Charge with confidence – no matter what.

Whether you’re considering what to charge for your consulting services or composing yourself to face uncertainties you must take your future by the horns and continue forward with confidence.

There are many times we don’t feel like showing up, when the anxiety is crippling, and we can’t see a clear way to continue, but conceding isn’t an option. Instead, collect your thoughts and keep going. That sounds trite, and it is so much easier said than done – but it’s true. Change your perspective if you must – go for a walk, take a nap, practice some deep breathing or yoga.

Just yesterday, I was battling massive anxiety for many reasons that was continuing to cause crushing concern for my immediate and distant future. I took two talks, went to the gym, got my nails done, did all the things on my to-do list, practiced deep breathing, put lavender on my pulse points – etc. and yet it was still there. And that’s ok, it happens. But what’s not ok is giving up. You have to keep charging ahead despite how you may feel, because as my mom keeps saying to me on repeat (I needed it a lot this AM) – things will change, they will get better, but only if you keep on keeping on.

If instead your confidence is needing a charge when it comes to what your consulting costs should be – the mantra is similar; evaluate your worth, determine how much you need to earn to first cover your costs, and to pay yourself enough to be able to save, then consider what you need to make in order to make the work sound like something you want to do – how much will make you feel like you are being paid fairly for your skill.  I talk to people (especially women) all the time who are afraid of asking for what they are worth, or what they think they should be making because they don’t want it to cost too much for their clients. But yet, they aren’t thinking about what the project may cost them – there are a lot of input costs that go into calculating someone’s loaded cost. That cost will vary dependent on if you are part of a large firm or if you are working on your own, but still you have to make sure that not only are you making enough to pay yourself, but also enough to cover all your annual business costs, while also ensuring there is room to save for future business growth.

And – there’s the opportunity cost that you must consider – if you were to take this work, what other work that may pay you more are you potentially declining?

So, when going into consulting negotiations – do your homework, come up with the hourly rate, or fixed fee that you think is fair and stick to it. The clients you are meant to work with, who respect you and the skills and services you bring to the table will pay you. The ones who want to haggle over rate aren’t the ones you want to work with.

For this ‘contemporary’ take on a classic consulting look I paired my first suit with a new sweater top I found this winter at NameDroppers new with tags on. Because of the warm camel color of the top I chose my bronze heels with a camel bag, and then because it was quite chilly threw on my new favorite overcoat. I found the overcoat this winter also at NameDroppers and it was love at first sight – the cut is magnificent, it’s deep navy which is a color I’d been wanting as an addition to my classic black overcoat, and it’s lining is so unbelievably fun.

I love how color, and cut can totally transform clothing into a compelling compilation.  This would be the perfect outfit to wear to confidently charge into a client and close a new contract, or to counter your concerns and cast away all your doubts.

No matter what it may be that requires you to charge ahead – just remember to keep going confidently (and stop checking the rear view!).

All my best,

Outfit Details: Suit: Escada Top: Ralph Lauren Coat: Dolce & Gabana Purse: Prada Shoes: Jimmy Choo Sunglasses: Louis Vuitton Gloves: Overland Necklace: Pearls Earrings: Pearls Bracelet: Gold Bangle