As I start working on re-vamping my services, and I better realize the value of my time, I also find myself giving AWAY more of my time. This isn’t usually a problem I have, so I’m wondering what’s going on.
I have to wonder if it’s part of that whole mind-set when you are about to go on a diet? You know: You eat more high-fat or ‘forbidden’ foods? I so enjoy helping others, and perhaps realize that soon I will be less accessible as I once was, and I’m mourning the loss of that accessibility for others.
Do you find yourself giving away too much of your time?
Are you clear where you give away your time and when it’s worth it and when it’s not worth it? Let’s take a look at this to help you be clear about when you should limit your ‘free’ time.
- One scenario I hear about too often is when someone is providing some services WITH THE PROMISE of a contract. You know: The potential contract wants to see your work, so you create a handout, or you provide them with a PowerPoint of a presentation. Then they say they’d like you to give your presentation, for free. FIRST problem is providing them with a ‘free’ handout in the first place. If they are uncertain of your value, then it’s up to YOU to point that value out to them, without giving them your products! In order to learn more about how to explain how you provide value, go to my guest blog on the SCAN website.
- I love helping people, and more often than I should, I will respond to emails with quite in-depth replies. However, as I prepare to re-vamp my services, I realize that these ‘help’ sessions are going to soon be a thing of the past. It’s one way of de-valuing what we have to offer. Do you see that happening for yourself, too? Just what is your time worth? If you see a trend, where people are asking for your advice, etc, why not turn it into a service they can purchase?
- Ah, families and friends. We love ‘em, but does that mean we owe them all we have? Do you have the situation where a cousin calls or an aunt shows up, each wanting you to provide them with ‘just suggestions’ on what to eat. Or they want to lose weight. Or they want to improve their performance for a race. And you feel stuck, not sure what to do. It’s really hard to do, but a simple solution is to tell them you’d be happy to set up an appointment, and when would be a good time to call and talk to them about your services and set that appointment up?
I bet you can think of other scenarios. Share them with us! But, above it all, start valuing your time so that when it’s time for you to ENJOY your true ‘free’ time, it’s not being filled up by providing ‘free’ time to others.
Margie
