Hands up anyone who’s ever gone into a negotiation for a new job/higher pay/a contract, made your pitch, and asked stated what you wanted to be paid.
Then before the other party said one word, you walked it back?
You went in at £100 but as soon as you noticed a hesitation from your counterpart you quickly lowered your offer to £65 – just enough to cover the costs of the services you want to render. You know what I mean!
A lot of us have been there. You say your number, they stay quiet and you panic. “Oh no, why did I ask for so much? Who do I think I am? They’re never going to pay me that.”
So, you jump in, shattering the silence and slash, slash, slash your prices!
WRONG MOVE!
Your lack of confidence is showing.
The confidence gap refers to the observed disparity between men and women in the estimations of our abilities and potential. Because of this, we, women, may be discouraged from seeking out the top job or negotiating higher pay.
Research has shown that men consistently seek opportunities that are beyond their current capabilities, and ask for higher compensation than they know they can earn as opposed to their female peers.
Remember, there is often a confidence gap which creates an invisible barrier for women in the business world, preventing us from making headway and reaching our financial goals.
I have been a victim of the confidence gap myself in the past. In the past, I would often lowball myself, to attract customers (at least that is what I told myself).
This practice didn’t come from a place of business strategy or financial tactics. It was because I lacked the confidence to back up the value I had to offer.
And the funny thing was that I reduced my prices to get more clients, and it worked, but only to an extent. By coming in low, I wound up with lots of clients – the low quality kind.
Those who never paid on time, or at all. Those who took the term scope creep to a completely different level. Who felt they could speak to me any kind of way.
You see, confidence is a perceptible trait and when you lack it, it shows. Not recognising my value and worth led to those I stooped to work with to do exactly the same.
Top quality clients want to deal with people who show that they know what they are doing.
Anyone that knows me will tell you, however, that this behaviour is firmly in the past. I did my mindset work, and I charge what I’m worth, and even mentor women on their pricing strategies.
The time has come for women to overcome their confidence gap and reach their full economic potential.
But first, what do you think genuine confidence is?
Putting on an act or trying to be someone you’re not is definitely not what it is. True confidence comes from having faith in your own skills and potential.
How much time have you spent evaluating your worth? Do you recognise and understand your individual gifts and strengths? Once you do, you will have no issue bragging on yourself.
Have you evaluated your weaknesses? What are you going to do about them? Do you need to shore up your skills in your area of expertise to increase your value?
What are you waiting for? Get to work!
You can bridge the confidence gap and move closer to your goals by stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking more calculated risks. Don’t be afraid to do this.
The way to walk 100 miles is to take one step forward, then another, and keep going. Take baby steps and work your way up to the big stuff.
Surround yourself with people that will encourage you and help you grow – intellectually, and emotionally. Seek out advisors, coaches, or trusted co-workers for guidance and critique.
Do you remember when I told you about the importance of mentors and mentorship? Well, this is one of the ways having mentoring helps.
A good mentor will give you a safe place to talk about your doubts and worries, give you encouragement and offer information/intelligence on the best steps to take. But they should also provide honest feedback to help you improve.
Also, taking care of yourself physically and looking good is going to bolster your self-confidence. Make time to look after yourself.
I have two children and I have always made it a priority to get my hair and nails done, exercise and get regular massages. These things matter to me and make me feel good, so I create space.
Do things for yourself like exercise, meditation, or simply spending time with loved ones, that make you happy. You will feel great, look great and exude confidence everywhere you go.
For women to reach their full economic potential in the business world, we must consciously overcome this confidence gap.
Remember, the world needs what you have to offer. Your next generation is counting on you being your most authentic, courageous self, right now!
YOUR NEXT STEP?
Are you tired of feeling undervalued and underpaid for the work you do? Do you want to learn how to set prices that reflect your worth and increase your earning potential?
In May, I will be running a ONE-DAY PRICING MASTERCLASS for TEN women only, designed to transform their pricing strategy!
During this intensive workshop, you’ll learn the secrets to setting prices that make you more money doing what you already love to do.
You’ll discover the strategies that successful entrepreneurs use to set prices that reflect their value, and you’ll gain practical skills for negotiating with confidence.
I will mentor you through the process of pricing your products and services, so you can start earning the income you deserve.
Testimonial: “The work I did with Uzo helped me charge my client 5X what I would have charged – and they paid what I asked! Plus, I have created a product that will earn me passive income going forward. The programme was well worth the money.” A.Rodney
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to transform your pricing strategy! I have JUST TEN SPACES. Look out for details.
EMAIL us at hello@womenbuildwealth.org to register your interest, stating Pricing Masterclass in the subject line.
Keep thriving sis!
