Too many small business owners fall into a dangerous trap tying their prices to their self-worth instead of the value they provide.
When you price based on doubt, imposter syndrome, or fear, you undercharge, overwork, and attract the wrong clients. But here’s The Stern Truth:
Your worth isn’t up for debate—your impact is.
Your clients don’t pay for your self-esteem; they pay for results. More revenue, more time, less stress—that’s what they value, and that’s what you should be charging for.
That’s where the real power is. Because when you price based on value:
- You attract clients who respect what you do and see it as an investment, not an expense.
- You free yourself from the endless cycle of overworking and undercharging.
- You set a standard that reflects the transformation you create.
So ask yourself: Are you pricing for value or pricing from self-doubt?
If so, it’s time to step into your power as a business owner.
And that, my friends, is the moment you step into the true power of being a business owner. AND THAT”S THE STERN TRUTH!
You can listen or watch more on this topic last week's THE STERN TRUTH: BUSINESS UNFILTERED episode.
Learn how to close the gap between marketing and service delivery to build customer trust and grow your business.
Investing in eye-catching marketing materials like a sleek website and a wrapped truck can initially draw potential customers to your business. However, many businesses fail to convert these leads due to what is described as "the service gap" – the gap between marketing promises and delivering actual customer service. This disconnect can turn away ready-to-buy customers, leading to missed opportunities and wasted marketing investments.
The effectiveness of marketing efforts is measured not just by attracting customer interest but by how efficiently inquiries are handled. A customer's journey from discovery to engagement can falter if businesses fail to respond promptly to inquiries. Without a reliable system for managing customer interactions, even the most compelling marketing strategies can fall flat, causing potential clients to seek services elsewhere.
Bridging the service gap involves auditing the customer journey to identify weaknesses and implementing systems for effective communication and follow-up. Simple measures like setting automated responses, establishing response time standards, and using CRM software can significantly enhance customer experiences. Ultimately, the most impactful marketing strategy is one that translates promises into experiences, fostering trust and generating word-of-mouth referrals that drive growth.
Read more...Setting ambitious business goals at the start of the year is common for small business owners and entrepreneurs, filled with motivation and energy to elevate their business. However, life's unpredictability often leads to feelings of being overwhelmed and a return to old habits, causing a halt in progress. The issue isn't the goal itself, but rather the approach taken towards achieving it.
Focusing solely on goal-setting without a solid action plan is a pitfall many entrepreneurs fall into, as goals are influenced by uncontrollable external factors such as market changes and economic downturns. Instead of fixating on the end result, adopting Process Goals can lead to sustainable growth; these are daily and weekly action steps that truly drive business success. For instance, rather than aiming for a specific revenue target, a more effective approach could be committing to reaching out to a set number of new leads each week and following up consistently.
By concentrating on what can be controlled—your daily actions—you can build momentum, increase confidence, and witness tangible progress in your business. Shifting the focus from lofty, outcome-based goals to actionable, process-oriented goals can transform the way you approach your business growth, setting the stage for a thriving business in 2025.
Read more...
It’s hard to believe that we are coming to an end of 2024.
Anyone feeling the pressure?
As Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, it’s that time when we’re juggling deadlines, reflecting on the past year, and trying to plan for the next one—
Anyone feeling the pressure?
As Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, it’s that time when we’re juggling deadlines, reflecting on the past year, and trying to plan for the next one—
All while pretending we’re not living on caffeine and sheer determination😅
Well, I have some good news! I’m here to help! (and no I won’t suggest adding “stress less” to your to-do list).
Over the course of the next several weeks I will
be sharing a series of important lessons I have learned in my 30 years running and owning small businesses and coaching my small business owner clients:
be sharing a series of important lessons I have learned in my 30 years running and owning small businesses and coaching my small business owner clients:
I call it:
“STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!”
(what NOT to do in 2025)
“STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!”
(what NOT to do in 2025)
To kick this series off, today I am going to share 2 tips with you. Let’s dive in.
What NOT to Do #1:
Do NOT Plan for 2025 to be the Best Year Ever!
Do NOT Plan for 2025 to be the Best Year Ever!
Seriously, I see this promoted by all the online so called “experts” every year around this time and heading into a new year. The truth is, falling for this “Best Year Ever” goal is setting yourself and your small business up for failure and disappointment.
Rather than focusing on 2025 being your best year ever, I encourage you to reflect back on why 2024 was not “your best year ever”
and what you can do differently to make it a better year and get better results for your business & your life.
Then we can move on to the second tip below.
Then we can move on to the second tip below.
What NOT to Do #2:
STOP Focusing on the Goal
STOP Focusing on the Goal
Most of us as small business owners and entrepreneurs set new goals and resolutions at the beginning of the year. We start off strong hoping to get the results we desire and then soon after (a few weeks😅) we fall back into our old habits.
We are conditioned by society and the “experts” to set lofty goals and then go for them. Don’t get me wrong, setting goals are important but don’t just leave it at that.
One of strategies I teach my clients is to not just set the Outcome Goals that you want but also the Process Goals.
The process goals are the action steps that you plan to take in order to achieve the outcome goals that you truly desire.
The truth is we don’t have full control over the goals... But what we do have control over is the action steps that we take. Taking action is the key to making a real difference for you and your business.
If you would like to take action and learn more about how you can get better results in your business in 2025 without sacrificing your personal life (family, friends, you), let's setup a time to chat.
Feeling overwhelmed in your entrepreneurial journey? You're not alone. A recent study found that 62% of female entrepreneurs experience burnout, but you can reignite your passion and steer your business to success with the right strategies.
Shifting your mindset from an employee to a CEO is pivotal. Embrace ownership of your vision, delegate tasks to focus on growth, and build confidence in your decision-making abilities. Rediscover your "why" and let it guide you, as getting clear on your vision will help you create a successful roadmap.
Evaluate your daily activities with honesty; focus on "Power Moves" that align with your goals rather than "Energy Drains." Seek out a mentor for guidance, accountability, and support to think bigger and gain valuable insights. Remember, you are capable of amazing things, and by prioritizing your well-being and leadership, you can build the thriving business you envisioned.
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