Knowing Your Worth...

     Three times over the past week the theme of “Knowing Your Worth” came up with three of my favourite people.
     Why is it that our worth is questioned either by someone we know, usually a friend, or by ourselves?
    I’m sorry to say, but it usually us, the creative kind, where our worth is questioned. 
     “Why is that piece SO expensive?”
     “Oh, thank you. That looks amazing! You are such a good friend to do that for me for free. Cool. Bye.”
     “Can’t you do that cheaper? Surely it will only take a couple of hours.”
     Heads up people. This attitude is unacceptable. 

• If you have a friend or family member who has a small business or side hustle, your vibe should be to support them by paying full price and NOT asking for a discount. Please, do not devalue that person. Give them a shout out on your socials, support their posts by engaging with positive and encouraging comments, and recommend them through word-of-mouth.

• Looking for an amazing artwork or one-of-a-kind piece? BEFORE questioning the worth of not only the item, but also the creative behind said piece, ask yourself a few of questions:
     o How long do you think the artist took to create the item from start to finish? Their time is just as valuable.
     o Realistically, if you were to replicate the item, do you have the experience (whether the qualification or training) yourself? Certification and qualifications cost money to complete and are just as priceless as the piece created.
     o Can the item be purchased from another artist or store? Is the item unique to the artist alone?

• This issue is close to my heart. Engaging a contractor for work that you are either not qualified to do, or do not have time to do, please consider not only the time it takes to complete certain tasks, but also the quality.
     o Be clear on the job description and outline, prior to commencement of work. This gives the contractor a clear timeline in which the job is to be completed. If you change your mind throughout the project, the contractor’s time is valuable and still needs to be paid. That is a YOU problem.
     o For example: Regarding a job where painting is required; it is not a matter of “just slapping some paint” on walls or ceilings. In these instances, preparation is usually required, whether it is washing walls, taping up or repairing even before considering opening the tin of paint.
     o Once a quotation is accepted, negotiating on pricing AFTER the job has been completed is nothing but offensive. This a no-go in my books.

• Why do we question and devalue ourselves? Why do we feel our time or talent is not worth a price?
     o Be confident of your worthiness! Have the mindset that if you are questioned or receive negative feedback from other people regarding your worth, then maybe they don’t deserve the fruits of your labour or talent. Good luck Susan in acquiring that item or service from someone else.
     o Be firm. No freebies or discounts. No, Aunt Marge! The price is the price.
     o You have worked hard at your studies. Getting that qualification, completing the training, or hunting down mentors who gave you the experience didn’t take five minutes or cost ten dollars. Always consider your experience and effort, before devaluing yourself fam.

Know your worth and also be mindful of another human’s. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your passion or talent.

Danai xo