"Um...uh....well...", I stammered.
Then I gave some low-ball number because I would rather get a "yes" than face rejection.
So it happened again. I did another gig for less than I knew I deserved and added to my stockpile of resentment which was slowly killing my love of being a musician.
Maybe for you it's not charging enough for voice or instrumental lessons because you're afraid other local teachers will undercut you if you raise your prices?
Or maybe you feel sheepish about mentioning your merch table while on stage and are afraid to create that "ultimate fan bundle" for $100 because you think no one will buy it?
First, know that talking about money makes most people uncomfortable. It doesn't come naturally and it's truly a skill you need to develop and a MINDSET you need to SHIFT that takes intentional work.
I have spent the last few years devouring books, trainings and coaching to change my money mindset.
I've made huge strides, but it's a work in progress. I'm always having to remind myself to stand by my worth.
I know from experience that if you keep ignoring the problem, it will eventually gnaw away at your love of music and joy in sharing your talent with others until you decide it isn't worth that feeling in the pit of your stomach all day long and you just give up.
But I know you don't want that!
The thing is, once I became a musician who was paid well for a gig, it was SO much easier to confidently ask for that amount again.
Because I actually had been paid x dollars for a gig, I thought of myself as worth x dollars and could approach a booking conversation from that vantage point.
It was a game changer!
But what do you do if you're not there yet?
What if you've never made more than $100 from a gig?
What if you've never made ANYTHING and have only been playing for "exposure"?
It's time to get in touch with "Future You".
Allow me to introduce you to Future You - a musician who commands big bucks for her performances and knows they're worth every penny.
How do you think that Future You would approach a booking conversation?
Would you be tongue-tied and sheepish?
Would you let a venue talk you into accepting peanuts?
HECK NO!
So next time you make a booking call or an over-email negotiation, take a moment to step into the shoes of the Future You who gets paid handsomely for gigs.
Then see what develops...
And speaking of gigs, this week on the Podcast Tara and I talk about why live performances are THE best discovery tool for new fans in 2025. Watch or listen on YouTube or on Spotify or on Apple Podcast.
Always in your corner,
​<3 Bree
PS: If you prefer to read FEM Friday on Substack, you can Subscribe Here​
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