Getting Paid When You Hate Asking for Money

A vast majority of us absolutely hate asking for money. The idea of just coming out with it fills us with dread. We worry about what people will think of us. We’re scared of looking needy or demanding. We don’t want to upset people, and we’re often guilty of wanting everyone to like us. These things can make us better people in daily life, but when it comes to our finances, they can hold us back.

Not wanting to ask friends and family to pay debts back can mean that we are out of pocket, and at risk of being taken advantage of in the future. You can find yourself not getting what you are owed in terms of benefits and payouts, where Robinette Law can represent you. But, it’s an even more serious problem when it comes to work.

When we work for an employer, as an employee, things should run smoothly. You do your job, and you get paid for it. It’s all automatic. You don’t ever have to ask for money or worry about it coming. If you do, it might be time to start thinking about a new job. But, when you work for yourself, as a freelancer, solopreneur or small business owner, it’s not always that simple. You do a job, but the payment won’t necessarily come automatically. Even if it does, you’ll have to get used to having conversations about money, when you agree to an amount and a time frame. This can be tough. Especially when you’re not used to it, let’s take a look of some of the ways to get paid, even if you absolutely hate having to ask for money.

Always be Up Front

One problem many new self-employees have is that they do the work, without ever speaking about money beforehand. They get stuck in, without agreeing on a fee or any terms and conditions such as payment dates and revisions allowed. Then, it gets more awkward asking after.

When you take on any work, whether for a regular client or on a one-off basis, make sure you agree on fees and terms at the outset. Never start work before there is an agreement in place, and you’ve got evidence of it.

Use Invoices

Evidence is essential. An invoice gives you a paper trail and lays out all of the information clearly. A basic invoice template is easy enough to use. Then you just need to edit the details for each job. Make sure your invoice clearly states when payment is due, and that there will be an increase once that date has passed. Send your invoice when work commences.

You’ll still have people that don’t pay, that you have to chase up, but an invoice means that they’ve got no excuse or easy way out.

Know Your Value

If you are making money doing something that you love, you must be good at it. If people want your services, they must be worth it. Imposter syndrome is a key reason that so many of us are bad at asking for money. We feel that we don’t deserve it.

Learn your worth, look at what other people in your industry are charging, build a portfolio and boost your confidence.