I almost, almost titled this one selling yourself but figured THAT could create some confusion online. So selling your skills it is. How do you sell the skills you have when the idea of talking yourself up, putting yourself out there makes you go a little green with vomit-inducing panic? I have a few ideas. And doing it without selling your soul, well I can help you with that too.
Since my recent change in circumstances to right back to when I met my husband as a 20-year-old. Life is one big sales pitch and who better to show you the way than a girl raised by a real estate agent and successful business owner, right? I’m so absolutely your girl. I thought so, let’s get started.
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
When it comes to selling what you’ve got you need to get clear on what it is exactly that you HAVE got. You need to be able to clearly articulate why your skills, your idea, is strong and worth paying for. And the only way to do this, the ONLY way, is to know it yourself. When I pitch an idea or contact a new prospective client, I like to know where I can help, how, why and if there is a need for the solution that I am pitching.
Take some time, sit down and write them out for yourself if you need too. Bring in a third-party to give their honest opinion. There’s nothing like the considered opinion of someone looking from the outside in to bring you clarity. Take the time to prepare this for yourself and you’ll immediately be more effective.
Be confident in what you know you can do.
Once you are clear on the strengths and weaknesses of your idea, of yourself, then you need to let go of any doubt, self-criticism and that nagging voice in your head that says you’re being a boastful jerk. You will NEVER successfully sell your skills without letting all of that go. You have to be able to confidently express why you are worth it. Without this you’ll be stuck somewhere in the middle. And so will what you can reasonably charge.
Deliver a clear, concise presentation that appeals to feelings.
People mostly want to know what is in it for them. Sure we care about other people but after us. Later. A little down the line. So when you are doing your presentation you will need to be able to tell people why THEY need you, why you are such a great thing for them. It’s all about them. Take that confidence in your ability and remind them why you are exactly what they are waiting for. The answer to THEIR prayers.
Know how much you are willing to give, for what price and for how long.
Now you have some idea how to put together and stand behind the promise to sell your skills, now comes the how to not sell your soul thing. Like the earlier steps in this process you need to get clear. If you work is worth a certain level to you then feel comfortable charging that. You will be asked to negotiate sometimes so you need to know when you are willing to do that.
I often turn down paid opportunities on this blog because it just doesn’t fit. Or I’d have to try hard to make it fit. I know where my line in the sand is. I also decline a lot of requests because I am asked to reduced my prices for brands I know can pay. On the other side of the coin I often work with local clothing brands for product or reduced pricing because it matters to me that they stay around. Know your own person line in the sand.
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t.
The final part of this post and probably the most important is that if it doesn’t feel right, if you have questions that can’t be answered or concerns that won’t go away, don’t do it. There’s a big difference between being nervous, or taking a huge leap of faith and going against your better judgement. If your gut says no, walk away. It’s always served me well in the past. Learn to listen, decipher what is negative self-talk and what is genuine intuition and go for it. That’s the real secret.
So what are you selling? Are you a blogger in need of an audience? An employee in need of a raise? A creative who desperately wants someone to buy your beautiful creations? Tell me all about it, I’d love to know more. I might even get the chance to share some of them here or in my newsletter. You never know right? Sell it to me.
Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
I’ve just discovered your site from Blog Chicks – and I’ve just spent the past hour here devouring your writing. It’s great – I’ll be back to read more.
Hey there! Welcome. I do love those Blog Chicks. They’re top chicks! And thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog. I’ll be happy to have you back any time you like. 🙂
Many people think that it they are the same.
Great post.
I agree. They don’t have to be.
Thank you.
Wow, well said Suger. It is so easy to get all gung-ho when an amazing idea comes to mind. Totally believe in having a trusted 3rd party to bounce off. It allows me some clarity and helps to build me up.
Thank you Gayel. Having a conversation, expressing your idea, can help you settle it yourself too. You start to see the problems, the holes and the probable issues. There’s power in communicating an idea. It helps it grow. That third party really can just be a cheer squad in the end.
You are a beacon of sense xoxox
You are too kind. Thanks Rah. x
Ah great post! You see, I started off ‘selling’ my expertise…or tips to my readers, then along the way started to ‘sell myself’ to brands etc…but it started to get cumbersome, I started getting frustrated…don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some fab opportunities, but I started to fell used. I stopped and took a look at myself and decided….I’d rather ‘sell’ or more like share my expertise with my readers because it makes me feel nice and more myself, less stressful. That’s my line in the sand, I say what goes not what brands tell me to do.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. And I think for bloggers no one can tell you what will work for you and your blog but you. Selling on blogs is something that you are either comfortable with or not. Happy to do or not. There is some middle ground but if you’re awkward and uncomfortable about it, stressed and under pressure, then all of that comes through on the blog. And really, no one wins.
I’ve stood at that crossroad a few times myself and been able to find a way that continues to work for me. IT took some direct conversations with myself AND with brands for that to happen but I got there. MY line in the sand. And I’m happy with that.
Oh I totally needed to read this today! I’ve pinned it to my Business Resources Pinterest Board and shared it on my Fee Dixon Facebook page too.
I respect you immensely as a blogger, I think you are one of the most genuine open bloggers around. Thank you xx
Glad it appeared when you needed it Fi. Draw that line in the sand, my friend. You can always move it later if you change your mind. Just make sure it’s there and then go for it.
And thank you, thank you very much.
I desperately want someone to buy my beautiful creations! I’ve started selling bows I needed a creatively outlet now I’m at home full time with my baby girl. This is the perfect outlet for me to relax during nap times! There are not enough hours in the day for Savannah to wear everything I’m creating – so I decided to put them out there and see how I go. It is hard to get your name out there though – and then to sell them! I have found the handmade community on Facebook very supportive though and I have advertised on a few blogs now too. It is hard work but I think you want to succeed and you out in the work then the resuktswill come
Congratulations on your new venture Mel! How exciting. SO exciting. And you know what is even better? That you have found support in the handmade community online. That is all kinds of wonderful. It takes time to build up a customer base {this is true of any business}. Just remember when you speak to them through your page that you should speak to what they need, solve a problem for them and share yourself. It’s how I love to be sold too, it’s the same for others as well. Good luck!