Published:

04/18/2014 10:20pm

3 Ways To Give Yourself A Raise (While Working Less)

As an online entrepreneur we're always looking for new ways to innovate and create businesses we love. We don't settle for the status quo, if we wanted to do the same thing day in and day out, and make the same salary ever year we'd get "real jobs". But that would be lame.

A big problem entrepreneurs run into is that there are only so many hours in a day and we didn't start our businesses because we're workaholics (OK well, not all of us). You need to organize your business in a way that allows you to make the money you desire, while working hours that allow you to live life on your terms.

It's time to give yourself a raise! And doing so may not be as hard as you think. Here are a few ways to kick things up a notch and make more while doing the same amount of work or less.

1. Establish A Brand.

To have a business you need to sell something, to have a brand you need to become known for something. And when you've become known for something you have built in credibility and your products and programs have a higher perceived value.

For example, if Miss America is offering you a beauty regimen for younger looking skin you'll probably be more likely to buy (and pay more) than if anonymous-don't-know-you-from-a-doorknob Jane is selling the exact same product. It's because Miss America is known for beauty and grace. Even though her product solves the same problem you're more likely to trust her because of her brand.

2. Package Your Services.

What many entrepreneurs don't realize (especially coaches and consultants) is that no matter how custom your programs are they can still be sold as packages. Of course, every client is different and you want to meet them on their level. Cookie cutter programs just won't cut the mustard. But, I'm willing to bet if you looked at the work you do with your clients you'll find a big picture trajectory that you take each one of them through.

For example most signature programs have 3 phases:

• Foundation - this phase is usually where you assess where your client is now and lay plans for how to get to where they need to be.

• Creation - in this phase you're actively helping them creating the deliverables needed to reach their goals.

• Implementation - in this phase they've already started their journey toward their goal and you are just helping them stay on course.

Chances are you can see similarities to this trajectory in your own programs. If so, then you have a package. Packages allow you to get out of the "charging hourly" mindset and instead charge for value of what they are receiving and achieving.

3. Automate Your Business.

What's the best way to work less and still maintain your income? Stop working! Well... kind of. When you start automating those things you do over and over again you'll free up more time.

This could be:

• Automating your marketing from making follow up emails go out automatically all the way to setting up evergreen launch sequences that are selling your programs for you 24/7.

• Setting up one of your programs as a home study. This is a lot of work up front but then it pays for itself over and over again.

• Automating admin work like client intake or affiliate setup.

Basically if you do the same thing more than once - you should automate it. By creating automated systems in your business you'll free up your time to focus on what you want, plus create more opportunities for recurring revenue.

These are just 3 of the many ways to give yourself a raise because you deserve it!

Holly Chantal is the founder of The Land of Brand, a website design and branding company for coaches and solopreneurs. Go to http://www.thelandofbrand.com and download a free video training on how to use your personality to create a unique brand - because your mom was right when she said you were special.