-one coaching, this prospect might not be your client and that is okay. Not everyone will be your client and you don't have to say "yes" to everyone, especially those that expect you to give your coaching away.

You have been created with special abilities unlike anyone else's. It's okay to use these abilities and price accordingly!

Photo credit Flickr  AMagill

That's it

That's all for today. I hope you are enjoying the relaxed (a little more maybe?) days of summer and having a blast with your kids or grandkids. 

Thanks for allowing me into your inbox.

With you all the way,

Beth Cole, Owner
The WebServant
connect: www.twitter.com/websrvnt