3 tips to start getting paid to think
I was working with a client on her brand for her jewelry line years ago. It was such a fun experience because I didn’t just get to design the brand identity, but I was involved with her and her team in formulating the brand strategy (however, I had no idea that’s what it was called, nor did I charge for it).
I wanted to start charging for my thinking but I didn’t know how to be seen, or even see myself, as someone who could get paid for that. I always thought a deliverable had to be attached to what I did, otherwise, what I did wasn’t worth anything. “How can you charge for something you can’t see?!” I thought. But really, the value wasn’t innately in a logo or design, the value was in the result those designs brought about. And my thinking was a big part of what made those things valuable. Without the research and thought behind the designs they’d be created with no purpose, and thus, be worthless.
Here are 3 tips I wish I would have known to start getting paid to think:
1. Separate out your research phase and put a price on it.
If you’re not comfortable with charging for or doing brand strategy on it’s own yet, you may want to start here. Maybe you have a research phase before you start designing. Maybe you send a questionnaire to your clients. Separate that phase out and put a price on it in your proposal. This way, you’re showing your client and yourself that your thinking and research is worth something.
2. Create a consulting service for brain pickers.
Do you have clients wanting to pick your brain about something? Great! That means your thinking is already being valued. Set up a page on your site where people can sign up for a consulting hour with you and charge them for it. I love using Calendly for this. Next time someone asks you to pick your brain, you can offer them that option.
3. Share your ideas.
Have you ever had a really good idea for your client? Share it with them! Show them that you care about their business and that you have ideas that may help them. Disclaimer: you need to listen to what their goals are cause lame ideas that don’t align with their vision will be a waste of time for them, not to mention really annoying. I like to ask “have you thought of or tried _______?” It’s less about advice giving and more about opening dialogue.
If you’re looking to make the transition from being a design order-taker to a consultant, starting with even one of these baby steps will begin to build your confidence.
Melinda
This post was originally sent to my Strategy Stories newsletter subscribers.
Want to get posts like this one sent straight to your inbox?
Sign up so you don’t miss any!
