- Introduction by Women of NATE Committee Chairwoman Andy Lee
- WON Profile: Dominique Valdez
- Where will you find the Women of NATE?
- Upcoming Events
- Recent Event Highlights
- Feature Article: How to Raise Your Prices in 2023
- Book Recommendation
Release:
February 1, 2023
Women of NATE Today Newsletter
Volume 5, Issue 2
I often spend time thinking about how to improve the lives of women. This month's highlighted article focuses on how to raise your prices, but more importantly, it talks about reminding others of your value and believing in your own inherent worthiness. This is valuable advice for the beginning of 2023.
I recently met a few women for the first time and was reminded that becoming part of the Women of NATE family is an honor. The best thing we can do for ourselves, personally and professionally, is to fight for what we believe in, both for ourselves and for others. These life lessons remind us of what is important. Life can be challenging, but it goes on.
I encourage you to explore this idea by putting pen to paper. Draw a line down the middle making two columns: one for yourself and one for others. Then answer the questions, “What inspires you? How do you move forward purposefully in 2023? How can you help give other women a voice?”
One avenue to connect with women in the telecommunications industry is to attend NATE UNITE 2023 that will be held in Orlando, Florida, February 20-23. Visit WON at the Information Lounge. The Women of NATE booth will be highlighting the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women month. We would love a chance to meet you, answer your questions, and hear your ideas. While you are there, join the WON educational sessions, 5K Fun Run/Walk on Tuesday, and the Women of NATE group photo and Meet & Greet on Wednesday.
As we get ready to kick off our Women Investing In Women Initiative during NATE UNITE, I encourage you to meet as many women as possible at the conference by attending Women of NATE events, handing out your business cards, and creating connections that foster positive relationships.
"When women get together as a group, it is immensely powerful." - Annie Lenox
I also invite you to make it a priority to attend the third Women of NATE Women's Leadership Summit, in Grapevine, Texas, on Thursday, September 21, 2023. It will be a great day of education and inspiration!
See you there!
Andy Page Lee is the Vice President of Operations at Lee Antenna & Line Service, Inc., in Springtown, PA and the Chairwoman of Women of NATE. She can be reached at ALee@LeeAntenna.com or 610-504-9600.
WON Profile: Dominique Valdez
Dominique Valdez is the owner and Vice President of Operations for Wireless Construction Solutions, Broadcast Construction Solutions, and President of eSystem Training Solutions based in Texas. She began her career in telecommunications 22 years ago as an intern in the safety department of a multi-national telecommunications construction company.
Throughout her tenure in the industry, she has had the opportunity to work in administration, accounting, safety, management, and human resources as well as becoming a small business owner. She is also an incoming, recently elected member of the NATE Board of Directors.
Dominique looks forward to working with the NATE team and other volunteers to further NATE's initiatives in the years to come.
What are your hopes for our industry?
We are in such a transitional time right now. A10.48, NWSA, TIRAP, programs at Community Colleges and Tech Schools, and workforce development initiatives have national attention and are gaining steam. With all of this growth, I hope the perception of work in this industry continues to transition from “just a job” to a career path.
What are your three most overused words/phrases?
Lovely, Awesome, Amazing.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
I get to learn new things almost every day. I have the benefit of working with a great mix of individuals from different sectors within the industry in my work and volunteer work, and even when I have a good understanding of the topic/content, there is always an opportunity to view the information from a new perspective.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Conjure an image of a juggler, balancing on a ball while spinning plates in each hand and one foot – that’s pretty much it. Anyone balancing work and parenthood probably feels the same way. Once my kiddos are out the door for school, I sit down at my desk and organize my day, check my calendar, and send out any pending emails from the previous day. After that, I try to accomplish as much as I can between calls and meetings. Break at 4 or 4:30 to take my kiddos to whichever activity they have that day, come home and make dinner, make time to read something for fun, and then crash.
What advice would you give to recent new hires?
There is so much growth potential in this industry. Show up to work on time, have a good attitude, and come ready to learn - the sky’s the limit.
What is the weirdest job you've ever had?
I was once a party leader at Chuck E. Cheese. Yep, it was as glamorous as you are probably imagining.
What does true leadership mean to you?
A true leader is someone who can recognize talent in an individual and find a way to encourage that talent in a way that allows for the person’s personal growth while adding to the value of the project or business purpose.
A leader also has to set clear expectations, reward successes, and be the one that stands up and takes the lumps when things don’t go the way you planned.
What else do you do for fun?
I love to read, garden, and buy art (nothing fancy, I love to find new local artists). I started Jiu-Jitsu about a year ago. Jiu-Jitsu has been an empowering experience; I have loved learning to defend myself and challenging myself to try something WAY outside of my comfort zone.
What is an ability you wish you had?
I read this as “superpower you wish you had,” and that would be teleportation, hands down. Can you imagine just sitting around on a Saturday and thinking, “I would love to be on the beach in Bali” and poof – you are there?
But ok, a real ability I wish I had? Probably being more organized. Anyone who has been in my office or on a Zoom call with me would probably describe it as organized chaos.
What is the one thing, you cannot live without?
My kiddos, of course. They make me a better person.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I had a professor who encouraged me to get my Ph.D. so I could teach at the college level. I think I would enjoy teaching adults (not kids, teachers of K-12 students are saints in my book). When I retire, I would love to work at a nursery, watering plants and digging in the dirt for a living.
What is your personal philosophy?
Be kind and put out into the world what you’d like to get back.
Where will you find the Women of NATE?
Take Women of NATE with you!
Are you traveling for work or taking a leisure vacation?
Take a creative photo holding a Women of NATE (WON) logo in front of a landmark that lets us know where you are.
(Left and Below) Women of NATE Committee member, Areanna Sabine of Birdzoff, recently visited Athens, Greece, and many cities in Israel on a recent vacation. The Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are three of the many must-see attractions that draw millions of visitors to Athens each year.
(Above) Women of NATE Committee member and NATE Board of Director, Jessica Cobb volunteers with fellow MDTS employees at a local community Christmas toy store over the holiday season.
Submit your photos along with your name and location to nikki@natehome.com for a chance to be showcased in an upcoming Newsletter or social media post.
Upcoming Events
Women of NATE (WON) Chairwoman, Andy Lee, to Present at Women in Telco Conference
It has been widely reported there is a large gender gap in the technology industry, with the gap widening further in the telecoms sector. This event will seek to provide a community for women wanting to enter the sector, develop their careers, and for leaders to attract and retain talent. The event will provide delegates with practical information to enhance their professional growth and promote diversity in the telecoms industry.
Register now and stay tuned for more information on when you can attend this session!
February Heart Health Month
Help promote American Heart Month throughout February and National Wear Red Day by wearing red on February 3, 2023, to bring greater attention to heart disease, which is a leading cause of death for Americans.
Resources are available on the American Heart Association website https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/ and https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth.
Women's History Month - Who is Your Hero?
In honor of Women’s History Month being celebrated in March, Women of NATE is asking that you answer the questions, “Who is your hero and why?” Please send your answers to NATE Marketing Manager Sara Goddard at sara@natehome.com.
As you can see from last year’s graphic, you only need to submit a couple of sentences and a brief biography that includes your name, title, company, and role in WON. Please send your submissions by Friday, February 24, 2023.
Recent Event Highlights
(Left) Women of NATE Committee Member and NATE Wireless Industry Network (WIN) Great Lakes Regional Ambassador Diane Mueller of CITCA LLC represented NATE at the WISPA Midwest Broadband Summit in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
(Above and Right) The SPRAT Annual Conference was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. NATE Chief Operating Officer Paula Nurnberg represented NATE and attended technical presentations, meetings, and networking events.
(Left) Tim Urband of EWS and COWA President; Karen Clark of Telogistix and VP and Sponsorship Chair of COWA; Chris Memmott of Triple M Enterprises and NATE WIN Rocky Mountain Regional Ambassador; and Chris Ecton of EWS and Charity Event Chair of COWA socialize at the annual COWA Holiday Social held in Denver, Colorado.
(Right) Aja Jones of VIKOR and NATE WIN Committee Chairwoman Chelle Eischens hang out with "Crash," the mascot for the Iowa Wild Professional Hockey Team at the annual NEIA Crash the Glass event.
(Left) Members of the Nebraska Iowa Wireless Association present a check to the ALS Association, IA Chapter at the annual Crash the Glass event held in Des Moines, Iowa. The group donated over $3,000 to the cause!
How to Raise Your Prices in 2023
There’s one common experience that all small business owners face if they stay in business long enough: asking clients for a raise. As your business grows and evolves, costs change, your knowledge and skillset expands, and so does your value.
That’s why today, we’re sharing five (5) practical steps to help you ask for a price increase from your loyal clients - as well as two email templates you can use right away.
You deserve to find financial freedom as a business owner - without having to work 24/7. So, if you’re having a hard time making ends meet or you’re working way too hard and still not bringing in six figures, it may be time to raise your prices!
How to Ask for a Price Increase
Step #1: Tell your clients well in advance about the price change.
No one is going to jump up and down over a price increase. But people really don’t like these increases when they aren’t notified. So, tell your clients well in advance that the changes are coming. This not only gives the appearance of control, which establishes trust, but it allows them time to make financial decisions for their own business. (Psst: Use one of the email templates below because they include language to help you check this box!)
Step #2: Justify your price change but avoid being apologetic.
There’s nothing to be sorry about when it comes to price increases. Cost of goods goes up, the market changes, your experience evolves, your booked up and busy so you can’t take on any more clients…Those are all legitimate reasons to ask for price increases. When you prepare your email for your clients, clarify why you’re asking for more money. Be honest and fair - but avoid apologizing, as it reduces the value of what you offer.
Step #3: Remind your clients of the value you bring to the relationship.
Speaking of value… price increases are a great time to remind your clients why they love working with you and what you bring to the table. Whether you outline this specifically in your emails or just continue to show up and go above and beyond for them, take this chance to shine. It’s almost inevitable that you will price yourself past what someone is comfortable with, but if they remember why you’re the best at what you do, they’re more likely to stick around and make it work because they can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job!
Step #4: Believe in your inherent worthiness.
This step is less about your clients and more about your money mindset. When you raise your prices, you should be clear in your financial desires, and ask not from a state of fear or greed, but from a state of knowing, gratitude, and a desire to be the best at what you do. After all, you cannot be the best at what you do if you’re working 24/7 and still not paying the bills or taking care of yourself and/or your family. So, if you feel guilty about asking for an elevated price, dig deeper. What’s telling you to feel that way? Ultimately, you’re more likely to hear, “Yes,” to your new price points when you are unshakably confident in your request.
Step #5: Keep it short, but personal.
Don’t tip-toe around it - get straight to the point, but with a side of personality. If you’re typically really casual in your communication, it may seem jarring if a formal letter comes across their desk. Find a happy medium that allows you to deliver the news in a clear-cut manner, but without abandoning your unique voice.
Email Templates to Help You Ask for a Price Increase Today
Now that you’re mentally prepared to ask your clients for a price increase, it’s time to write your email or letter.
We’ve included two ready-to-use templates below for you to send to your clients! Whether you send an email, a physical letter, or use these ideas in a meeting is totally up to you. Customize them, make them yours, and then come back and tell us how it went!
PRICE INCREASE TEMPLATE #1:
Dear [Client Name],
We are committed to only providing the best [insert your product or service.] To stay committed to that promise, our prices will increase from $X to $X starting on [insert date].
This ensures we can nurture and elevate our unique skillset and bring even more value to you in the coming months and year.
I love working with you because [insert compliment about client], and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together next!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, you’ll see this new pricing reflected on your invoices after [insert date].
Best wishes,
[Your name]
PRICE INCREASE TEMPLATE #2
Hi [Client Name],
We are so thrilled that you’ve [insert a milestone they’ve accomplished thanks to working with you]. Your success is what makes us excited to go to work each day!
We’re dedicated to exceeding that level of success for you and more clients like you in 2022, so we’ll be increasing our rates as of [insert future date].
Because of [add reasons for increase here: cost increases, a growing client load, etc.], your package will increase from $X to $X [month/year]. With that increase, I’m excited to share that you’ll now also get [insert a new feature or value-add].
As one of my most longstanding and loyal clients, I would love to offer you one more month at our existing rate before rolling you into the new plan.
I’ll email you [insert date] with an updated contract outlining the new pricing and changes to your package.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reply here or give me a ring. I’m so excited to continue our work together!
Kindest regards,
[Your name]
Sometimes it feels like ripping off a band-aid but asking for a price increase is really that simple! An effective price increase is about strong communication with your clients and the knowledge that the value you provide backs up your request.
I’m known for my real talk mixed with an unwavering level of support as a business coach, so I can’t write about this topic and not share that at some point in time, you’ll have a client who doesn’t want to continue on at the new price. And in that moment, I need to remind you of something: you did the math, you know your value, and you’re going to find a new client who will say “Yes” to the new price.
It’s happened to me, and it’s happened to nearly everyone I’ve ever coached through raising their prices. In fact, if you’re never hearing, “No,” you’re doing it wrong. But when you get that “Yes” for your new price point and you realize you can breathe a little easier and deliver an even better product, it makes it all worth it.
If you’re not sure if you need to raise your prices and you want an expert to ensure your business is set up for long-term success, let’s chat about working together in person or virtually one on one.
I’ve helped countless creative businesswomen raise their prices, elevate their packages and offerings, and make more money doing what they love. I’d love to help you next!
Tiffany Napper
PR Agency CEO
Business Coach
You know that "hustle harder" mentality you hear about? I teach the opposite of that. I believe all creative entrepreneurs are worthy of abundance and joy without having to "rise and grind."
I'm a PR Agency CEO and Holistic Business Coach who found the most success when I finally ditched the hustle.
Yahoo Finance named me one of the top 10 coaches helping entrepreneurs during the pandemic. With so much uncertainty in the air, it was the right time to start passing 10+ years worth of experience and lessons to you.
Article previously published on tiffanynapper.com. https://www.tiffanynapper.com/blog/how-to-raise-prices
