How to move out of the "buddy" or "family" discount

So I have been working with building my father's business for 3 years now, my own, and helping friends promote their social media, programs, and stuff around that. I enjoy it all, but the enjoyment of helping people is financially draining me. I love helping them achieve their vision, and I do so at a stupidly cheap rate. I'm talking full on-site video work, and full editing, all for maybe a total of $100-200 for like 20 combined work hours. I've been getting lots more experience yes, but I am suffering for it.

I am very serious on taking this on as a full-time profession, and I have been taking all the proper behind-the-scenes fundamental building, such as branding, copyright, LLC, website, etc.

Maybe it's just encouragement, but I am just unsure on how to go about it. What I was thinking of doing was sort of "incrementally" raising my rates, such as telling them I would only do it on an hourly rate of $17-$20 an hour. Still massively affordable, but it is also telling them I am taking myself more seriously.

When I saw Ceebz pricing chart a month or so back, that absolutely changed everything for me regarding how I have been massively undervaluing myself and my services. I just am hesitant to take the step to act on it.

Is this relatable at all to any of you when starting out?

25 comments