I've literally had 3 clients within the last week inform me that my prices are insanely low compared to other readers, right before they asked me with trepidation if I was planning on raising my prices anytime soon, lol...The economy being what it is, I figured that those 3 people probably represent many, many more wondering the same thing, so I figured I'd address the issue here, along with some thoughts on the economy...
Follow up:
First, the 3 who spoke up each told me hesitantly that my prices are insanely low, apparently believing that this was something I was unaware of...While I do genuinely appreciate the fact that I have such wonderful, selfless clients who would be willing to help ME by letting me know that my prices are far below industry standard, even if it meant that they might have to pay higher prices, in this case I assure you the concern is unwarranted...Those clients are right: the industry pricing standard is significantly higher than the prices that I charge, which was an intentional decision on my part, for several reasons...First, I want to be sure that I am always accessible to EVERYONE who may need help, guidance, or a way to connect with their loved ones on the other side, NOT just people who can afford $300 an hour. Second, if I WERE to raise my prices, it certainly wouldn't make sense to do it now, when people are losing their jobs, many barely able to afford even my relatively low prices. There will come a time when I will raise my prices, but it won't be before the beginning of 2010 and it won't be anything too drastic...I assure you my current pricing will remain in place until our economy has passed its "red zone."
Which brings me to my next topic: the economy. I imagine many of you have noticed a distinct absence of any economy-related blog entries here...Like my pricing, this has been an intentional decision on my part. While I've spoken with several of my clients for the last year and a half about where the economy was headed, I've been very careful not to share my insights with the general public...First of all, as I always tell my students in my classes, nothing is set in stone - like a boat floating on the ocean, the course of choices (and therefor outcomes) can change like the tide and I am the queen of hope, lol...Some may argue that I could have prepared some people for what was to come by being forthright with everyone here about what my guides have told me was coming, which is true...However, sometimes ignorance actually can help since collective thought can literally change the course of events. Long story short, if everyone knows we're heading for a depression, they're going to panic, creating an energetic ball of fear that's going to weigh the ship down ten times more, making it sink a heck of a lot faster. Remember that EVERYTHING is made of the same energy - EVERYTHING. And thought is a very powerful form of energy (which is why the brain waves can be measured by doctors on an EKG). So, even though it may not have been possible to avoid what's to come completely, having a little extra time has allowed those in power to at least attempt to find some ways for us to recover a little more quickly when we get to the other side of the downfall...
Please remember that what you believe, you live. I realize that many of you have lost your jobs and are panicking, understandably. I'm not asking you to live in a fantasy happy land...But what I'm saying is that you CAN change the course of things by changing the course of your little tiny piece of the collective puzzle. Whether it's volunteer work or freelance work, KEEP THE ENERGY IN YOUR LIFE MOVING. PERIOD. DO NOT STOP. DO NOT FALTER RIGHT NOW. Keep moving, keep walking your path, do NOT be discouraged by what seems like a monumental setback. Be thankful for all of your blessings, no matter how small - if you lose your job be thankful for your savings; if you lose your house and have to move in with relatives be thankful that they're there to help you; if you don't have enough savings to last long, start doing consulting or freelance work and be thankful for the skills you gained at the job you seemingly "lost."
GET CREATIVE!! Remember that right now, many companies have had to let go of half of their staff because they can't afford the salaries and benefits, but they're STILL IN NEED OF THE WORK DONE BY THE EMPLOYEES THEY HAD TO LAY OFF. This offers independent consultants and freelancers a PERFECT opportunity! If you were a manager of a sales team, put together an independent sales team and approach companies who had to let their sales team go. There are obvious benefits to not having to pay for the desk space, benefits, etc. If you were an administrative assistant, approach companies to offer your services on a freelance as-needed basis, charging either by the hour or by the project. Most freelancers/independent business people don't need an office - they can work from their home/garage/community center and, when needed, a conference room can be rented very cheaply for client meetings.
Right now is NOT the time to fold, NO MATTER HOW BLEAK THINGS MAY SEEM! YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND THINGS ARE NOT HOPELESS, EVEN NOW...Take this opportunity to pool your resources, including others you may know who have lost their jobs or whose hours were cut...Now is the time for us to band together in pairs and groups to help one another...I know it's a scary time, but by taking just a little bit of control, not only will you feel less scared, but you'll be able to make the ride a little less bumpy for yourself and those around you...
BE INSPIRED.
INSPIRE THOSE AROUND YOU.
STAY FOCUSED.
KEEP MOVING.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU CAN DO THIS!
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