What You're Doing, I Could Never Do

Today, I was working with a client over the phone. He was having me review a page, and I was editing on the fly. In fact, I was dictating copy to my client and he was writing it down!

That's when he said, "What you're doing, I could never do."

It occurred to me then that I sometimes take for granted my ability to write. It's quite easy for me, and I naturally assume it's easy for other people too.

That seems to be how human nature works. Whatever you're naturally good at, you're likely to take for granted.

And when you take your skill for granted, it's easy to undervalue it.

I think this is a key takeaway. If you recognize a skill that you're taking for granted, realize that you may be undervaluing it. Then reprice accordingly.

P.S. Today, 5/1/07, I was speaking with another client. The first thing he said was, "Ryan, how do you do what you do?" I confessed I did not know. Anyway, I thought it odd that two different clients said basically the same thing within a 24-hour period.

Comments

[Lynne Biziewski]

Ryan, you are absolutely right. We usually take our talents for granted.

While in school, I really succeeded in the classes which required (or, in my case.. allowed) long, detailed reports. I was even happier when I had the chance to write them in my own voice.

Give me words, & I'm in my glory!

But sometimes I forget that others don't feel the same...

[Becki Maxson]

Ryan, This is a hoot. This just happened to me this weekend too in regard to another business I have.

One thing I've realized is that when I'm blessed enough to be making money at something that feels easy and natural to me, that's a gift.

Becki

[Rezbi]

That is spot on.

I realized, only recently, that I've been taking my own skills for granted for years.

And, as a result, I've been under-valuing myself and practically giving away my services.

Well... no more.

I'm rebelling against myself.

Rezbi

[Ryan Healy]

Rezbi - Good for you for stepping out and taking action. Let me know how it goes.