Some days back, a client asked me how much I charge, but I didn’t rush to answer.
I asked about their budget first. It’s important that you always do when the conditions are right.
The client came in a little lower than my standard rate. But instead of throwing them out, I proposed an arrangement that lets my value speak for itself.
With this arrangement, I also get to observe the client and project to see if it’s worth committing to longterm.
This is how I get my best clients. It’s not always about money alone.
Now there’s something most freelancers miss about situations like this. I didn’t have to lower my value, but controlled the terms instead.
I already anchored my real rate before anything else. The discount was temporary and tied to evaluation, not just handed over.
Now, when going into month two, I have good leverage. There will be volume, proof of work, and a paper trail of results.
Most freelancers land in one of two places: They either fold too fast and quote low before the client even asks, or they hold so rigid that the deal dies on principle.
However, there’s usually a third option.
You can be firm on your value, but still flexible on your entry point.
Those aren’t the same thing. And the moment you understand that, your whole pricing conversation changes.
Also pray for the gift of clients that won’t stress you during negotiations of course. 😆
In my writing career, I've learnt that in-depth research and deep thinking affect the outcome of a piece.
Because you can have a great structure and still produce a flat piece. But you can't fake research depth. You also can't shortcut your way to a strong angle.
Some things you can control:
- your decisions
- your pace
- your money behavior
- your environment
- your actions
- your inner world
Things you cannot control:
- exact timing of breakthroughs
- other people’s behavior
- external conditions
- outcomes of decisions
- unpredictable life events
When life feels noisy, you regain power by focusing only on the parts you can control.
The day I got my first seven-figure job, sleep refused to come. I just kept walking around my room, thinking about how my life had finally turned. I told myself, this is it. No more soaking garri every night .
I went out and bought peppered chicken and turkey on credit because I knew my seven figure was coming 🤣🤣🥹🤭, all the things I used to look at from afar. I sat down and ate everything with joy. Even my music changed. I moved from Billie Eilish to Joy Is Coming by Fido 🤭🤣 like my spirit knew something big had shifted.
Later, I spent my first 100k and looked at my balance. The money was still plenty, and it kept growing. I went to parts of the store I used to only admire. I picked up a bottle of wine I once feared to check the price of, and for the first time, I realized I could afford it without thinking twice. 🤭😭😭😭😆
That night, I slept like a baby. It was the kind of peace that touches your chest.
To my newbies I pray you taste that feeling soon.
Tech money 🤭🤭
Broke ones will rise again.