Podcasts about ditching hourly

Ed Kless joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about what he and his Threshold co-founder Ron Baker think is the next big thing (spoiler alert: transformations).Talking PointsThe Concept of the Experience EconomyProgression of Economic ValueTransformations and Their ImpactThreshold: Guiding TransformationsTransitioning from Service to Transformation EconomySkipping the Experience StageCharging for TransformationSubscription Model as a SolutionValue-Based Pricing vs. Hourly BillingThe Revelation DocumentThe Concept of Moral InjuryAnd here's the link to the document we discussed on the show: THRESHOLD - A REVELATION for the Transformation EconomyAbout EdEd Kless believes entrepreneurs continue the work of creation and that business exists to promote human flourishing. To advance this vision, he cofounded THRESHOLD, where he guides professional leaders and teams through edifying transformation. Previously, Ed served as Sage's senior director of partner development and strategy, hosted the Sage Thought Leadership Podcast, and designed curricula for Sage Partners and Customers. He also co-hosts The Soul of Enterprise with Ron Baker, his friend and fellow THRESHOLD co-founder. ----Before you go!The next time someone asks you for your hourly rate, I want you to stop what you're doing and head on over to valuepricingbootcamp.com to sign up for my free value pricing email course.Hope to see you there!

Geraldine Carter joined me on Ditching Hourly to give us a behind-the-scenes recap of what went into her pivot from selling one-time $9,500 mastermind programs to selling a $995/mo ongoing subscription model.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:34) - Defining 'Melting the Pyramid' (04:38) - Transitioning Business Models (08:54) - Challenges and Key Changes (14:00) - New Program Structure and Benefits (24:41) - Launch Phase and Simplification (27:52) - Navigating the Launch Transition (28:36) - Managing High-Touch Programs (29:33) - Prioritizing VIP Clients (31:10) - Finalizing the Launch (33:06) - Subscription Model Insights (34:50) - Building the Community (37:50) - Efficiency and Scalability (42:46) - Handling Uncertainty and Risk (50:04) - Adapting to Subscription Growth (52:54) - Conclusion and Takeaways Geraline's BioGeraldine Carter helps overworked CPAs create the accounting firm and the life they have always wanted.Geraldine's LinksThe website » https://geraldinecarter.com/The podcast » https://www.businessstrategyforcpas.com/The book » https://geraldinecarter.com/bookThe community » https://geraldinecarter.com/peak-freedom ----Before you go!The next time someone asks you for your hourly rate, I want you to stop what you're doing and head on over to valuepricingbootcamp.com to sign up for my free value pricing email course.Hope to see you there!

Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the current state and potential future of podcasting as a medium for building trust with your audience.AI SummaryIn this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark speaks with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, about the evolving landscape of podcasting. They discuss the shifting definitions and formats of podcasts, the importance of different content strategies, including private and hybrid podcasting, and the impact of new technologies like AI. Craig also shares insights on leveraging platforms such as YouTube and podcasting for trust-building and discovery, what makes podcasts unique in the AI era, and tips for solo business owners looking to optimize their content. The conversation is packed with actionable advice on how to effectively use podcasting to build authority and nurture audiences.Chapters(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (01:14) - The Evolution of Podcasting (02:24) - Private and Hybrid Podcasting Explained (03:27) - The Role of Video in Podcasting (05:21) - Discovery and Monetization Strategies (06:44) - Business Models for Podcasters (09:34) - Content Strategy and Audience Engagement (16:14) - The Future of Podcasting and Platforms (29:09) - Content Strategy and Funnel Optimization (30:36) - The Power of Long-Form Audio (31:46) - Podcasting for Authority Building (34:24) - YouTube as a Discovery Platform (34:48) - Shorts, Segments, and Long-Form Content (51:18) - The Role of AI in Content Creation (55:44) - Private and Hybrid Podcasting (59:12) - Conclusion and Future of Podcasting Craig's LinksCastos » https://castos.com/Craig's Website » https://craighewitt.com/Craig's YouTube » https://www.youtube.com/@thecraighewittCraig's LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hewitt-78386a66/ The next time someone asks you for your hourly rate, I want you to stop what you're doing and head on over to valuepricingbootcamp.com to sign up for my free value pricing email course.Hope to see you there!

Jason Lengstorf, founder of Code TV, joined me on Ditching Hourly to share how he is successfully navigating the transformation of the video production business. Jason's Links: https://jason.energy/https://codetv.dev/AI Summary:In this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark is joined by Jason Lengstorf, founder of Code TV, to explore the current landscape of the video production industry, especially within the tech sector. Jason shares insights into his career journey from being a web engineer to running a successful video production business for tech companies. The discussion delves into industry transitions, the significance of genuine community engagement, the crucial role of video in marketing campaigns, and strategies for delivering measurable ROI. Jason also offers practical advice for video production professionals on pricing their services, specializing in niches, and maintaining consistency to build a strong client base.Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:50) - Jason Langsdorf's Background (01:29) - The State of the Video Production Industry (03:34) - Strategic Video Production (10:20) - Top of Funnel Growth Strategies (17:08) - Jason's Approach to Video Production (24:29) - Specialization and Niche Market (29:26) - Measuring Campaign Effectiveness (30:19) - The Importance of Patience and Follow-Through (30:55) - Qualitative Metrics and Social Listening (31:18) - The Value of Organic Mentions (31:56) - Case Study: Microsoft's Image Transformation (34:36) - Challenges in Sales Processes (40:16) - The Power of Consistency in Content Creation (43:41) - Outsourcing Video Production (45:31) - Finding Your Niche and Adding Value (53:57) - The Journey to Success (56:22) - Conclusion and Resources ----Have you ever thought about starting a podcast but gave up because it seemed too hard?I've got good news for you:If you can run a Zoom call, you can host a podcast.In my 5-Day Podcast Challenge, you will learn exactly what to do (and, more importantly, NOT do) to get your podcast off the ground in as little as five days.Stop thinking and start doing. You could be inviting guests to your new show in less than two weeks.ENROLL IN 5DPC NOW »I hope to see (and hear) you there!

Author/creator of Sales for Nice People, Martin Stellar, joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about sticking to your guns in a sales meeting and how to build the confidence to do so. Martin's Links:https://martinstellar.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinstellar/https://salesfornicepeople.com/academy ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Yuval Yeret, founder of Yeret Agility and OG Agile expert, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the current state of Agile as a platform, how it has evolved over the years, and what practitioners should consider when pivoting their careers as the platform matures.About YuvalYuval Yeret is a Product/Scaling/Agility Coach focused on helping product/tech leaders scale their organizations without slowing down, improving outcomes by leveraging flow, agility, and product orientation. (while avoiding the dogma and process BS of Agile Theater). Yuval is a globally recognized expert on scaling w/ agility, a SAFe Fellow, a Professional Scrum Trainer, and a co-author of the Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams. These days Yuval is focused on helping organizations evolve from Feature Factories to Empowered Product Organizations, as well as helping deeper tech organizations develop a pragmatic agility strategy. Yuval shares his insights on scaling w/ agility at https://yuvalyeret.com/scaling-with-agility-newsletter/Chapters(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:17) - Yuval's Background and Journey into Agile (01:35) - Early Days of Agile (03:56) - Transition to Consulting and Coaching (07:21) - Agile's Evolution and Current State (09:46) - Challenges and Criticisms of Agile (17:30) - Future of Agile and Role Adaptation (22:18) - Advice for Agile Practitioners (30:22) - Reflecting on Agile Leadership (31:24) - Anecdote: Transition from FileMaker to Web Development (34:57) - The Future of Agile and Product Operating Models (39:20) - Adapting Skills for New Opportunities (41:48) - Navigating Organizational Change (44:47) - Strategies for Career Pivoting (48:01) - The Role of Scrum Masters in Modern Organizations (52:00) - Consulting and Value Proposition (57:55) - Closing Thoughts and Resources Notable Quotes"What happened over the years is... agile has become mainstream for most of corporate America, technology organizations and product companies. And this created the reality where the people that are, the organizations that are currently adopting agile are the late adopters.""[Late adopters] are slapping names like Scrum Master and Sprint and User Story and Daily Scrum... on the way that they've been doing things already. And it's like lipstick on a pig. It's not really creating any impact other than a bad name for Agile and a bad name for people in these roles.""The biggest issue with Agile... is the over-reliance on specific roles in organizations.""We will have a significantly smaller number of people that dedicate their career to something like agile, whatever it's called. You will need to specialize. You will need to start to think like consultants need to start to think and build your content solar system."Yuval's Links and Other ResourcesYuval's article on "The Future of Agile Roles and Agility"Yuval's private podcast on navigating the landscape of Agile theater, feature factories, and product operating models"Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey Moore (book on technology adoption)Netflix culture book (featuring the "Netflix question")The career mini-course that Jonathan mentioned: Unblock Your Career by Shachar Meir ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Ex-java developer and CoffeeSprout founder Barry van Someren joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the surprising alignment between “Ditcherville ethos” and the government of the Netherlands.LINKS MENTIONEDBarry's websiteBarry's LinkedInCalifornia Law AB 5AI SUMMARYIn this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark speaks with Barry Van Someren about his transition from hourly work to value-based services, the implications of new tax laws in the Netherlands for independent contractors, and the importance of having multiple clients. They discuss how these changes affect client relationships and the necessity of shifting to results-based contracts. Barry shares insights on navigating the complexities of government regulations and the benefits of diversifying client portfolios to ensure business resilience.SOUND BITES“I wanted to transition into something that was more predictable.”“It's just refreshing to see that kind of advice from the IRS.”“I kind of wanted to make myself less vulnerable to this law.”“The IRS and various countries are giving you that encouragement.”“If you stay at one place too long, you become stagnant.”“Hourly billing is bad.”TAKEAWAYSTransitioning from hourly work to value-based services can lead to more predictable income.New tax laws classify independent contractors more strictly, impacting their work.It's essential to define clear results in contracts rather than relying on hourly billing.Having multiple clients reduces vulnerability to market changes and legal issues.Government regulations can align with good business practices, encouraging consultants to diversify their client base.Freelancers should be aware of the risks associated with being classified as employees under new laws.Building a strong network is crucial for finding clients and maintaining a steady workflow.Consultants should focus on delivering results rather than just completing tasks.The importance of compliance with tax laws cannot be overstated for independent contractors.Hourly billing is often seen as a less favorable model for sustainable business growth. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

The handsome and talented Louis Grenier joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the strategy behind writing, publishing, and launching his new book, Stand The F*ck Out. Links:Stand The F*ck OutBonuses for Ditching Hourly ListenersAI Summary:In this conversation, Jonathan Stark interviews Louis Grenier about his journey in marketing, the insights from his new book, and the strategies behind its launch. Louis discusses the importance of standing out in a crowded market, the principles of effective marketing, and the challenges he faced while writing and publishing his book. He shares his unique approach to launching the book, including innovative marketing strategies and the significance of personal branding. In this conversation, Louis Grenier discusses his unique approach to branding and product design, particularly in the context of his book launch. He shares insights on working with Lulu, the importance of prioritizing tasks during the launch, and the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way. The value of beta readers and the iterative feedback process in writing are emphasized, along with strategies for promoting and selling his book effectively. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

The author of “Going 1099: How To Become Solo Federal Sub-Contractor”, Dale Davidson, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the journey of becoming a solo federal subcontractor.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:17) - Dale Davidson's Background (00:49) - Navigating Hourly Billing in Government Contracts (01:39) - Transitioning to 1099 Subcontracting (04:01) - Importance of Security Clearance (05:51) - Client Relationships and Consulting (07:06) - Understanding Government Contracting (16:01) - Becoming a Prime Contractor (33:52) - Hiring Employees and Scaling Up (35:41) - Recruiting and Retaining Talent (36:24) - Scaling Up: Employees and Income (37:17) - The Soloist's Dilemma (38:53) - Challenges of Growing a Business (41:17) - The Admin Burden (48:02) - The Hourly Trap (49:39) - Government Contracting Insights (53:12) - Personal Stories and Advice (58:32) - Finding Your Niche and Passion (01:09:15) - Promoting the Book and Final Thoughts DALE'S LINKSDale's BookDale's LinkedInAI SUMMARYIn this conversation, Jonathan Stark and Dale Davidson discuss the journey of becoming a solo federal subcontractor, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within government contracting. They explore the nuances of hourly billing, the importance of security clearance, and the significance of client relationships. Dale shares insights on transitioning from employee to 1099 contractor, the role of subcontracting, and the complexities of government contracts. The discussion also touches on the mental shift required when moving from a corporate environment to self-employment, the importance of setting boundaries, and the value of understanding market demand.TAKEAWAYSHourly billing is the norm in government subcontracting.Security clearance can significantly increase your value in government contracting.Building strong client relationships is crucial for success as a contractor.Transitioning from employee to 1099 contractor offers more freedom and control.Subcontracting is a common practice in government work and can provide opportunities.Understanding the different types of government contracts is essential for contractors.Fixed price contracts are rare but can be negotiated successfully.Finding opportunities in government contracts requires diligence and networking. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Advisory CFO, daily emailer, and podcast host Lauren Pearl joined me on Ditching Hourly to unpack the nuances of the pricing framework she uses with her start-up and small business clients. CHAPTERS(00:00) - DH358 Lauren Pearl - The Daily CFO Pricing Framework (00:09) - Lauren Pearl's Background and Role (02:08) - Client Types and Fit (04:18) - The Origin of the Pricing Framework (07:23) - Step-by-Step Pricing Framework (08:01) - Setting the Floor Price (20:47) - Setting the Ceiling Price (38:50) - Understanding Customer Decision-Making (40:15) - The Power of Post-Purchase Feedback (41:27) - Exploring Customer Value Perception (43:51) - Competitive Analysis and Market Expectations (47:40) - Pricing Strategies and Customer Commitment (01:09:55) - Experimentation and Continuous Improvement (01:14:18) - Where to Find Lauren Online LAUREN'S LINKSLauren's LinkedInThe Daily CFO NewsletterThe Growth-Minded CFO Podcast ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Andrew Croasdale, a former police officer turned consultant, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss his transition from policing to consulting.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:18) - Andrew's Background in Policing (01:05) - Transition to Consulting (05:11) - First Steps in Business (06:06) - First Client Experience (09:37) - Challenges of Small Business Owners (17:38) - Defining Governance and Leadership (26:25) - Diagnostic Approach in Consulting (29:10) - Cross-Referencing in Police Work (29:32) - Challenges in Communicating Strategic Objectives (29:48) - Overcoming Ego for Improvement (30:09) - Psychological Differences in Large vs. Small Organizations (31:27) - Resistance to Change in Large Companies (35:11) - The Importance of Psychological Safety (36:15) - Choosing the Right Company Size to Work With (37:11) - Balancing Impact and Satisfaction (41:04) - Implementing Values in Solopreneurship (43:58) - Defining Mission and Values (51:22) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information Andrew's Links:- LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-croasdale/- Website » https://octopusleadership.com/AI SUMMARYIn this conversation, Jonathan Stark interviews Andrew Croasdale, a former police officer turned consultant, about his transition from policing to the business world. Andrew shares insights on how his background in counter-terrorism policing informs his consulting work, particularly in enhancing governance and operational excellence for businesses. He discusses the importance of creating high-performing environments, the role of governance versus leadership, and the need for clear communication and structure within organizations. Andrew emphasizes that good governance can lead to improved team performance and customer service, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole. Andrew discusses the critical role of transparency in leadership and the importance of clear communication of strategic goals within organizations. He emphasizes the need to overcome ego and fear in order to foster a culture of improvement and psychological safety. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced when working with larger organizations compared to smaller businesses, highlighting the impact of organizational structure on decision-making. Additionally, Andrew shares insights on how solopreneurs can define their values and create alignment with their clients to drive business success.TAKEAWAYS- Andrew transitioned from policing to consulting to seek a change- His experience in policing helps him develop high-performing teams- Customer service quality significantly impacts people's lives- Starting a business involves aligning passion, skills, and market value- His first client came from a casual conversation in a showroom- Small business owners often lack leadership training and support- Good governance is crucial for effective team performance- Clear communication and structure are essential for business success- High-performing environments require a holistic approach to governance- Leadership and governance are interconnected but distinct concepts- Transparency is essential for effective leadership- Assessing strategic goals requires open communication- Ego can hinder organizational change and improvement- Working with large organizations often involves navigating politics- Smaller businesses may allow for quicker decision-making and implementation- Creating governance structures is important for solopreneurs- Defining clear values helps align business practices with client expectations- Continuous improvement should be a focus for all businesses- Psychological safety encourages team members to admit mistakes- Finding the right client size can enhance the impact of consulting work ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Jonathan Stark is based in Providence, Rhode Island. He attended the Berkeley College or Music, with a dual major in song writing. He ended up going back to computers to make ends meet while he was gigging - and he figured out he really enjoyed watching people use the software he built. Outside of tech and professional life, he's married with 2 kids and 2 dogs. He is an avid martial artist, as are his kids, and got his 2nd degree black belt at age 53.At his prior company, Jonathan was leading teams to build software. He wanted to hire senior engineers, but was told junior engineers would better fit the budget. He couldn't figure out why, but then it dawned on him - hourly billing a junior created more margin. He wanted to pivot away from hourly billing as a company and went solo to figure out how to do this. Once he did, he never looked back.This is the creation story of Jonathan Stark and Ditching Hourly.SponsorsSpeakeasyQA WolfSnapTradeLinkshttps://jonathanstark.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstark/Our Sponsors:* Check out Vanta and use my code CODESTORY for a great deal: https://www.vanta.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/code-story/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As a lawyer, it's easy to fall into the trap of equating more hours with more revenue. But as Jonathan Stark points out, this mindset often leads to a vicious cycle of overwork and burnout, without necessarily translating into increased profitability or client satisfaction. The key to breaking free from this cycle lies in streamlining your processes and focusing on delivering value, rather than simply billing time. In this episode, I share an episode I recorded with Jonathan Stark on his podcast Ditching Hourly exploring how improving your delivery workflows can make the switch to value pricing a no-brainer. From implementing systems and checklists to leveraging technology and outsourcing, we explore the many ways you can optimize your workflows to deliver better results in less time.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/48

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This is Part 2 of my interview with Jonathan Stark.If you're pricing hourly, you're potentially leaving a lot of money on the table in your freelance fashion design biz.In this episode, business coach Jonathan Stark talks about value-based pricing. He shares his journey from charging by the hour to adopting a pricing strategy focusing on what clients truly value. From aligning services with client revenue goals, to three-tier value pricing strategies, to becoming meaningfully different, get ready to uncover some key insights that could totally change the way you think about pricing and your relationships with clients.If you're ready to shift your perspective on pricing and client engagement from transactional to transformational, get inspired by real-life examples, practical tips, and the psychological underpinnings that make value-based pricing a winning strategy, click play now and significantly increase your profits.Resources:Value Pricing Bootcamp, a free six-day email course to teach you how to make more money without working more hours.Book: Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss About Jonathan:Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.Connect with Jonathan:Visit his websiteEmail him at: jstark@jonathanstark.comConnect on LinkedIn ✍️ Fill out the Survey: http://sewheidi.com/survey

Hourly billing is incredibly common throughout the agency space. We've all seen it, paid for it, and probably have priced our work that way at one point as well. But hourly billing is not great for anyone involved in the transaction: those providing the service find themselves hitting a ceiling and unable to scale, while clients worry about how many hours a project will take and whether or not the quoted price is actually what they'll pay. Jonathan Stark is here today to present the full case against hourly billing and guide us in what our pricing models should be instead. This week, episode 235 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about ditching hourly billing and embracing value-based pricing! Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency's Future Revenue. During this training, you'll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Jonathan Stark shares the importance of understanding the value clients get from your contributions and how to package that value for sale. and actionable steps you can take right now to start targeting specific industries to get more leads. Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.In this episode, Dan and Jonathan discuss the following: How hourly pricing can lead to a ceiling on income and limits the ability to scale.The benefits of specialization and how it can lead to more productization.The importance of positioning yourself as the one and only expert in your niche.Ways to start shifting to project or performance-based pricing.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH JONATHAN STARK:Value Pricing BootcampCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema

If you're pricing hourly, you're potentially leaving a lot of money on the table in your freelance fashion design biz.In this episode, business coach Jonathan Stark talks about value-based pricing. He shares his journey from charging by the hour to adopting a pricing strategy focusing on what clients truly value. From aligning services with client revenue goals, to three-tier value pricing strategies, to becoming meaningfully different, get ready to uncover some key insights that could totally change the way you think about pricing and your relationships with clients.If you're ready to shift your perspective on pricing and client engagement from transactional to transformational, get inspired by real-life examples, practical tips, and the psychological underpinnings that make value-based pricing a winning strategy, click play now and significantly increase your profits.Resources:Value Pricing Bootcamp, a free six-day email course to teach you how to make more money without working more hours.Book: Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss About Jonathan:Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.Connect with Jonathan:Visit his websiteEmail him at: jstark@jonathanstark.comConnect on LinkedIn ✍️ Fill out the Survey: http://sewheidi.com/survey

Author, founder, and CEO Barry LaBov joined me on Ditching Hourly to geek out about niching down - while walking me through the five-step process he describes in his book The Power of Differentiation. Barry's Bio:Barry LaBov is the founder and CEO of LABOV Marketing Communications and Training. He is a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient and an inductee into the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame. He is also a Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics recipient. Under his leadership, LABOV Marketing Communications and Training has received the Indiana Growth 100 Award six times, was named Small Business of the Year and recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana. Additionally, LABOV's client work has been honored with nearly 100 national and regional awards.Barry's links:The Power of DifferentiationBarry's biz websiteBarry's personal siteBarry's LinkedIn The next time someone asks you for your hourly rate, I want you to stop what you're doing and head on over to valuepricingbootcamp.com to sign up for my free value pricing email course.Hope to see you there!

Guest Russ Waddell joined me on Ditching Hourly to explain how he successfully went out on his own for the first time after more than a decade as a full-time employee. Guest Links:https://www.russwaddell.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-waddell/ ----Have you ever thought about starting a podcast but gave up because it seemed too hard?I've got good news for you:If you can run a Zoom call, you can host a podcast.In my 5-Day Podcast Challenge, you will learn exactly what to do (and, more importantly, NOT do) to get your podcast off the ground in as little as five days.Stop thinking and start doing. You could be inviting guests to your new show in less than two weeks.ENROLL IN 5DPC NOW »I hope to see (and hear) you there!

Zach Stevens, co-founder of Conversion Factory, came back on Ditching Hourly to give an update about how things are going with his “all-you-can-eat” subscription-based service business after two years in business.Zach's LinksConversion FactoryZach's LinkedInZach's TwitterOther LinksMicroConfTiny SeedFreePikVisual ElectricSomewhere ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Author of Ditch The Billable Hour!, Shaun Jardine, joined me on Ditching Hourly to explain how he transitioned his 240-person law firm off the billable hour.  Shaun's LinksShaun's BookShaun's WebsiteShaun's LinkedInShaun's TwitterThe book Shaun mentioned: Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

The author of No Bullsh*t Strategy and founder of Basic Arts, Alex M H Smith, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss what business strategy is, why it matters, and how to get started.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 Defining Strategy and the Importance of Unique Value07:53 Trade-Offs: Creating Space for Unique Value13:36 Strategy vs. Being Better than the Competition19:26 Applying Strategy at Different Levels33:32 Creating Unique Value: Double Down on Your Strengths36:22 The Role of Strategy in Motivating Action49:22 Using LinkedIn as a Marketing Tool for Service-Based Businesses56:18 Sharing Your Unique Point of View through Writing and Speaking01:00:26 The Importance of Marketing and Innovation in BusinessAlex's Links:Alex on LinkedInBasic Arts WebsiteNo Bullsh*t Strategy BookAI-Generated Notes: In this conversation, Jonathan and Alex discuss the concept of strategy and how it applies to businesses. They explore the importance of delivering unique value and finding a white space in the market. Alex emphasizes that strategy is not about being better than the competition but about offering something different and making trade-offs. They also touch on the relationship between strategy and positioning and how strategy can be applied at different levels, from businesses to individual employees. In this conversation, Jonathan and Alex discuss the importance of creating unique value in business. They explore how companies like Southwest Airlines and Domino's Pizza have successfully differentiated themselves by removing certain aspects of their industry and focusing on their strengths. They emphasize the need to identify what sets you apart and double down on those strengths. They also discuss the role of strategy, marketing, and innovation in creating unique value. Alex shares his insights on strategy and how it is half about deciding what to do and half about motivating people to do it. They also touch on the importance of LinkedIn as a marketing tool for solopreneurs and service-based businesses.TakeawaysStrategy is about delivering unique value and finding a white space in the market.Being better than the competition is not a strategy; it's important to offer something different.Trade-offs are necessary to create space for unique value.Strategy can be applied at different levels, from businesses to individual employees. To create unique value, identify what sets you apart and double down on your strengths.Strategy is half about deciding what to do and half about motivating people to do it.Sound Bites"Strategy is the unique value that your business puts out there into the world.""Better equals the same. Better simply means we do the same as everyone else, but a little bit more.""Strategy is when you draw a circle around everything and you have a set blueprint that tells you what to do with the product, what to do with the distribution, what to do with the marketing.""They pulled away every single thing that is necessary to serve business customers adequately, which no one would ever do because business customers are the most lucrative type of customer.""Look around at your competitors and pick the things that you're not that good at anyway and just stop doing them. Double down on the things that are already your superpower.""Strategy is half about deciding what you're going to do and half about motivating people to do it." ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

LinkedIn Ghostwriter Pranav Kale joined me on Ditching Hourly to do a reverse interview about what I've learned during my recent experiment of posting daily on LinkedIn. Pranav's Links: Website: https://www.pranavkale.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranavkale120/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Matt Kerbis, also known as the Subscription Attorney, joined me on Ditching Hourly to share his novel approach to ditching hourly billing in the legal space with a subscription model.Matt's bio from his website: ”My name is Mathew Kerbis, I'm The Subscription Attorney, and I believe subscriptions can help bridge the access to justice gap and incentivize attorneys to modernize and scale their practice like never before.”Matt's links:Website: https://www.lawsubscribed.com/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerbisverse/Substack: https://substack.com/@lawsubscribedThe Law For Kids Podcast:https://www.lawforkidspodcast.com/AI-Generated Info:SummaryIn this conversation, Jonathan Stark interviews Matt Kerbis, also known as the Subscription Attorney, about his novel approach to ditching hourly billing in the legal space with a subscription model. Matt explains how he offers affordable and accessible legal services through different subscription tiers based on the client's needs. He discusses the pricing structure, the scope of services provided, and the use of automation tools to streamline his practice. Matt also addresses the challenges and benefits of implementing a subscription model in the legal industry. Mathew Kerbis discusses his unique subscription-based law firm model and the client experience. He explains that while his model is one of a kind, there are other attorneys using the subscription model in different ways. Mathew highlights the importance of educating clients about the subscription model and the client portal. He also discusses the challenges of marketing a new business model and the slow process of building traction. Mathew emphasizes the value of problem avoidance and the benefits of being a generalist in the legal space. He advises those interested in experimenting with subscription models to start narrow and go broad.TakeawaysMatt Kerbis offers affordable and accessible legal services through a subscription model.The pricing structure includes different tiers based on the client's needs, with options for individuals, freelancers, and business owners.Matt uses automation tools and no-code solutions to streamline his practice and deliver services efficiently.Churn is a key consideration in the subscription model, and Matt focuses on delighting his clients to reduce churn and increase client satisfaction.While a pure subscription model may not work for all legal services, a hybrid approach combining subscriptions and alternative fee-based pricing can be effective. Mathew Kerbis has a unique subscription-based law firm model that is one of a kind.Educating clients about the subscription model and the client portal is crucial for their understanding and comfort.Marketing a new business model can be challenging, especially in the legal space.Building traction and gaining clients takes time and persistence.Problem avoidance is a valuable selling point, and being a generalist can be advantageous in the legal industry.For those interested in experimenting with subscription models, starting narrow and going broad is a recommended approach.Sound Bites"I'm the subscription attorney because I was sick and tired of billing time as an attorney."—MK"My whole goal was accessibility while also still trying to be profitable."—MK"People don't like talking to their lawyer. They have better things to do in their life."—MK"There are probably hundreds of attorneys using the subscription model in some way."—MK"I make it really easy to schedule a ‘no legal advice', 15-minute introductory call with me."—MK ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Ben Zettler, owner and founder of Zettler Digital, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss pricing tactics for agencies.Ben's Links:Zettler DigitalBen's LinkedInAI-Generated Stuff:SUMMARYBen Zettler, owner and founder of Zettler Digital, joins Jonathan Stark to discuss value pricing for agencies. Ben shares his background in sports and how he transitioned into building his agency. They discuss the initial conversations with potential clients, the importance of understanding their needs and goals, and how to convert those conversations into proposals. Ben also talks about the value of offering free work, conducting audits, and providing strategy sessions to build trust with clients. They explore the use of data to quantify the potential impact of their services and the challenges of pricing for smaller businesses. Ben Zettler discusses the ideal clients for his agency and the different options he offers them. He emphasizes the importance of working with decision-makers and the challenges of communicating value in proposals. Ben also talks about the shift in his business from project-oriented work to retained services. He shares his experience with client churn and the need to constantly find new opportunities. Ben provides insights into pricing and the difficulties of structuring fees for ongoing services. He concludes by highlighting the value of LinkedIn for marketing and networking.TAKEAWAYSUnderstanding the client's needs and goals is crucial in creating a proposal for value pricing.Offering free work, such as audits and strategy sessions, can help build trust with potential clients.Quantifying the potential impact of services using data can help justify pricing.Smaller businesses may be more hesitant to share revenue information, but it is important to understand the potential impact of services.The market has shifted towards longer decision timelines and more evaluation of service providers. Working with decision-makers is ideal in most situations, regardless of the size of the business.Communicating value in proposals can be challenging, especially when clients compare prices to other services.Shifting from project-oriented work to retained services can provide stability and consistent revenue.Client churn is inevitable, so it's important to constantly find new opportunities and maintain a marketing engine.Pricing ongoing services can be difficult, and it's important to consider the value provided and the client's budget.LinkedIn is a valuable platform for marketing and networking in the services industry.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background08:14 Offering Free Work to Build Trust17:17 Converting Conversations into Proposals23:03 Quantifying the Potential Impact of Services27:26 Challenges of Pricing for Smaller Businesses31:07 The Shifting Market for Service Providers35:44 Shifting to Retained Services41:15 Dealing with Client Churn46:19 Pricing Ongoing Services53:11 Leveraging LinkedIn ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Strategic lawyer and IP expert Erin Austin joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the intersection of plagiarism, copyright infringement, and generative AI.  Erin's BioA graduate of Harvard Law School, Erin Austin is a strategic lawyer and consultant who uses her 25+ years of practicing law, including roles as COO and general counsel at large and small IP-driven companies, including Warner Brothers, Lionsgate (formerly known as Artisan), MGM, Teaching Strategies, and M3 USA Corp, to help female founders of expertise-based firms build and protect saleable assets so that the business is ready to sell when the founder is ready to exit.Erin's Linkshttps://www.thinkbeyondip.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/AI-Generated StuffSummaryIn this conversation, Jonathan Stark and Erin Austin discuss the legal and ethical issues surrounding AI. They explore the difference between plagiarism and copyright infringement, the ethical obligations of giving credit, and the copyright protection of AI-generated content. They also touch on the parallel between AI and ghostwriters, the copyright situation with reference materials like encyclopedias, and the challenge of tracing ideas back to their original source. The conversation explores the impact of digital technology on copyright and intellectual property. They discuss the ease of copying and plagiarism in the digital age, the potential for copyright infringement with AI-generated content, and the importance of copyright registration. They also touch on the challenges of compensating creators in the age of AI and the potential for job disruption. Overall, they express optimism about the benefits of AI while acknowledging the need for responsible use.TakeawaysPlagiarism is the ethical breach of stealing someone else's ideas, while copyright infringement is the legal issue of using someone's protected work without permission.AI-generated content is not eligible for copyright protection because it is not created by a human, but there are gradations of AI involvement that can still receive protection.There is little ethical breach in not crediting AI for its output, as AI is not the creator of ideas, and the output is often not considered thought leadership.When using AI-generated content, it is important to ensure that it does not infringe on someone else's copyright and to add a layer of creativity if you want to be eligible for copyright protection.The copyright situation with AI is complex and depends on factors such as the level of AI involvement, the nature of the work, and the agreements in place.Tracing ideas back to their original source can be challenging, and the expression of ideas is what is protected by copyright law, not the ideas themselves. The digital nature of content makes it easier to copy and plagiarize, leading to copyright infringement.Copyright registration is important to protect intellectual property rights and provide evidence of ownership.AI-generated content raises questions about compensating creators and the need for new licensing models.Job disruption is a concern with the rise of AI, but a slow transition may allow for adaptation and new opportunities.Responsible use of AI is crucial to avoid ethical and legal issues.Sound Bites"We do not have ethical obligations to AI. It is not the creator of any ideas.""Are we getting something that would be considered thought leadership? And my experience is that we aren't.""AI-generated content is not eligible for copyright protection because US copyright law requires that the original content be created by a human.""I assume there's some sort of AI, something that can change it for them.""You can kind of be copyrighted out of your own stuff.""When there are billions of data points out there, how are you going to compensate all the people who may have rights in the data sets?"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:01 Ethical Obligations of Giving Credit to AI09:46 Copyright Protection of AI-Generated Content20:50 Copyright Situation with Reference Materials27:50 Challenge of Tracing Ideas Back to Their Source30:50 Introduction and Digital Nature of Content36:10 Copyright Infringement and Remixing in Music39:26 Compensating Creators and Copyright Ownership41:12 Ownership of User-Generated Content on Platforms44:41 AI's Collection of Data and Privacy Concerns48:23 Optimism about AI and Responsible Use51:10 Job Disruption and Transition with AI53:45 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Co-founder and Head of Design at Under, Eden Vidal, joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about productizing design sprints, optimizing your business to suit your personality, and convincing contractors to ditch hourly billing. Eden's Links:https://edenvidal.com/https://weareunder.design/https://www.linkedin.com/in/edenvidal/AI Summary:Eden Vidal, a designer and developer, shares his success with value-based concepts for his design studio. He specializes in brand sprints, a niche methodology for running branding processes for young technology companies. The brand sprint focuses on creating a brand story and developing a visual language, primarily for the homepage of a website. Eden emphasizes the importance of speed and delivering quick and fancy results for startups. The ideal clients for brand sprints are funded startups that already have some branding but feel a mismatch and a need for a quick and premium solution. Eden discusses his approach to managing his time between brand sprints and his own creative projects. He explains that while his wife focuses on optimizing brand sprints, he wants to pursue more and work on his own entrepreneurial ventures. They also discuss the challenges of transitioning from hourly contracts to fixed-price projects and the importance of clear communication and expectations. Eden shares his experience of hiring contractors and the benefits of focusing on delivering results rather than selling time. They also explore the idea of creating a platform that simplifies the process of defining project requirements and finding the right freelancers.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:22 The 10-Day Brand Sprint Process08:38 Ideal Clients for Brand Sprints29:16 Balancing Brand Sprints and Personal Creative Projects37:36 Transitioning from Hourly Contracts to Fixed-Price Projects42:18 The Benefits of Delivering Results Instead of Selling Time53:01 Simplifying the Freelancer Hiring Process with a Platform ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

How can you work less and make more than you are right now? There is a glide path if you're willing to experiment insists Jonathan Stark, author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts. Yes, the dynamic Business of Authority duo is baaaaaaaaack for an episode:Two experiments to try if you're currently billing by the hour and want to explore alternatives.How to start thinking about value vs. time, especially when you hit the maximum number of hours you are able—or want—to work.What options to consider to ratchet up your revenue past the low 6 figures—and how to think about the audience or transformations you'll need to deliver to get there.Why being a “ruthless” minimalist can keep your business easy to run and avoid time sucks.Exploring—and testing—ways to use AI right now in your expertise business.LINKSJonathan Stark Website | LinkedInRochelle Moulton Email List | LinkedIn | Twitter | InstagramBIOJonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.BOOK A STRATEGY CALL WITH ROCHELLERESOURCES FOR SOLOISTS10 Ways To Grow Revenue As A Soloist (Without Working More Hours): most of us have been conditioned to work more when we want to grow revenue—but what if we just worked differently?Master Soloist Events: in-person events for Soloists to gather and learn.The Soloist Women community: a place to connect with like-minded women (and join a channel dedicated to your revenue level).The Authority Code: How to Position, Monetize and Sell Your Expertise: equal parts bible, blueprint and bushido. How to think like, become—and remain—an authority.TRANSCRIPT00:00 - 00:29Jonathan Stark: As you're growing your audience and you've got just more people aware of what you're doing, you can deliver smaller bits of value at a lower price, but a way lower cost. If you've got enough of an audience, then that completely support you. The classic example is like if you have a bestselling book. So if somebody goes to Amazon, they buy the book, they read the book, you're not involved. The author doesn't even know about you. And if you sell enough of them, if the audience is big enough, you can live like a king off of that.00:29 - 00:37Jonathan Stark: It's a great example of the kind of thing where you're delivering a little bit of value...

Sam Browne, lifestyle entrepreneur and LinkedIn expert with more than 100k followers joined me on Ditching Hourly to share his insights on growing your audience on LinkedIn.Sam's Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-browne/Gumroad: https://sambrowne.gumroad.com/TakeawaysKnow what you want to be known for on LinkedIn and focus on educational content to build authority.Map out a series of questions to answer in your content and use case studies and testimonials to showcase the value of your work.Engage with comments on your own posts and on other people's posts to build relationships and expand your network.Frequency of posting is flexible, but consistency is key. Replying to comments on LinkedIn posts is important, especially for thoughtful and insightful comments.Engaging with other creators' posts can help expand your reach and build relationships.Using carousels and images in posts can increase visibility and engagement.Avoid including links in posts to maximize reach, but consider using them in comments to drive traffic and build relationships.Engaging with comments can lead to valuable insights and growth opportunities.Sound Bites“Pick the thing that is going to be the most effective for you to monetize.”“Case studies are a great way to show the value of working with you.”“Post with whatever frequency is comfortable for you, ideally no less than once a week.”“I always try and repay people who take the time to comment on my posts.”“You don't need that many people who are showing up and enjoying your posts every time you post to create real momentum on LinkedIn.”“A post can take on a new life like six hours later, eight, eight, 10 hours later.”Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:29 Setting Up Your Profile for Success24:00 Showcasing the Value of Your Work28:13 Engaging with Comments and Frequency of Posting30:34 Engaging with Other Creators' Posts for Reach and Relationships36:28 Using Carousels and Images to Increase Visibility45:29 Maximizing Reach by Avoiding Links in Posts48:34 Driving Engagement and Building Relationships through Comments ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Blair thinks too many design firms and other service providers are trying too hard to raise prices by presenting themselves as more “strategic.” Both he and David see these agencies losing more and more work to competitors moving to off-shore teams and AI centered services.   Links Blair's “What Is Strategy?” episode of the Ditching Hourly podcast with Jonathan Stark

Long-time friend-of-the-show Kevin Freidberg joined me on Ditching Hourly to share how he helps freelancers and consultants create effective websites by starting with email conversations. Kevin's Links:https://marketyourselffirst.com/AI-Generated Info:SummaryKevin Friedberg shares his approach to helping freelancers and consultants create effective websites by starting with email conversations. He suggests that instead of focusing on building a website, which can be overwhelming and time-consuming, freelancers should start by writing emails that address the problems their clients are facing. These emails can serve as the foundation for a content solar system and can eventually be repurposed for a website. Kevin also shares his strategy for growing an email list using LinkedIn, where he sends personalized messages to potential subscribers. Overall, his approach emphasizes the importance of one-on-one conversations and providing value to potential clients.Takeaways- Instead of starting with a website, freelancers and consultants can begin by writing emails that address the problems their clients are facing.- These emails can serve as the foundation for a content solar system and can eventually be repurposed for a website.- LinkedIn can be a valuable platform for growing an email list by sending personalized messages to potential subscribers.- The key to success is providing value and engaging in one-on-one conversations with potential clients.Sound Bites"A website, it's not a one-on-one conversation. An email is.""You'll have this conversation with someone, and they go off... they like brain dump about the problems that they solve for their clients. And it's gold. It's great.""I'm obsessed with the very idea of a one-on-one conversation. I just don't understand how else to do it."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Pain Points03:05 Starting with Email Conversations13:10 Using LinkedIn to Grow Your Email List25:31 Transitioning from Emails to Websites28:31 Conclusion and Next Steps ----Have you ever thought about starting a podcast but gave up because it seemed too hard?I've got good news for you:If you can run a Zoom call, you can host a podcast.In my 5-Day Podcast Challenge, you will learn exactly what to do (and, more importantly, NOT do) to get your podcast off the ground in as little as five days.Stop thinking and start doing. You could be inviting guests to your new show in less than two weeks.ENROLL IN 5DPC NOW »I hope to see (and hear) you there!

Residential architect Jason Comer joined me on Ditching Hourly to brainstorm how he might migrate from commodity labor to productized leverage with his expertise in home design. Even if you're not an architect, I think you'll find the discussion useful. Jason's Website:https://www.jasoncomerarchitect.com/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

WP Engine founder Jason Cohen joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about why AI is different from other big tech advancements. We also discussed why niching down in a single ideal customer profile will bring you 10x more customers than you expect and how a regular writing practice makes the world a better place (and maybe even builds a legacy). Jason's Links: A Smart BearAI is DifferentSelling to CarolWP EngineTwitter ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Corey Quinn joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss his excellent new book, “Anyone, Not Everyone.” In it, Corey shares insights on deep specialization, selecting a target vertical market, and using gifts like cookies to transform outbound marketing. Corey's Links:Anyone, Not Everyone by Corey QuinnDeep Specialization podcast by Corey QuinnCorey's Website0:00 - Episode intro0:17 - About Corey Quinn and his background 1:30 - Corey's ideal client: agency founders doing $1-5M and looking to specialize3:07 - Benefits of specializing in a vertical market vs. skillset5:17 - How to define a vertical market7:19 - Detecting traction in a potential vertical to specialize in11:33 - Identifying a vertical market that's the right size (2,000-10,000 businesses)15:25 - How specializing enables you to speak your target market's language 17:35 - Creating a "point of view" to differentiate beyond just positioning22:33 - Shifting from founder-led sales through deep specialization 25:09 - Using gifting (like cookies) to transform outbound marketing30:42 - Creating an ongoing gifting campaign, not just a one-time gift32:21 - Reaching your target market in multiple channels beyond just gifting37:46 - The multi-million dollar cookie budget that drove Scorpion's growth41:17 - Adapting this approach for smaller shops through focus and consistency45:01 - Advice for soloists: specialize, do thought leadership, focus on dream clients48:54 - Consistently engaging with a target industry year after year to build trust50:34 - Where to find Corey's book and other free resources

Tim Dietrich and Eric Grubaugh invited me to join them on SuiteScript Stories to talk about the pros and cons of a platform specialization, the paradox of positioning, and, of course, the horrors of hourly billing. Tim and Eric were kind enough to let me post the interview here on Ditching Hourly, but if you're a NetSuite developer, you should check out their podcast at https://suitescriptstories.com/ We discuss:Jonathan's and Tim's shared history in the FileMaker Pro spaceJonathan's AHA moment when he realized hourly billing was killing his businessThe misaligned financial incentives created by hourly billingHow specializing in a narrower target market amplifies your opportunitiesThe various forms of specialization: Vertical, Horizontal, PlatformThe obstacles an agency faces when trying to specialize

NOTE: Rochelle and I (Jonathan) couldn't record last week. Rather than give you nothing (or a TBOA repeat) to listen to, I decided to dig through the Ditching Hourly archives and find an episode that long time fans of TBOA would be sure to enjoy. Here's the info from the Ditching Hourly site: The “Expertise Expert” himself, David C. Baker, joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the five things that happen right after you specialize.SummaryHere is an AI summary of the key points from the episode:The episode is a discussion between Jonathan Stark and David C. Baker about positioning and specialization for consultants and professional services firms.They discuss the importance of niche positioning to stand out, attract ideal clients, see client patterns more clearly, accelerate learning, and always have things to write and talk about.They outline 5 things that happen after narrowing your business focus:You don't instantly become smarter, but your rate of learning accelerates because you start seeing more examples of your niche.Impostor syndrome kicks in because you're making expertise-based claims you didn't make before, but this fear is often unfounded because you were willing to work with those clients previously.You don't have to turn down unrelated work right away during the transition period, though over time, you'll likely feel unsatisfied with off-target projects.You immediately start narrowing your focus even further, fine-tuning your positioning through real-world conversations and testing.Counterintuitively, you'll have way more to write and talk about when focused on a niche than as a generalist.Jonathan and David emphasize that niche positioning is critical before you can effectively differentiate, charge value-based pricing, market yourself, or even decide what content to produce. It brings focus to everything that follows.About David C. Baker“The Leading Authority on Positioning, Reinventing, and Selling Firms in the Creative and Digital Space.”David C. Baker is the author of five books, three of which focus on the central elements of the business of expertise: positioning, financial management, and leadership. David speaks regularly on more than 70 topics relevant to entrepreneurial expertise, from 20 executives to 5,000 live on TV worldwide, and has worked with 900+ firms through his Total Business Review process.David's LinksDavid's WebsiteDavid's book: The Business of ExpertiseDavid's podcast (with Blair Enns)  LINKSRochelle | Email List | Soloist Women | LinkedIn | Twitter | InstagramJonathan | Daily List | Website | Ditcherville | LinkedIn | Twitter

Indie game consultant Joe Quadara (aka Joe Q) joined me on Ditching Hourly to share his journey from putting out fires for indie game studios to advising them to accurately scope and fund their projects.Joe's Links:Joe's website: RecurverJoe on LinkedIn AI Summary: In this episode, game developer turned consultant Joe Quidara shares his journey from putting out fires for game studios to helping studios accurately scope and fund their projects. He explains how developing deep expertise about the indie game industry allows him to quickly assess and advise studios, creating leverage in his consulting business. Chapters:[00:00:00] Introductions[00:07:00] The size of the video game market[00:10:00] What is indie game consulting?[00:14:00] The appeal of weird, indie games [00:19:00] What an indie game studio looks like[00:23:00] From firefighting to preventing fires in game studios  [00:28:00] Helping studios accurately scope and fund projects[00:32:00] Creating a sustainable indie game studio model [00:35:00] Leveraging expertise to streamline the consulting process[00:41:00] The benefits of specialization for consultants[00:46:00] Keeping an open mind while leveraging expertise  [00:48:00] Conclusion The next time someone asks you for your hourly rate, I want you to stop what you're doing and head on over to valuepricingbootcamp.com to sign up for my free value pricing email course.Hope to see you there!

Bryghtpath CEO and Ditcherville lifetime resident Bryan Strawser joined me on Ditching Hourly to share the secrets behind his huge business wins in 2023. Bryan's Links:Website: https://bryghtpath.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BryghtpathPodcast: https://bryghtpath.com/resources/managing-uncertainty-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanstrawser/Summary (ai generated):In this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark interviews Bryan Strausser of BrightPath about how positioning his consulting firm and using program evaluation "roadmaps" as a first engagement with clients has led to major growth and 7-figure revenue. They discuss Bryan's journey from generalist consultant to focused niche positioning, using content marketing and authority building to attract ideal clients, the roadmapping process to diagnose client needs before prescribing solutions, how to price and sell high-value services, and building ongoing managed services for recurring revenue.  Chapters:[00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:00] From generalist to focused positioning[00:08:00] Attracting clients through content marketing [00:13:00] Client onboarding with program evaluation roadmaps[00:21:00] Using the podcast to build authority [00:25:00] The importance of positioning[00:28:00] Pricing and selling high-value services [00:36:00] The roadmapping sales process[00:44:00] Writing effective proposals [00:51:00] Increasing profits through pricing [00:53:00] Growing through managed services[00:56:00] Conclusion ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Fellow daily emailer and No-BS marketer Rod Aparicio joined me on Ditching Hourly to bust the myth of personal branding.Rod's Links Twitter Profile Email List AI SummaryIn this episode, Jonathan Stark and guest Rod Aparicio discuss the concept of personal brand and its misconceptions. They emphasize that personal brand is more about influencing perceptions rather than controlling how one is perceived. The importance of authenticity and credibility in building a personal brand is highlighted, along with the distinction between brand and reputation. The episode also explores the relevance of personal branding for solopreneurs and small businesses, emphasizing the need for positioning oneself and focusing on the needs of the target market rather than obsessing over self-image or becoming an influencer. Credibility and trust are emphasized as crucial factors in attracting and retaining clients for solopreneurs.Key Points Authenticity can be defined differently, with some emphasizing being true to oneself and others focusing on being different from others. Building a personal brand requires a curated version of oneself, but should align with one's values and not be hypocritical. Aspiration is the desire to become something, while inspiration is the internal motivation to do what one truly wants. Aspiration in personal branding could lead to a lack of authenticity and failure. Positioning oneself based on alignment and targeting the right audience is more valuable than building a personal brand. A credible offer, backed by testimonials, case studies, and referrals, builds trust with potential clients. Personal branding can lead to a sense of desperation and may not result in long-term success. Best Quotes “A personal brand is mainly how people can control how they want to be seen and perceived by others.” “A reputation can be linked to a person, and a brand is something that you make artificial.” ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Graphic designer, product marketer, and co-founder of Conversion Factory, Zach Stevens, joined me on Ditching Hourly to explain how he and his co-founders went from zero to more than $36k MRR in one month with a productized subscription business that helps SaaS teams turn traffic into revenue. Zach's links: https://www.conversionfactory.co/ https://twitter.com/zstvns https://www.designdive.co/ Talking Points:The fear of not being able to fulfill client expectations led to starting small with a hypothesis-driven approach.Communication is primarily done through asynchronous channels like Notion and Loom, with some exceptions for in-person meetings.Building rapport with clients and providing detailed explanations of deliverables enhances communication and feedback.Centralizing communication efforts avoids the nightmare of having to navigate multiple platforms and channels.Work-life harmony is about acknowledging that work and personal life will fluctuate in priority.Quotable Quotes:“Our conversion rate only had to be in the thousandths of a percentage point to be booked solid.”“We only wanna take on five clients at one time to see how well we manage the workload.”“More than half of our clients right now are on a higher strategy-based $9k/mo tier.”“At the initial onset, it did feel like there was a lot going on, but then it kind of fizzled out, and things got a lot smoother.”“We love using tools like Loom, anything that we can do to make it feel like we are in the room with them.”“If you follow this model and it works, you're going to have way more concurrent clients than you're used to.” ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

On this episode of the Conquer Local Podcast, we're joined by Jonathan Stark, who has over 15 years of experience in software development, consultancy, and training. He's delivered sold-out talks on three continents, authored five books including "Hourly Billing Is Nuts," and hosts the popular podcast "Ditching Hourly." Jonathan collaborated with major brands like Staples, Time, T-Mobile, Cisco, and Intel during his consulting tenure. He curates a daily newsletter focused on pricing strategies for independent professionals, and as the President of Jonathan Stark Consulting, he's passionately dedicated to eradicating hourly billing and promoting fairer pricing practices worldwide.Conquer Local is presented by Vendasta. We have proudly served 5.5+ million local businesses through 60,000+ channel partners. Learn more about Vendasta and we can help your organization or learn more about Vendasta's Affiliate Program and how our listeners (like yourself) are making up to $10,000 off referrals.Are you an entrepreneur, salesperson, or marketer? Keep the learning going in the Conquer Local Academy.

David Shriner-Cahn of Smashing the Plateau joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about how longtime corporate execs can increase the odds of going out on their own successfully. Key Points Taking the leap into entrepreneurship can be daunting, but with the right support and mentorship, it is possible to build a successful business. It's important to decide whether you want to look for another job or truly commit to building a business, as both require different mindsets and energies. Make the decision between being your own boss or maintaining the comfort of a steady paycheck. Understand the differences between being an employee and an entrepreneur. Identify your current stage in the transition and determine any obstacles holding you back. Validate your business idea by having conversations with people in your target market, industry experts, and potential clients. Joining a community of like-minded entrepreneurs can provide collaboration opportunities and support. Best Quotes"My mission in life is to help corporate refugees start, run, and grow their own businesses so they can do more of what they love and get paid what they're worth.""I was doing what I was taught to do in engineering school, which is to focus on solving engineering problems. What I didn't focus on was the fact that the company that I worked for had lost a huge portion of their business and ended up firing a significant chunk of the staff.""In those days, the model was you went to work for one of these big companies, and if you stayed there, usually it was like 20 plus years, you were eligible to receive a pension. And in those days, pensions were a defined benefit. So you really needed to be with one of these companies for a long time.""I really wanted to figure out a way to just be in control of my career and my family's financial health in a way that I knew that I wouldn't be as an employee.""At some point, you need to make a decision about whether you're going to look for another job or build a business because they require very different mindsets and activities.""What's way better is to talk to three kinds of people about the problem.""If you're looking for something that you can sell in your sleep, you know, an evergreen, like a digital product, then it would be a do-it-yourself."David's Links https://smashingtheplateau.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshrinercahn/ https://twitter.com/smashingplateau ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Our resident crypto/web3 expert and longtime friend of the show, Luke Willis, re-joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about how having a weekly podcast and daily mailing list contributed to a product launch that generated $39k in 24 hours.  Luke's Links: https://lukewillis.com/ https://thekoinpress.com/ https://kap.domains/about SummaryIn this episode, Luke Willis discusses the successful launch of KAP, a blockchain app offering NFT name services. He reveals the mechanics behind the launch, the problem it solves, and the unique features of KoinOS blockchain. Luke shares how he generated $39,000 in just 24 hours and the key factors that contributed to his success. Additionally, Luke highlights the journey of building trust within the blockchain community, their initial DAPs, launch strategy, and positive reception. They provide a platform demonstration and emphasize the power of blockchain technology. Furthermore, Luke emphasizes the benefits of having a podcast and mailing list to build trust, authority, and attract a loyal audience for a successful launch.Key Points Luke Willis shares his experience and success in launching the KAP blockchain app. Pricing for KAP is based on the length of the name, with options available for various budgets. Experienced a spike in sales during the initial launch, followed by steady sales in the following weeks. Plan to expand the platform by launching a free tier, enabling users without coins to access and utilize the platform's features. Launching during a crypto winter can still be successful. Speculating on tokens can lead to potential profits in the future. Building trust and authority through consistent content publishing. (Generated by podcastshownotes.ai) ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Denis Gontcharov joined me on Ditching Hourly for a coaching call to help brainstorm a positioning statement for his data consulting business targeting the aluminum industry. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

The Agile Attorney, John Grant, joined me on Ditching Hourly to share how he helps his clients transition from inefficient workflows, WAY too much work, and low margins, to efficient workflows, a comfortable amount of work, and higher profits.Key Points Expectations for attention to detail and planning increase in high-dollar professional services like law practices. Many law practices lack upfront planning and make assumptions based on past experiences. Transition planning is often triggered by the need for change in firms that have been operating in the same way for many years. Maximizing employee utilization can lead to gridlock and hinder growth. Phased flat fees, where different phases of a case or project are billed at a flat rate, provide flexibility and room for adjustment. The desire for fixed pricing and the potential for higher rewards motivates software developers to move towards productization. In the legal industry, professionals are transitioning from delivery work to strategy work. Best Quotes “When the lawyer does plan, oftentimes they plan for this sort of ideal situation.” “If you are constantly having to do QA on other people's work, it's really hard to feel like you're ever gonna get off that hamster wheel.” “The beautiful thing is that if you take the time and you begin to express your quality standards in a written form, then you can actually push those standards upstream.” “I think there's been a ton of movement away from hourly billing. I think there's more movement than most people in the profession want to recognize.” “Different ways of exchanging value for their services than they were certainly when I first hung my shingle back in 2008.” “It turned on this mechanism in my brain that immediately started asking, ‘How can I make this more effective and efficient, quicker, less work for me without cutting corners?'” “So it's like even if they came close to what they would've made hourly, they have set themselves up in a way that they can deliver that thing probably in half of the time for the same money.” John's Links https://www.agileattorney.com/ https://law.builders/@AgileAttorney ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can make more money without working more hours.Jonathan and I discuss the following topics:How did he become focused on ending the hourly billing model? [01:38]How long did it take for Jonathan to see the changes in his income? [05:32]How did he discover value-based fees? [05:48]What reasons did Jonathan come up with to go solo? [07:47]Who is his target audience for his teaching model? [10:34]What is needed for a mindset shift? [11:39]How to ensure that price will dictate costs? [11:52]What did his mindset shift in providing value first? [15:26]What does it take to make a shift and start your own business? [17:35]How does community become a game changer for him? [20:02]What is his definition of community? [22:47]Learn more about Jonathan Stark at http://valuepricingbootcamp.com/.Thank you to our sponsor:The Smashing the Plateau Community

James Williams of Cofebe.com joined me on Ditching Hourly to give what amounted to a masterclass on how to avoid failure and delight clients as a fractional CTO.“The chance of failure increases proportionally with you accepting what the client tells you what to do.”“If you accept 100% of your client's suggestions and three months from they can't launch or it fails, guess whose fault that is.”“If you keep the narrative on the goal, you can avoid debates about scope.”“I lead with questions from the back.”“I ask a trillion questions upfront to disqualify prospects before considering pricing.”“I'd rather take the advisory part and use the client's dev team whenever possible.““I'd rather use their team than mine.””We don't even do scope of work.““It's not about the hours. It's about the outcomes.”“To guide the engineers, I write paragraphs on how the client should feel at every demo and what the qualitative goal should be.““My goal is always to get smaller, not bigger.”James' Links Website: https://www.cofebe.com/ Courses: https://courses.cofebe.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdubyou/ Substack: https://jdubyou.substack.com/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Pricing legend Ron Baker joined me again (for a record-setting fourth appearance!) on Ditching Hourly to talk about the nuances of the subscription model for service business.Talking PointsSubscription pricing is becoming increasingly prevalent, with the subscription economy projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025.Pricing tiers can be implemented based on the range of services offered, providing flexibility for customers.Providing outcomes and guiding transformations creates a better customer experience.Non-rival assets, such as knowledge and ideas, can be leveraged through subscriptions, allowing professionals to serve more clients simultaneously.Wasting customers' time is a major downfall in many professional firms, and subscriptions can help mitigate this by fostering consistent and meaningful client interactions.Subscription is a straightforward pricing model that offers a set price for a defined range of services or products.There is a potential shift towards performance-based payment models, where sellers are paid based on results rather than promises.Quotable Quotes“The more services we pile on brick by brick, we add more value.”“If you're going to the market with an uncommon offering, you're commanding uncommon prices.”“You are building lifetime annuities that are worth more than it costs you to acquire them.”“A business model explains where revenue will be earned when services are provided free of charge.”“I do think it's a way station. I think we'll move to a world where we're actually paid for performance and not promises.”“We're too busy selling services brick by brick by brick by brick. And that's not where our value is.”Ron's Links Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronaldbaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbaker1/ The Soul of Enterprise: https://www.thesoulofenterprise.com/ Times-up Club: https://timesupclub.com/ Verasage: https://www.verasage.com/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like: Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time? Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space? Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal? Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals. In this episode, Jonathan highlights the drawbacks of billing hourly which can reduce your value to just a commodity. Instead, he suggests pricing your services based on the outcome you deliver, thereby providing maximum value to your clients.   What you will learn from this episode: Discover the top reasons behind the shift away from hourly billing Find out the advantages of choosing outcome-based pricing over hourly billing Uncover why positioning your service effectively can have a significant impact on your pricing strategy   "Positioning is critically important for any kind of upward lift on your fees." - Jonathan Stark   Topics Covered: 01:04 - What got him into pricing 03:35 - The problem with having an hourly rate 06:11 - Pricing uncertainty in the case of a car diagnostic 08:45 - What makes it better charging fixed price upfront 10:33 - Why positioning your service is crucial in pricing 12:59 - What hourly rate appears to be on the label 16:15 - Touching on the 'Experience Economy' [pricing transformation] 19:06 - Formula for value or the maximum price 21:36 - The best reason to not use hourly prices 24:22 - Solving the scope problem with knowing the desired goal 29:21 - Jonathan's pricing advice 30:38 - How to connect with Jonathan   Key Takeaways: "If you sell somebody an hour, you cannot make it more efficient. It takes an hour to deliver it. It artificially limits your income." - Jonathan Stark “The way I do it [on the scope problem], I don't scope first, I scope last.” - Jonathan Stark   People / Resources Mentioned: Alan Weiss: https://alanweiss.com/about-alan-weiss/ Joseph Pines: https://strategichorizons.com/pine-and-gilmore/joe-pine/ How to Measure Anything: Finding the Value of Intangibles in Business by Douglas Hubbard: https://www.amazon.com/How-Measure-Anything-Intangibles-Business/dp/1118539273   Connect with Jonathan Stark: Website: https://jonathanstark.com/   Connect with Mark Stiving: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stiving/ Email: mark@impactpricing.com  

What if you could become the one and only in your industry? My guest is Jonathan Stark, a former software developer who's now on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. In this episode, you'll discover how to position yourself with a laser-focused positioning statement and how identifying an expensive problem sharpens your marketing. We discuss the importance of selecting a vertical when positioning yourself in the market and how to identify the target market that is the right size for your services. We also discuss the impact of AI on digital marketing agencies, productized services, and value-based pricing. Don't miss this great conversation with the amazing Jonathan Stark! The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Jonathan's website: https://jonathanstark.com/ - Jonathan's book, Hourly Billing Is Nuts: https://jonathanstark.com/hbin - Jonathan's podcast, Ditching Hourly: https://podcast.ditchinghourly.com/ oin us as we discuss healthcare marketing and verticalized agencies as a whole.