How Much Do You Charge?
I’ve helped lots of people. And then, there are the people that approach with the very first question of “how much do you charge?”
This has always rubbed me the wrong way, because they ask this up front, without walking through the process of having me hear them out, know their situation, and asking them assessment questions that truly drills down what needs to happen.
What they are actually looking for is a confirmation that their self-bias against having their voice heard is valid.
I’m NOT talking about the people that I have walked through assessment with, and they want to have help, but some other obstacle is in the way of them paying for services.
I’m specifically talking about the people that approach with the “How much do you charge?” as their first question. It happened again this evening, and I spent probably 30 minutes going through the vaccination policy, responding to them, and telling them that I’d need to do an assessment for a more full list of what needed to be done. I then answered their question, that they had asked twice, in two different messages. I told them my hourly rate, and how long I’d need them to retain me for to get started. The “I can’t afford it” was quickly returned. It’s really a punk move, because they already know they don’t believe in their cause. They just want me to give them an excuse to confirm that they’re not worth it. And I’ve fallen for this several times.
No more.
From now on, If someone asks me how much I charge, I’m going to handle it like this:
What do you want to happen, and how much are you willing to invest in yourself to accomplish this? That will let me know whether you need me on your team or not. If you don’t have an amount you’re willing to invest in making this happen, we really don’t need to be talking anyway. But, if you want an outcome, and you know how much you’re willing to invest in YOU to make this happen, we can discuss how this will work.
I’ve discovered that many people are not willing to make an effort to have their voice heard. Most people are not going to have the commitment to going for the throat of discrimination that I am. Hell, I’ve had people pay for services, and then jump out of the plane at 30, 000 feet.
Like one of my clients said:
“If you decide to work with Jay, please ensure that you are willing to push past your comfort zone. There were communications that were honest, but I was uncomfortable sending to my employer. I sent them because otherwise, I knew I would lose my job. Fighting to keep your job in these situations is emotionally taxing, but when working with Jay, you have a good chance at success. "
So, I won’t be bullshitted with the “How much do you charge?” question any further.
I guess I owe the person that asked me this a thank you, because this has set in stone how I will respond from now on.
How much are you worth? That is the question. If you’re worth it, let’s talk. If not, don’t expect me to convince you otherwise.
P.D., JAY V SHORE, as Certified ADA Advocate
