Exactly What to Say When Asked, "How Much Do You Charge?"

A client with a creative business called me one day and asked the following question. It's a question I get asked frequently, so rather than write an entire article, I decided just to tell you exactly what I told her.

Kirstin,

"I never know what to say when a potential customer calls and asks 'How much do you charge? What are your fees?'

I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by quoting something too low, but also don't want the caller to hear a number that they think is too high and hang up.

What do I say to them so I don't put them off, but also don't immediately take myself out of the running to get their business?"

-Ann P., Philadelphia, PA

Ann,

Don't feel compelled to blurt out a number or hand over a price sheet. Calmly and confidently tell the prospect, "It depends." Follow up with, "Let me ask you a few questions...." Then proceed to ask the prospect questions that will help you learn about her needs, uncover her concerns, understand her methods of measuring success, and determine how to show the value of your services.

Without knowing the basic information above, you are not in any position to be quoting prices and fees. Do yourself and your potential client a favor and don't rush into discussing pricing until you have all the facts, m'am.

-Kirstin Carey
http://www.MyCreativeBiz.com

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About Kirstin Carey

Kirstin Carey is the author of "Starving Artist No More: Hearty Business Strategies for Creative Folks". Kirstin knows that most creative professionals hate sales, contracts and discussing money. She consults creative folks on the business side of creativity so they make more money, attract better clients, and love what they do. Get proven strategies and insider secrets to help creative types like you get the business help you need at http://www.MyCreativeBiz.com.

kcarey@mycreativebiz.com


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Publicity: Utilizing a Press Release Effectively

Publicity is valuable to the livelihood of a business. Yet, some business owners hesitate to market their company through a press release. Instead, they rely on 'word-of-mouth'. But if your market is in the virtual marketplace, word-of-mouth doesn't work as effectively. Perhaps, most online business owners don't know where to begin in publicizing their product or service and this is why they dither in utilizing press releases.

The press release is the optimum method to luring potential business prospects. Used correctly, it would target an audience world-wide. Journalists often seek out unique products and services for topics of interest, and writing a comprehensive press release could be just the 'ticket' your business needs.

Where does one begin?

Start by understanding the 5 basic rules in promoting your business with words. With this brief outline of steps, you'll have a good understanding of how to begin the process.

1. Solid beginning: Express the 'point' of interest in a FIRM TITLE and HEADER. The remaining content of the press release will depict the detailed information.

2. Placement: Repeat the name of your product or service throughout the press release. Use the full name and not initials.

3. Target audience: Draft the content to target your market's interest. The material must reveal a benefit to using your product or service. Why should someone want to purchase from you? Use real-time facts to get the point across.

4. Language: Write in a conversational manner with an active voice. Avoid using fluffy words to make you sound superior or educated. Fewer words are better: too long of a press release will become distractive.

5. Company info: Include a brief bio line of the company, products, services, and customer satisfaction. If you do decide to use a testimonial in your press release, you should request written permission to list that person/company name in your press release.

These five steps are merely a starting point. To be effective, you should post a press release in online communities and bulletin boards. Keywords are also very important when writing Internet press releases, but not as important as the content. Remember, search engines like Google review the content for authenticity and quality.

Most small business owners and entrepreneurs don't have the time to invest in creating quality material so they contract a freelance writer who specializes in Public Relations.

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About Diane Hess

Diane M. Hess is the owner/operator of Hess Copywriting (subsidiary of Hess Business Professionals & Associates). She specializes in marketing, business writing, business management and development. Please send an email to her if you would like to use the content of this article. http://www.hbpassociates.biz. All copyrights belong to Hess Copywriting.