you are worth more than you think!
by elaine robinson

What price is too high? Why do you get paid less than others? How can you increase your income dramatically?

As one who has worked in the various business arenas, I can truly say there is no standard answer to the preceding questions. We know America is the land of the free and the brave—the brave enough to ask for what you want and what you think you are worth.

So the question remains, why are women still underpaid? Are we still thinking “stinking” thoughts? I would challenge even the most successful leader or CEO that she could do more, sell more, and make more, all the way to the bank. Yet, this is not usually the case. Why? Some of us still have bad tapes playing in our mind frequently. I know some of you still hear "I can’t make more money because I am not smart enough". I did not finish high school. I did not go to college. I do not have an MBA. I am not certified. I need more experience. Women don’t do that type of job. Whatever you have been told, or worse (you tell yourself), they are all lies and yes, we have come a long way baby, but the thoughts of our past still haunt us.

I bring this up because to overcome and move forward, we must get honest with what is holding us back: our self belief and self talk. We can blame lots of people from the past: our parents, our teachers, even our significant others but we can also take responsibility starting right now. Enough is enough. So what next? The truth!

The truth is, you have accomplished more than you think. You have had an impact on more people than you can remember. You have given in abundance because you have enjoyed doing what you do and yes, you are quite successful at many things. This is the truth I pray you focus on from this day forward. I say this without reservation for everyone who reads this article.

How do I know this? As a former director of Human Resources and one who has interviewed hundreds of people, I realized most people do not know who they really are and what they really bring to an organization. So, here are a few keys to remember:

Keep your resume or project portfolio updated annually.

Your resume should reflect your skills, strengths and work experiences and tell how you developed the professional skills. You may never give your resume to any one (especially as a business owner) but you will need it as a tool to see the real value of who you are and where you have some opportunities for personal growth. The resume usually does not detail your talents, gifts and significant life experiences. Make note of them on a separate list. These, friends, add great value. This is the frosting and the flowers on the cake. This separates the girls from the women, the boys from the men. Do no negate painful experiences such as divorce or death of a spouse. You usually learn much more from painful encounters. Look at your entire life.

Next, take an assessment of your abilities.

Be confident as you review who you are on paper. I promise you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you can do and how many skills you have acquired over the years. For example, the running of an efficient household requires good time management skills, organization, multi-tasking, financial accountability, conflict resolution, patience, humor, balance on so on. These are all skills that add to the value of who you are.

In addition to a written assessment, I would ask good friends and family members what they see as your strengths and natural abilities. I did this with my mom and it was quite affirming and healing. If you volunteer, ask those around you the most and write down their comments. You need all the facts and encouragement you can get. You should see patterns and get clear about who you are. Ask them to be specific and to give examples. Remember why we are doing this: we are about to make “mo money.”

Once you have a good skills inventory, look for areas to improve. Take courses. Read books, get a coach (I had to get that in somewhere!). Listen to tapes, join study groups, travel, do whatever you think you need, can afford, and can fit in your busy schedule. It is your decision to sit, walk or run. It will affect how much money you make and how much you THINK you can.

It’s now time to take action. Before you approach a client or a potential customer make sure you know as much as you can about what they want. Ask a lot of questions. Doing homework diligently helps to get us on the right playing field. We are usually rejected not because of price, race, or our femininity but more so because it was not a right fit. People pay for what they want but it is imperative today in the competitive world we live in to offer great value for price.

This is it. You are ready! These last steps are the hardest of all. You must believe it, ask for and receive it. The Bible says you have not because you ask not. So ask. Open boldly and ask. If they say no, find out why. Decide if you want to negotiate, and ask again. Remember this is the American way. If you do not want to negotiate, move on. You are worth more than you think. The challenge will not be in the asking but in the shifting of your mindset, specifically, how you see yourself. Be relentless in your thinking. You cannot afford not to do it. You are worth more than you think!

Elaine Robinson is an Empowerment coach, motivational speaker and workshop facilitator. As a heart-warming service expert her company thrives on serving individuals, businesses and ministries of distinction, to achieve greater results. She is also licensed to teach Extreme Self-Care, an effective life management tool.
[ 828-713-7949;elaine@empowermentcoaches.com ]