Those of you who’ve been following my blog know that I periodically have the need for a good “old-fashioned” rant. It’s kind of therapeutic. And I like to think that perhaps I voice some of the same frustrations that you experience. So hang on to your hat, here’s my latest!
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love the idea of a personal history, that is, until they find out how much it costs. Then I usually get looks of incredulity, shock, or disapproval. This is often followed by something like, “I’ll have to think about this and get back to you” or “I’m afraid that’s much more than we had planned”. In any respect, I usually never hear from them again. Now I don’t charge outrageous fees. For the most part, they fall within the range charged by other personal historians.
Why is it that as a professional I’m expected to work for “sweat shop” wages? No one for a minute would challenge the rates charged for legal or financial services. And the same people who question my fees think nothing of spending thousands of dollars on renovating their kitchen or bathroom. What gives?
There was a time I used to cringe inwardly when the conversation with a potential client turned to money. Not any more! I know that I bring years of hard-earned experience to the table. I’ve won significant awards attesting to the quality of my work and I have many satisfied clients.
Now, when it’s time to quote costs, I hold my head high. I look people in the eye and give it to them straight. No tugging at my forelock. No eyes cast downward. No stammering. And if they don’t like it, too bad. They can get cousin Harold to do the work. I’m sure he has a little digital video camera and won’t charge a cent!
Thank you and have a nice day. 
Photo by Patrick Hoesly
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I LOVE this…well said!
@Peggy. Thanks, Peggy!
I totally agree! Too often, potential clients think we are in the business to just write other people’s stories for fun. Of course, while it is a pleasant experience, the money is what allows us to do the work.
It may be the current economy, but it is getting harder to find paying clients. If you discover a magic bullet to get thru to clients, please let me know!
Beth LaMie
http://www.bethlamie.com
@Beth LaMie. Thanks for your comments, Beth. When I find the magic bullet I’ll let you know!
I got the same thing when I had my resume writing service. People seemed to think I would spend hours crafting a personal resume for them for $5. I wouldn’t even boilerplate one for that. Everybody wants something for nothing.
@Digital Dame. True! True!
Thank you soooo much Dan for writing this blog. It reflects my experiences almost exactly. I’m only a relatively new business too and am based in a small regional ‘city’ in Australia. Even my mildly-priced $1000 package gets looks of horror from people or friends saying that they’d pay for their Dad to be interviewed but they don’t have that much money. Then the next thing I hear, they’ve bought the last WII or plasma TV.
Yep, those things are major priorities, but capturing the stories of your family forever – so you have that memory of them when they are no longer with you – that isn’t worth $1000!?
These are the same people who will say “I wish I’d done that with Dad, Mum etc before they died”. I get that comment a lot too, but unfortunately these people probably wouldn’t have taken up the opportunity even then.
It’s because people don’t have that sense of urgency – they don’t want to face that we or their family may not be here tomorrow.
Ok, I think I’ve just had *my* rant, but I feel better knowing I’m not the only one out there experiencing all this.
Love your work
Louise
@itsmylifedvds. Thanks for your rant, Louise!
It does feel good doesn’t it? Glad you like my blog.
Dan, thanks for writing this. Not only do we hear it for personal histories, we also often get that response for almost any video, photo, or audio project we quote on. We’ve managed to keep busy during this economy by asking what can they afford and letting a client know what we can provide for that amount. But still, we always wonder when that “look” passes on someones’s face, “what part of your personal history would you like left out?”
@Yvonne Charneskey. Thanks for your comments, Yvonne.
Hi Dan. I think its very important to explain and establish value before talking about price. From my experience in the real estate business, clients have no clue what the price should be until they are educated about what the comparibles are in the marketplace. Once a client understands the going price in the neighborhood they feel comfortable buying that home or homesite or condo. The same applies when discussing our unique services of Video Biographies or Corporate History documentaries. Once clients can see examples, see comparibles, then they have no problem paying the price. I think everyone is looking for a bargain, but most people are not afraid to pay for quality once they understand market price.
@RJ McHatton. Thanks for your comments, RJ. I agree with you about establishing value. My experience has been that most people don’t have any trouble grasping the value of a personal history, they just don’t value it enough to pay what it’s worth.
So I guess I’m considered a “veteran” but I don’t feel like one. Every day I angst about how to grow this business, wishing I were better at public speaking so I could do small- or large-group presentations. Having your daily blog provides an oasis of calm. Thank you, Dan.
Oh, I got into the business after 20 years as a People Magazine reporter (that is, in the early days when the story subjects and content were credible.)
@Bonnie Bell. Thanks for your comments, Bonnie. I’m happy that you find my articles of some value. I must admit I’m not always calm but deep breathing helps.
People have no idea how much time is involved in writing a personal history, or making a video. Not until they try it themselves, of course!
@Barbra. You’re absolutely right! Thanks for your comment.