Scheduling and money…how do YOU do it? This is a keeping’ it real post. Sharing my soul with you. The last 2 weeks my schedule was and is really tough. If not for the help of my husband, my MIL and my friend and neighbor, something would have had to give. Either my Little Man missing out on his Jiu Jitsu class or party, or me having to give up a gig. Neither of which is good.
I have been completely a self-employed Mommy since the middle of May when my gig of 14 years ended. Don’t get me wrong! I was COMPLETELY ready for the change and was planning my own exit. They merely hurried it along by closing the venue. To be able to schedule my life to contribute to our bottom line so it’s not all on my hubby and accommodate my son and be the Mom who is at home a lot and do homework and volunteer in class and PTA is a dream come true! I’ve just got to continue to get better at things. To be more efficient at scheduling, organizing and…asking for money.
There, I’ve said and I still hate it! Why is it so hard to talk about money with prospective clients??? With my voice and piano lessons it is a bit easier as I have an amount that is set by the company I represent. I used to make lots of deals, and give lots of discounts on my teaching. I still do it for very close friends. But, for new people, I don’t any more. I realized that 2 things happen. The people who had the best deal, cancelled the most! WHAT?! That fact really blew me away. The other thing that happened is that I felt resentful towards them. That is completely no bueno. I am teaching the very thing that is my passion and my love and my artistry and I feel crappy about it?!?! Ugh. No more.
Here’s the funny thing that happened… I am busier than ever with lessons! And, I LOVE my students so much! I have kids who are so talented my heart is bursting for them. My pros are so brave and so courageous and I am honored that they trust me with their talent. It’s a fabulous feeling.
Next up is my live performance work. OY. That is a whole other can of worms. The first and last problem I have is that I don’t have a good video. DUH. I mean really come on, Karen. It’s amazing that I have been so fortunate to have some great work from just audio and pics. Plus, once I get someone on the phone, they do understand I am the real deal and will give them a fantastic music experience. However, this is the age of YouTube and I need to get over my fear of how I look and sound on video and just do-my-thang. Place real and actual value on myself and what I do. If I don’t do that, I can’t possibly expect a client to want to spend their hard earned money on me. No one else can do what I do. Yes, lots of people DO what I do. But, not the way I do it. That’s what I have to remember and share. Video is coming and I’ll share it here with you!
How do you deal with placing value on yourself and/or your product? I’d love to hear from you!
I’m a singing pianist with a full band available! Check out my agent friendly page here – Find your favorite Las Vegas Chicksinger in all these places! Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter and Instagram and at Pinterest, read more from your Chicksinger and my pursuit of love, happiness and music.
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