In your lifetime as a mompreneur, you will most likely have the honor of working with a number of contractors to help grow your business. These contractors could be web designers, copywriters, social media experts, virtual assistants or creative designers and can become the lifeline of your business.
As long as you know the how their business works.
Warning: Here comes the story that makes the blogger look like a jerk.
I contacted a graphic designer I have used on many occasions for client work to ask about hiring her to create a new logo and header for my website. Having not done my research on the cost of a creating a logo, I was somewhat flabbergasted surprised at the cost to create what I thought was “just a small image.”
I didn’t consider that such small images are the defining factor that shapes and molds brands from Nike to Coca Cola … to Alpha WAHM 
Duh.
So here’s the embarrassing part.
Being of not sound mind and body, I had the audacity to try and plea bargain with the graphic designer for a lower price. It was not until I received an email from the her reprimanding me for requesting a discount, that I came to see the error of my ways.
And what a good lesson to learn.
Would I accept a client who wanted to undercut my rates below my own industry standards? No. So what gave me the gall to ask a talented contractor to bend her rates to fit my budget?
I don’t really know. I guess I was just wearing my jerk hat that day.
I immediately emailed the graphic designer and apologized profusely for my behavior. My humility paid off. I now have a spankin’ new logo that will shape the re-branding of my biz.
At some point in your entrepreneurial career as a work-at-home mom, you will most likely need the help of an expert. Before you request that help though, do your homework. Research industry standards. Get clear on what is a reasonable price for the work (and value) you require. Or, be prepared to put on your humility hat … and look like a jerk.
About this Alpha WAHM Blogger: Theresa Scholes is the owner of Click Virtual Assistance specializing in social media and internet marketing strategies and implementation for the online business owner. A firm believer in matching the right actions to realistic goals, Theresa helps time strapped entrepreneurs use the social web to raise their profile and boost profits. 
