Deliberate Freelancer

Today’s episode focuses on how to raise your rates. Raising your rates is not about if you should raise them, but when and how. On episode 28 of Deliberate Freelancer, my guest Pam Capalad talked about the need to take the emotion out of raising your rates. I thought that was so smart—and easier said than done. Pam recognized that a lot of issues tend to pop up when we talk about raising our rates: imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, wanting to be liked. All of that is emotion. I wish I could help you instantly channel the confidence of a successful businessman who was born into privilege and never questions how much he charges his customers. But I can’t, so let’s talk about how to raise rates for your freelance business. Start by eliminating your hourly rate. Start charging by the project. If you work fast, you are penalized for charging an hourly rate. And, an hourly rate doesn’t recognize the value you’re bringing to a project. Instead, create a secret hourly rate. Aim to earn way more than your secr