…because the last time I had a raise was in 2013. But, that’s not the only reason. A lot has happened since.
In addition to being a Certified Career Management Coach, I have since earned the CELDC (Certified Executive Leadership Development Coach), as well as the CCDP (Certified Career Development Practitioner) designations. Not to speak of my Certified Resume Strategist designation.
In short, I have learned and grown professionally by investing hundreds of hours thousands of dollars in myself.
It is true that certification validates the work I do, but client success also count. When I collaborate with clients who want to change careers, advance to better and higher-paying jobs and increase their earning potential, and they achieve their goals, or they gain clarity on how to move their career forward, then their success becomes mine.
I have also realized that valuing myself and the work that I do, doesn’t take anything away from anyone else.
A gentleman contacted me for services recently. After I explained how my process works, he asked, “Any possibility to reduce the fee?” I asked him if he had plans when he goes for the interview to ask that they reduce his salary. He paused, then said he didn’t.
Much like job seekers who are hesitant to ask for a raise or negotiate a higher salary, some career coaches and practitioners do not feel comfortable raising their fees either.
Many of us think we will lose out on clients when that happens, and that may be true. But, there is an upside. It frees us up to embrace the value-minded client who is willing to invest time and money into him or herself.
My colleague Dorothy Vernon-Brown said in a recent newsletter that she was listening to 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year, Bassem Ghali the other day, when he said “As much as we want to sell to everyone and make them happy, we can’t. We have to filter out those who can’t afford our product or service and stick to those who can.”
That might sound harsh to the ears, but I agree with the statement. We cannot serve everyone who comes knocking. What I usually do is to recommend specific individuals, depending on the potential client’s needs, or suggest they reach out to others in my career community who might be a better fit.
One measurement of my success (and I confess I don’t succeed every single time), is the fact that I am making a contribution and helping my clients grow, and their testimonials speak for themselves. On November 17, I received an email from an executive I worked with six or so years ago. He said:
“The last time you assisted me with my resume, I was told it was the best they had ever seen.
It is once again that time for me to seek another opportunity.
I have expanded my knowledge base, designations, and experience.
When can we meet?”
Yes, he has expanded his knowledge, earned designations, added more experience, and now he is ready for a new opportunity, and a raise.
A woman in Edmonton who I coached a year ago, wrote me on November 29, to say “You helped me with getting the project management role with the government.
I am writing with some good news and a request. Good news is, I have been on my role for over a year and I have enjoyed it immensely. I was even scouted by one of the directors to work on a different role on a temporary basis with the possibility of a permanent, more intense role.
So here I am four months in, and now the possibility to apply to the job full-time has presented itself to me and my new boss has encouraged me to apply for the opportunity.
As the role is a highly competitive one, I am seeking your help again.”
I am proud of the work I do, and am equally proud of the clients who I have worked with, and who have gained some level of success.
As I pondered my decision to raise my fees, I thought that if I were working in the corporate world, I would’ve received several salary increases since 2013.
Therefore, for the reasons stated above, I know I deserve a raise, and will be implementing my new fees in the New Year.
I am always ready and willing to work with anyone who is committed to investing in their future.
About Daisy
I am Daisy Wright, an award winning certified career management and interview coach, author, and certified resume strategist. I collaborate with executives, managers, and mid-career professionals in all aspects of their career and job search to help them get hired FASTER! I am the Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of The Wright Career Solution and quite passionate about diversity and inclusion and women's issues.
Website: www.thewrightcareer.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/daisywright
Twitter: @CareerTips2Go
About Daisy
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