If only I had a nickel for every time someone said to me, “You seriously need to raise your prices,” I’d have dozens and dozens of nickels.   I hear this all the time.

I’ve also had this said to me, “How do you get off charging so much?”

It all depends on your perspective and personal financial situation.  There’s room for all of this.

I have been in deep relationship with my own pricing strategy, and am in very healthy relationship with what I charge, and how I’ve priced things (using round dollar figures). While this is a bit detailed, I want to be transparent, so if pricing matters to you, then please read this thoroughly.

For me, personally, I believe in a concept called “enough.” Living from a place that I personally deem as “enough” has been radically fulfilling for me. I don’t in any way impose my version of “enough” on clients, but for me, what I’m trying to accomplish in my coaching practice and in my business – the way I have things priced seems to be leading me to “enough.”

What does this mean?  It means that I am not seeking to be wealthy.  I am not impressed by big homes or fancy cars.  I like my toys, but the toys I enjoy don’t cost crazy amounts of money.  I like being at home, I’m not big on travel, and I have worked really hard to be debt free (except my mortgage).  I live simply, and comfortably, and that’s really fulfilling for me.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with financial wealth.  In fact, I’m a HUGE fan of it for my clients – if that’s what they want. Some of my clients bring in millions of dollars in revenue annually.  I don’t have money issues, I don’t think it’s the root of all evil, and I don’t think being spiritual and being filthy rich are at odds.  It’s just not what I’m after. I also like to be comfortable, so I’m not looking to eat rice and beans while living in a van down by the river.  My pricing seems to be a good balance that let’s me be in service to the right group of people whom I serve best, and allows me to be comfortable.

In the past, I’ve charged (and still do charge in appropriate circumstances) much higher prices for coaching – so it’s not that I’m scared of quoting a high fee.

My business model, the way I currently have things priced, gives me “enough” (when my practice is full), and that lets me run my business through deep relationships, a whole and complete heart, while working long-term with my clients.  Please note that this model only works when clients are working with me for the long-term.  It’s very difficult to manage this model if clients are transient or only work with me for 3-6 months or so.  If your intent is to only get short-term coaching, please be sure you mention that in your application.  It’s not that I can’t do it, I just need to know that going in.  Fair?

Right now, the core group of individuals I’m wanting to work with and support are those who are new in business and resources are low, or they’re running a business and wanting ongoing support to help them grow, find harmony, or work on a larger scope of projects (including relationships, communication, spirituality, etc.)

Many of the folks I currently work with find my prices a stretch for the amount of revenue they bring in.  However, my pricing is massively lower than most business coaches, especially for the deep skill, vast experience, spiritual depth and presence, and masterful coaching I bring to the table.  I price my services this way because it’s what I wanted when I was in that place in my business.  I wanted someone I could talk to consistently to help me in a very personal, kind, powerful, and nuts and bolts way.  But every coach I found was so freakin’ expensive. And, let me be clear… the whole concept of “you are playing small unless you make a big investment” is absolute, utter bullshit.

I want to break the rules and provide a tremendous service to folks who would find this level and quality of support impossible otherwise.

So, here’s my general rule:  If you bring in over $250,000 in revenue, I will quote you a higher fee.  (Or, if you’re able to afford more due to having a multi-income household, or other circumstances, you’re invited to contribute more for our work together.)

Yes… this is based on my own personal judgement that if your business is bringing in that much revenue, you can afford to pay a higher price (not an exorbitant price, but a higher price than what you see on this page).  Yes… I know this is a line in the sand based on my own personal judgments.  Yes, I know I’m painting with a broad strokes, and this may not be universally true. I get it.  This is risky.  This is not traditional.  I believe that abundance begets abundance.  So, when we have abundance, let’s share.

It’s not only a way for you to get stellar support (and we’ll figure out a price that works), it’s also a way for you to indirectly support other entrepreneurs who need good coaching but can’t quite afford it.  You will be helping me subsidize newer entrepreneurs, struggling business owners, people of color, or those from the LGBTQ+ community who need someone to walk with them through this challenging landscape.

I have a handful of clients who fit this description, and I deeply respect and honor them for paying me a higher fee to help me do this work.

If you make over $250,000 and you’re not down with this line of abundance thinking… we’re not a good match.

Now, if you’re making less than $250,000, then these prices, are to support you.

I understand the struggle you’re in.  I empathize with the need for personal support that’s affordable.  I’ve arranged my whole life to do this work, and do it this way.  I’ve never had a financial windfall from a rich uncle, been left any money ever in any will or trust, and I haven’t received any financial support from parents or others.  I’m doing this on my own (with Divine support), and I’ve worked hard, like you, my whole life to arrange things as I have so I can do this – and I’m super passionate about it.

Also… a quick note about the rounded pricing numbers.  This is sometimes called “Prestige Pricing” and can be a form of manipulation, although that’s not why I price things this way.  As you can likely tell, I’ve given my pricing quite a bit of thought.  I use rounded numbers because it’s easy, simple, clear, requires less math in my head, and feels less manipulative to me than “Charm Pricing” which is using something with .99 or .97.

So, does that help explain my pricing strategy?

I hope it lands well with your heart… it certainly is a direct transmission from mine.  🙂

If you have questions or comments about it (positive / constructive), I’d love to hear them… either shoot me an email.

Quick calls last anywhere from 15-30 minutes that you can schedule with Steve to ask questions, get guidance, be witnessed, do spiritual practice, Remembrance, cry, whine, fuss, vent, celebrate, talk about puppies, tell a story, share awkward silence.  Whatevs.

How many can you schedule?  General guideline, no more than one per month.  And, because I’m certainly not going to block your number if you’re in crisis, let me be less boundaries-only and more human-centered.

Look, I’m sure talking with you will bring me more joy than hot coffee in the morning, and… I’m simply wanting to honor my value of “availability.”   I don’t want to put any hard limits on it, simply because if you’re having an especially difficult time, or facing an especially intensive period of business, you might need a bit more support than normal. If they’re needed, we’ll have them.  If it gets to be “too much” for me, I’ll let you know kindly, and we’ll figure out some boundaries that will meet both our needs.

Fair enough?

And, just so you have some context and an idea… clients who use these quick calls in-between sessions rarely have ever used more than 1 per month.  And half of my clients rarely, if ever, use them.

In-between session support can be remarkably effective.  Some people use it, others don’t.  It’s up to you.

How often can you email / text?  Well, truth be told, email can get burdensome right quick, you know what I mean?  It can pile up faster than the snow on the peak of a mountain in January if you don’t manage it well.  And being buried in email isn’t going to make anyone happy.  And… you need help when you need help… so if you need help… send an email!! 

Honestly, I prefer texting to email, especially if you happen to have an Apple device, so I can send back an audio message, in lieu of typing.

Here’s a general guideline that might give you a sense of what works.  Gather all the comments, questions, and requests and send one email to me.  Include in your email your time sensitivity and I’ll do my best to meet it.

I don’t want to put any hard boundaries on it, simply because if you’re having an especially difficult time, or facing an especially intensive period of business such as a product launch, or hiring a new person into your business, you might need a bit more support than normal. If you need help, send an email.  If the amount you email / text gets to be “too much” for me, I’ll let you know kindly, and we’ll figure out some boundaries that will meet both our needs.

Fair enough?

The Village is Steve’s online support community, where there are calls, workshops, and a group of like minded, kind-hearted folks in various phases of business who are there to help support, share feedback, and celebrate successes. You can read more about it here.

This can be just about anything you want it to be.  For instance, some clients have used this for daily commitments to priorities, so they text me their top 3 priorities each day.  It helps them focus.  

Other clients use it for habit tracking, either to receive reminders from me, or to text me for accountability to their commitments.

Other clients have used it to request feedback, prayers, get clarification on something we discussed, and have reminders sent.

The sky is the limit here.  We can design just about anything that will support you in moving foward!