How to Feel Good About Charging What You’re Really Worth

I once panic-quoted for a coaching assignment — 3 weekly one-hour sessions, for two people: £29 (about $38) — in total. Not per person, and not per session. Personal, private coaching — £29. For 2 people. For 3 hours.

Panic-Quoting

So, what happened? I’d panic-quoted before, but never as bad as this one. I had just done a free talk, and someone had come up to talk to me about a workshop I was holding. She then took me by surprise, by asking me how much I would charge for three one-hour weekly sessions for herself and her daughter. My mind went blank. I panicked, and spat out the first number that popped into my head.

What made it worse is: when she exclaimed: “£29? For both of us?” a part of me watched in horror as another part of me clarified: “Yes, in total, for the three weeks.”

Evidence

What the…? Once I’d come to my senses, I was kicking myself as I drove home. I kept replaying the conversation in my mind. What was that feeling? It was cringing. I was cringing at the thought of how much to charge.

I had recently just found the technique I now use with my clients — and had just started to use it for myself.