Are You Worth Your Weight In Gold

Just what is your worth in gold? Figuratively speaking that is. What value do you bring to what you do? Have you intentionally considered this – do you know?

I had cause recently to further reflect on this question myself, having been approached to run a four hour conference master class. Of course I wanted to assist – the brief of introducing women to, and empowering women through, good governance definitely a topic I am experienced in and passionate about – I saw this as a great opportunity. However in the cold light of day, there were a few challenges.

Firstly, there was no suggestion of payment for my services (despite the fact that the conference was separately charging for this masterclass). The proactive lack of such an offer disappointing. When I plucked up the courage to query any available budget with the organiser, I was offered a token gesture. In addition, my suggestion of a minimum attendance number, in order to effectively run the masterclass, was dismissed.

Following much deliberation, I reluctantly declined the offer to be involved.

Now I am not unfamiliar with the need to, and the process around, charging for one’s time –for over 20 years recording and charging my time as a lawyer in six-minute units and managing budgets. So I find it intriguing that I was initially challenged in seeking a fee in this instance, questioning whether I was taking the right approach in walking away. The disturbing reflection is however, that this situation is not one in isolation, with regular conversations taking place amongst women around the fact that they are not charging what they are worth, or are not charging at all! So why is this?

While I don’t profess to have all the answers, my own reflection and discussions with others has identified the following reasons women may find it difficult to charge their worth:

• our empathy and desire to help can often result in us giving away our time for free;
• we feel validated in knowing we are wanted and that we can add value;
• we want to pursue what we love doing, even if this means doing it for free;
• there can be ambiguity in what we do for our work and what we do for community;
• we want to be seen as a team player and saying no may make us feel uncooperative;
• we can avoid focusing on the numbers – crystalising what our time is worth and what it costs us to provide a service.
• So what can we do to get better at charging our worth, at all times:
• Be clear as to what you bring to the table;
• Identify the value of this – know what your time and expertise is worth;
• Identify, and act on, any limiting beliefs that prevent you from asking for what you deserve;
• Develop clear boundaries;
• Build your confidence in accepting your value;

Practice saying no, with kindness and respect.

We need to support and encourage each other to know our worth and to charge appropriately for it – questioning organisations that ask a woman to speak or provide a service for free. After all, the clearest way to show someone they are valued is to pay them, and pay them well.

Remember that whether we charge or give away our time or service, the value remains the same. If we choose to do something for free, we should ensure the recipient appreciates the value they are receiving.

If we are going to build sustainable businesses we need to overcome the obstacle of not charging what we are worth – recognising how each of our choices impacts our ultimate success.
Let’s head into 2024 with confidence – remembering, we only get what we have the courage to ask for!