Not sure if my business model is really sorted……
I was going to write something here to promote other ways I can help businesses by providing an experienced hand when things are very busy or for a specific project.
- Administration
- Systems
- Writing
- Number crunching
- Databases
- Budgets
- Financial monitoring
As is often the way however, it got me thinking and my mind took a wee tangent.
The service I love to provide is being a sounding board – listening, throwing around ideas, finding solutions or just exploring alternative worlds. I like to think that the combination of logic and randomness provides a unique aspect to people’s endeavours. To date though, this little side gig hasn’t been a roaring financial success, mainly because I’ve never charged for it. I talk to people, quietly supporting them and this brings me great satisfaction – but no income.
Maybe it’s the imposter syndrome, being an introvert or just a dislike of sales that means I don’t push this as much as I should. On the other hand, it could be the fact that I simply love to help people and I want them to succeed. By supporting others, I’m feeding my soul and it just doesn’t seem right to charge for that.
Random ideas, strategy and writing are my happy places – but looking back, the type of work I’ve charged for is data analysis, creating models, database construction and human resources advice. This is the stuff I can do and do well – but it isn’t my passion. There’s a big difference between enjoying doing this type of work to help someone and doing it because it excites you.
So today I’ve realised that I’m happy to charge for the skills I can offer but I’m still struggling to even think about charging for my passion.
I think I need to sit down and talk to myself about how I can overcome this mindset.
The Optimistic Cynic 