Project manager coach tips on knowing your worth

Are you a freelance or contract project manager feeling the squeeze lately? As a coach for project managers, I can assure you, you're not alone. My social media feeds are buzzing with project managers on the lookout for new work. It's easy to fall into self-doubt, thinking, "I'm not good enough" or "there's nothing out there.". But you've got more strength than you realise. 

Let's talk about tapping into that strength and thriving, not just surviving.

What is causing the choppy waters?

Remember when you decided to go down the freelance route? The freedom, the variety of work, being your own boss - it all sounded great. And often, it is. 

But many of you are dealing with:

1. The "will they, won't they?" game

You're nearing the end of a contract, and the client goes quiet. Will they renew? Should you start looking for other work? The uncertainty is nerve-wracking.

2. Race to the bottom on rates

"We've found someone who'll do it for half your rate." Sound familiar? It's frustrating when clients don't see the value of your experience and your strengths.

3. Feast or famine

One month you're turning down work, the next you're wondering how to pay the bills. The inconsistent income can be really stressful and wear you down.

4. Staying strong when times are tough

When work is slow and savings are dwindling, it's hard to keep your chin up, and feel strong and motivated to keep your skills sharp.

5. Economic uncertainty

With recent political changes in the UK and the pending election in the USA, it can feel like the economy pauses while waiting for outcomes. (Thankfully, activity in the UK market seems to have improved post-election).

Playing to your strengths - the key to thriving

Surviving as a project manager isn't just about weathering tough times. It's about thriving in the long run. And that starts with knowing your unique strengths.

Are you the project manager who can wrangle the most difficult stakeholders? The one who always delivers ahead of schedule? The budget wizard who consistently brings projects in under cost?

Identifying your standout qualities isn't just feel-good fluff. It's a powerful tool for:

- Marketing yourself effectively

- Choosing the right projects

- Negotiating better rates

- Building your confidence in tough times

So, how do you pinpoint these strengths? Start with self-reflection. Keep a success journal, documenting your experiences and the value you've brought to past projects.

Update it regularly. Use this to justify your rates and don't cave to lowball offers.

Sometimes, you're too close to see yourself clearly. This is where working with a project manager coach can be game-changing to uncover strengths you might not even realise you have.

Embracing your worth 

Knowing your strengths is key to knowing your worth. Remember, you became a project manager because you have something special to offer. You have the skills to manage complex projects and the courage to carve your path which is impressive.

By knowing your worth, identifying your strengths, and articulating these in all conversations with potential clients, you can navigate these choppy waters and emerge stronger on the other side.

Remember, your combination of skills, experience, and personality is your superpower. No one else can offer exactly what you bring to the table. Embrace that uniqueness, showcase it confidently, and let it guide you through these challenging times.

Hang in there, you’ve got this!