life is subject to change: what happened when I raised my rates

 
 

I announced via Twitter and Facebook last week that my Fire Starter Session fee was moving to $500 (from $300.) And I also mentioned it in my post that went out late last night. And then...

Deluge. Chuck wagon outta control. Four-alarm fire. Standing room only.

I've been wrestling with how to handle the gorgeous demand. And my conclusion is this: I need to handle the demands of my heart and loved ones first, then career (which is an extension of my heart.) The profundity of that statement for me is colossal. It's taken me yearrrrs to be able to say it and mean it. Before I grew up (which is really just in the last few weeks, actually,) I would have tried to fit everyone in, even if it meant weekends, and getting a baby sitter, and apologizing to my man because, once again, "I'll be in my office tonight."

And in this case, I almost went there. I adore my Fire Starter clients and I'm so passionate about entrepreneurs rocking it with integrity, that I was leaning toward booking into spring 2015 at my old rate and "fitting it all in somehow." Why? Because I don't want you to think I'm a discompassionate bitch. Because money is fun. Because I used to think self neglect was cool. (It's not.)

The logic and love of raising my Fire Starter session fee:

a) It's worth it. (Any clients who want to chime in on this, uh, feel free to back me up here.)

"Danielle’s Fire Starter session is invaluable for you at any stage of your career --from early idea to well established rut. She is thorough, quick and intuitive. Her soft spoken style is deceptive. This woman won’t mince words to let you know what you need to hear. And you will be better for the listening. Her questions alone are priceless, but add the brainstorming, cheerleading, taped session and list of resources and you can’t go wrong."
- Ten People to Rock Your Career in 2010
CoachSpotlight.com, Pearl Mattenson

b) 2010 is all about creating content that can serve many thousands of people. I need focused time to do that. I love writing in long, long stretches, getting absorbed, and consumed, and used up by the gods of poetic sound bites and how-to's. I need space to make stuff that will be effectual and lasting ... and sell like white hot cakes!

c) I want to live more. Repeated late nights "catching up" on things leaves you with the feeling that you are always needing to...catch up.

d) I'm keeping it pointed to where I want it to go: creativity, freedom, passive income, wider broadcasting, multimedia. (I'll talk more about how my Hedgehog allows me to stay so focused on this next week.)

All that to say:
My $300 Fire Starter slots are (more than) full, and effective immediately, I'll be booking in at $500. Email me directly to book your session.

Further clarity:
I work exclusively with active and progressive entrepreneurs, or those on the verge of breaking out with their own enterprise. I am not a business or career transition coach (read: I suck at it.) I’m a High Priestess of Practicality and I'm about standing ideas up in the most elegant, kick-ass way possible. Strategy makes me hot.

When in-transition job folk or people who want continual coaching to lift a project off the ground come to me, I steer them to the following coaches. Each of them is amazing.

: Lianne Raymond is a clear-thinking, strong-hearted, Martha Beck-certified coach. Only works with women.

: Ronna Detrick has "renegade conversations." She is spiritually-based and powerful.

: Tanya Geisler is a strong and compassionate...and funny.

: Dyana Valentine is a brilliant force of nature who has kicked my creative butt into shape. She's gifted, I work with her regularly.

: Michelle Ward at When I Grow Up Coach is a high energy Gen Y'r focused on getting people to their best career.

: Hiro Boga is a masterful intuitive. Not a coach or business developer, but gifted at surfacing the issues that may be blocking success. I recently had a session with her and it was stunning.

If you're a coach and you want to say so here in the comments, feel free to do some self-promo. Today, I welcome it.

If it's apropos, take a page from my book. What do you value and what's the value you give? How can your career support your life? Are you pointed in the direction you want to go?

With much Love,
Danielle
xo

join the convoposted 19 Jan 10 in: business + wealth articles   ·   tags: , ,   ·   View Comments

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  • Good for you, Danielle! The only way you can justifiably charge more for your brilliance is to step up and own your worth. That's what you tell people to do every day on this blog, and I'm glad to see you doing it for yourself.
  • I haven't had the funds yet for a one on one firestarter session, but found the group session so helpful that I find myself shrugging at your price increase for me, as in 'eh? so what? I know its going to be worth it.' And cheering for you.
  • I am building a business I love with women whose dreams I adore...and then you reminded me that 'I need to handle the demands of my heart and loved ones first, then career (which is an extension of my heart.)' So as of today, I booked that trip to Mexico for two weeks in March…I deserve the introspective time, best friend and lover time, laughter time…and the margarita’s aren’t bad either. Thanks Danielle for the wisdom and Candice trusted collaborator for having my back!
  • The investment in my Firestarter session with Danielle was THE best thing I've done for my business. I came to our call with a concept, lots of questions, and no idea how I was going to make money. In an hour, I was focused, fired-up and pointed towards freedom. $500 for serious, actionable, insightful and inspired advice? You bet!
  • Love this!

    Reading about your commitment to your creative work and how you balance that with helping others has inspired me. Your invitation for coaches to spread their word here is generous and kind.

    I'll write my blip as if it were added to the list above.

    Cynthia Morris has been coaching women for over ten years to bring their creative brilliance (books, blogs, businesses) into form. She walks the talk, living her own daring adventure and encouraging others to enjoy the thrill of their creative vitality.

    Thanks, Danielle. Can't wait to see what you create this year.

    P.S. I posted a video review of Style Statement yesterday. I know the book is in your past but I still love it.
  • I am just sitting here thanking my lucky stars I got in two months ago and to hubby who said, "Just book it!". Amazingly worth it. Hells yeah it's worth $500 and I'll be saving my dollars and my questions for the next time.

    For now I have a multi-layered to do list a mile long that's bound to last me a bit.
  • love that hubby.
    xo
  • I can say without question that the new $500 price is still a steal! I have done two Firestarter sessions and I walked away both times not only with a better plan about moving my business forward, but also with the sense that you were urging me to uncover my own voice and my own purpose for the business. There was never a fit into a cookie cutter, blueprint vibe.

    Danielle, you are whip smart, funny and insightful. I'm glad to be part of your tribe. You inspire me to continue to live my own personal and career truths!
  • I emailed. You emailed.
    I paid.You called.
    You questioned. I answered.
    You suggested. I listened.
    We jammed. You inspired.
    You rocked. I rolled.
    Mental fog became clarity.
    Insecurity became oh-hell-yes-bring-it-on exuberance.
    Rough drafts became written in black & white reality.
    Mental mush became strength & boundaries.
    You still write. I still read.

    I now have a new domain, new website (gorgeous too, I might brag a bit), new business cards, new focus, clients pouring in, and creativity pouring out.

    All of this (2 months ago)...for a mere $300?

    PRICELESS.

    (My session with you was worth at least 10 times what I paid & I'm ready, willing & able to write a bigger, fatter, juicier testimonial than this if you need me to)

    That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh.

    Mitzi
  • In just the short time I've been following "White Hot," I've revamped, retooled and ramped-up. Those of us who dig out new paths before we can walk them can feel awfully alone--you are a living demonstration of audaciousness well-lived!
  • Charge it and they will come. In more ways than one. Danielle, you got me HOT for myself. Busted through some barriers I didn't know were there and truly are the human gift who keeps on giving. Thanks for the props here and thank you for being the best kind of LeadDiva I know.
  • Danielle, while I'm bummed that it will cost more to have that Firestarter session I was saving for, I know that the investment will come back to me tenfold. The NYC Firestarter session was so fire-inducing that I'm honestly a bit afraid I'd have to call your man if I did something one-on-one :) It's really inspiring, actually, to see a woman in a "helping" role sticking to her worth, her strengths & her values.

    Keep rocking it, and THANK YOU for the recommendation. Means the world.
  • No apologies or excuses needed. My dear, I've never met you but I know you're worth every penny and more. 2015 can kiss this. Rock on, charge every penny you're worth, and LIVE.

    More.

    Now.

    Also, you should have a donation button on your site, because although we haven't met and I've never had a coaching sesh, I owe you big time for your rockin' inspiration, passion, brilliance and love. And so, albeit far delayed, I owe you AT LEAST a big ol' thank you.

    So... truly.... thank you, Miss Danielle.

    xo
  • Yay. I love to see people building momentum doing what they love. Bravo!

    I quoted you lately to others and at least twice to myself when I was mulling something over. I hope you find the right work/life balance; it is tricky when you love your job.
  • heck yeah, it's worth it! I continue to go back through my notes from our firestarter session - definitely my best investment in the last few months.

    I'm an integrative coach, and I work with men and women who are ready to tie an anchor to their dreams in the clouds, pull them down to earth, and live them out. Whether it's overcoming limiting beliefs, determining a course of action, or ending self-sabotage, I am trustworthy with your dreams.
  • I've heard great things about your program and hope to try it out someday... when the time is right for me, I'm sure the price will be too. Congrats to you for making the business choices that are right for you.

    As for self-promo... time management coach here. I help busy people do more with less stress by working with them one-on-one to help them create tools and systems that organize their projects, time and stuff. I love to watch people transform themselves as they truly take control of their time and energy.
  • I have been lucky enough to coach a number of women who found me via Danielle - I know if they are drawn to Danielle they are awesome clients who click with my style.

    If you've been reading Danielle for awhile, you know that you have already received a heart-full amount of poetic, thought-provoking, soul-lighting inspiration. You have already received more that $500 worth of wisdom. Go one on one with Danielle and she really will dance you to the end of love.
  • Oh SNAP! If I only knew that my time with you would create the biz of my dreams - a happiness movement across the globe - a seat on Oprah's couch...I would have paid you WAY more!! In fact, something tells me I will forever be in your debt for those sparks you ignited! HUGE LOVE xo.
  • a + b + c + d... especially c. Like you were saying what is inside my head. Congrats to being able to say that statement and mean it :)
  • Danielle, hooray for taking a stand for yourself and winging directly towards what you want to create next. When you nurture your amazing gifts, and your even more amazing life, everything you do blesses everyone around you.

    Thank you for recommending me so generously. I can't wait to see what emerges from this commitment to your own life and work.
  • sorry for the blank above...I'll try this again......

    standing ovation and applause!!!!
  • deep bow.
  • tanyageisler
    Life IS subject to change and you ARE a complete star. Let me count the ways:
    1. You know your boundaries and lovingly uphold them in honour of your fam, your self and your integrity. This is as inspirational as it is transformative.
    2. You are generous beyond compare with your words, advice, truth and love. (Sidebar: thank you ad infinitum for my shout-out...I so appreciate being given props by you AND in such outstandingly talented company).
    3. Your firestarter sessions scorch. They burn long after the phone's been put down in a shock and awe kind of "what the hell was that AND why do I feel more in love with my business than ever before?". You may even hear some Peaches and Herb in your head as you and your business run headlong into one another's loving embrace. $500? Puh-leeze.
    4. You make me happy by just being you. So bloody cool. And real. Real cool.
    XOX
    TG
  • Lori Race
    Thank you for this Danielle! I don't know how many times I remind myself that I want my family and my own life to come first and then end up booking patients until midnight as they all seem to need in and I have trouble saying no!

    As of the last few months I have actually been able to cut back my schedule on the weeks that I have my son and sticking to it feels fabulous to my core of peace. My life needs to come first so that I can serve my tribe the best way I know how and from a place of energy and love, not resentment and fatigue!!

    That being said, your reminder today was timely and I needed to hear it again!! So glad things are going gangbusters for you and I hope to connect with you again as I start my venture into coaching!

    xo
  • Just want to say SOOO happy to be a voice for the value of your sessions. And I for one would be happy to know that you are able to spend more time on writing wonderful things that we will ultimately all benefit from!
  • AND! y'all you need to check out Pearl's deep, rich work:
    http://pearlmattenson.com/
    for leaders, couples, teams.
    and her damn funny blog http://shivanatacallings.wordpress.com/
  • Oooh a woman standing for herself just gets me all hot and bothered. You so completely rock. Thank you for modeling what it's like to live life by design and to create your life uber consciously by putting the kibosh on late nights and catching up and putting your loved ones and your heart last. I am cheering you and your stand on from NYC with vigor! (And I would add that you are worth more than $500 for your sessions. The meat and sheer richness of content I got from our session, not to mention the inspiration and all around feel-goodness is priceless. Plus the session is going to make me waaaay more than what I spent on it. So thank you ever so kindly.)
  • Hey Danielle! I've seen this time and over - when a truly awesome coach raises her (/his) rates they get inundated with clients who see their value.

    Seems like 2010 is the year for many fabulous entrepreneurs to come into more of their own. I especially like the part about putting yourself and family first - THAT is success, imho :)

    Thanks for the invite to talk about ourselves. I'm a Conscious Creation (Law of Attraction) coach and help people uncover and bust through self limiting beliefs to create the lives they want. Love working with smart, aware women in their 20's - 40's, much like us.

    And I love that I attract fabulous people into my life to learn, share and grow with. You've mentioned some of those fab women in this post. Thanks for your presence and burning hotness! Tia @TiaSparkles
  • Yup. Those of you who got in at $300 count yer lucky stars. I"m a Firestarter client from about ummm 7 months ago, and it started a spark that has fueled a new trajectory. I have fallen back in love with my business, because Danielle got me to look at a new biz model that works with my talent (not against it), and that is worth oh so much more than $500.
  • love it! I need to check out what you're up to.
    xoxo
  • Sometimes we don't know our bottom line until its been crossed. Right on Danielle for drawing the lines in the sand to give you the space to dance! Disco, no doubt.

    Between your self-promo piece and this one, I'm compelled to throw my coaching services out there. So thank you for making space for that. First off, I know or have connected with all the fine coaches you mention. All big hearts and powerful SISTER colleagues. I'm that too.

    I help social entrepreneurs and leaders with inner and outer conflict, difficult conversations and to thrive in collaborative relationships. I sometimes drop the f-bomb but it's usually because folks have broken though to something fantastic. I'm shock-proof, non-judgey and get folks in the flow.

    Thanks and hat's off to all the other jewels you've mentioned.

    Love, Randi
  • You are worth more than $500/session. And I don't say that just because you've recommended me (which, by the way, is SO awesome, SO flattering, SO humbling, and SO amazing - THANK YOU!). I would pay you twice that (and then some) for all you've offered me...wisdom which continues to seep into my very soul.
  • Word.
  • up.
  • jao delane
    Yes, definitely worth more than 300. You're words of wisdom are way beyond measure ! What you could do is still offer the 300 for poor folk but put them on a wait list and do those sort of 'semi pro bono' while keeping in line with the 500. I took too long in considering the 300 because business is really lean. Well, to be honest, hardly anything at this point. All things considered, Danielle, you are a rising star... just remember the scrappys, in some way shape or form...
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