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Thought of the Week

In this Week’s Newsletter:

Up Front: You’re Being Cheated. Here’s Who to Blame…

This Week’s Quiz: Will We Stump You This Time?

Something Special: A Solution for Financial Diversification & Security

Consider This: The Curse of $5 an Hour

UP FRONT:

Is This the Worst “Short Sale” Ever?

Odds are, you’re cheating yourself—big time!

It’s estimated that 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some time in their careers, which typically leads to underpricing of their services—both in prices they may charge for their work as entrepreneurs or compensation they may receive as employees.

Yikes!

Let’s fix that right now.

It’s time to focus on the value that you provide to your clients (including your employer and their clients & customers).

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others and setting your prices accordingly.

But here’s the thing: you’re not just anybody else.

You bring unique value to your clients and customers, and your pricing should reflect that.

Think about the last time you really made a difference for a client or your company. Maybe you helped grow the business, solved a problem that had been bugging them for ages, or delivered exceptional service that delighted a customer.

That kind of impact is priceless, and it’s something only you can offer.

When you set your prices—or value your contributions—based on the actual value you provide, rather than what others are charging or doing, you recognize your true worth.

If you base your prices or contributions on comparisons, you’re just a commodity—easily replaceable and not standing out from the crowd.

But when you value based on your unique contributions, you become irreplaceable. Clients and companies will be willing to pay more or appreciate your worth more because they see the difference you make in their lives and businesses.

It’s not just about the service you provide; it’s about the results and the impact.

By the way, that also includes the experience of working with you.

Consider this: Years ago I lived in Phoenix, Arizona, a hub city for Southwest Airlines and AmericaWest (now American) Airlines. Southwest did not have assigned seating, so there was always a chance that you could end up stuck in a middle seat.

AmericaWest had assigned seating, so you could ensure you’d either have that coveted aisle or window seat.

Their prices and schedules were basically the same.

So who did I choose to fly?

Southwest.

Why?

It was because their experience was more fun. Southwest’s flight attendants weren’t just robots—they produced some of the most “creative” safety announcements. Every flight basically started as a comedy show (I remember one flight when we were taking off, they threw bags of peanuts down the cabin at us. It was hysterical).

So how do you stake your value claim?

First, you need to understand and believe in the value you offer. Take a moment to reflect on your past successes and the positive changes you’ve brought to your clients or your company. Use those stories to boost your confidence.

Next, communicate that value clearly to your clients or employers. Show them the results you’ve achieved and explain how your services or contributions can make a similar impact for them. Case studies and testimonials can be a big help.

Remember, your pricing or value should reflect the transformation you bring, not just the hours you put in. You’re not just selling a service; you’re offering a valuable experience that can change lives.

Start valuing yourself more and pricing your services based on the incredible value you provide. You deserve it, and so do your clients and companies.

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ:

SPONSORED MESSAGE:

The Power of Investing (and How it Can Create Generational Wealth)

In previous weeks we discussed the concept of looking at your business as an investment.

Today, let’s consider investments as a completely different element.

Consider being an investor in other areas so that you can diversify and create a steady stream of cashflow to support your lifestyle.

In other words, you need MULTIPLE streams of income to protect your financial position.

For instance, if you want to help people AND generate some significant cash, you might want to check out this presentation I did with Jason Palliser recently.

He’s got a revenue-generating system that is pretty remarkable. In fact, if you’re struggling with a business that simply isn’t going anywhere, this system could be more than investment—it could relieve the pain on a permanent basis!

We created the presentation for my PrideNomad community, but it applies to everyone who wants to create a location-free revenue stream.

I’ve been a real estate investor (and have trained real estate investors for over 3 decades) and I believe that there’s no better way (aside from your own businesss) to generate generational wealth than real estate.

Watch the presentation and see if you agree!

CONSIDER THIS:

Are You STILL Making $5 an hour?? STOP IT!

If you’re like most entrepreneur or solo business owner, you started your business doing everything. From building your basic website to editing video to sending emails to booking travel and more.

Sure, it “saved you money”…but did it REALLY?

Those tasks could be hired out for as low as about $4 per hour, freeing you up to focus on the things that would bring you the business growth you’re looking for.

In other words, every time you do things that an assistant can do, you’re acting as an assistant—NOT a business owner.

STOP IT!

Look, listen—your time is precious. It may be challenging to let go of things, or even to find money to pay for an assistant.

However—you can’t close a sale if you’re busy fiddling around in your CRM.

You can’t create a 7-figure marketing plan if you’re trying to remove a backgound on an image…or trying to design a logo (which would probably look better designed by a pro!).

Yes, hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be a game-changer for your business.

Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice.

1. Understand Your Needs

Before you start looking for a VA, make a list of tasks you need help with. Do you need someone to manage your emails, schedule meetings, handle social media, edit and post videos, or take care of customer service? Knowing exactly what you need will help you find the right person—all skills are not alike.

2. Decide Between a VA Service and Hiring an Individual

You have two options: using a VA service or hiring an individual directly. A VA service is a company that provides trained VAs. They handle the hiring process, training, and sometimes even replacements if your VA is unavailable. Some of these services even maintain office facilities—which is huge when you’re dealing with countries that have unreliable electricity or internet. This option is great if you want less hassle and more reliability, but that reliability does come with a higher price (which is probably offset with better productivity).

Hiring an individual VA on your own means you have full control over the hiring process. You can find someone who fits your specific needs and budget. However, it might take more time and effort to find the right person, and you’ll have to deal with power outages and other anomalies (For instance, I recently insisted that my programmer move his home to a place with better internet in order to keep him on my team).

3. Look for the Right Skills

When you’re interviewing potential VAs, look for specific skills related to the tasks you need done. If you need help with social media, ask about their experience with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For email management, see if they’ve used tools like Gmail or Outlook. Always get samples of their work.

4. Check Their Communication Skills

Good communication is key. Make sure your VA speaks and writes clearly. You want must have someone who can understand your instructions and communicate effectively with your customers. During the interview, pay attention to how they respond to your questions. Don’t let emotions guide your decision. If they can’t communicate clearly during the interview, they’re not going to communicate clearly when they’re on the job.

5. Ask for References

Always ask for references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of their work ethic, reliability, and skills. Contact these references and ask about their experience with the VA. A great question to ask: “Would you work with this person again?”. If the answer is no, your answer should be the same!

6. Start with a Trial Period

Before committing to a long-term contract, start with a trial period. This can be a few weeks or a month. It gives you both a chance to see if you’re a good fit for each other. During this time, give them tasks and see how they perform. We always have a 30-day trial period.

7. Set Clear Expectations

Be clear about what you expect from your VA. Set deadlines, provide detailed instructions, and let them know how you like things done. Clear expectations (that means deadlines!) help avoid misunderstandings and ensure smooth working relationships. Remember, their purpose is to help you—not stress you!

8. Use Tools for Collaboration

Use tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to manage tasks and communicate with your VA. These tools help keep everyone on the same page and make it easier to track progress. This may help keep you more organized, which is another huge plus!

9. Consider Security and Privacy

Ensure your VA understands and follows your privacy policies and data security measures. This is crucial if they will handle sensitive information, such as customer data or financial records. Discuss confidentiality agreements and data protection protocols during the hiring process.

10. Assess Cultural Fit

Find a VA who aligns with your company culture and values. This fit can lead to a better working relationship and smoother communication. During interviews, ask questions that reveal their work style and attitude to see if they match your business’s ethos. Remember that your competitive edge is you and your culture. If they don’t fit, they don’t fit!

11. Manage Time Zone Differences

If your VA is in a different country, time zone differences can either be a challenge or an advantage. Establish clear communication times and deadlines to ensure that work progresses smoothly. You can also leverage time differences to have tasks completed overnight, increasing productivity.

Hiring a virtual assistant can free up your time to focus on growing your business. By following these tips, you’ll find the right VA to help you succeed.

Oh, one last thing…Be selective—you’re hiring someone to help you build a thriving business, and you want the RIGHT person. Don’t accept just anyone. Set (and maintain) high standards. Remember—you’re worth it…and your customers deserve your full attention, so assemble the perfect team to make it happen!

Quiz Answer