Value PR? Then PR People Must Value Themselves
This blog post is dedicated to all the PR people out there who don't fully value themselves or the work they do for clients. You know who you are. You're the ones who:
- Constantly discount their services just so they can get business.
- Don't believe they're worthy of an average or above-average billing rate so they don't ask for anything more than a handout.
- Take on the worries of the clients they represent... this usually results in the PR person working more hours than they're being compenstated for.
- Price themselves based on what a client can afford vs. what they think they're worth. This is the kicker in my opinion!
If you value yourself, you won't do anything to invalidate what you do and who you are.
As a PR person, our ideas, creativity, knowledge and know-how are what we have to offer to help companies achieve their goals. Companies who value you will be willing to pay you what you're worth (within reason and ethically priced right, of course!). Those that won't pay you don't value what you do. Maybe you should walk away? If all PR people were willing to stand their ground when it comes to pricing their services, then our profession as a whole would be treated with the respect it deserves.
Remember, don't discount your services. Don't take on the worries of your clients. And don't, for goodness sake, undervalue your worth! Your ideas and experience are worth a lot - and you and the clients who think you're special know it!