Don’t charge by the hour. Charge by the years.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote emphasizes a shift in perspective when it comes to pricing and valuing your services. Instead of basing your charges solely on the number of hours worked, it suggests considering the cumulative value you bring to the table over time. Charging by the years implies that the focus should be on the long-term impact and outcomes you deliver, rather than the hours spent on a specific task.
By adopting this mindset, you position yourself as a partner or consultant rather than a mere service provider. It encourages you to align your interests with your clients' success and invest in building lasting relationships. When you charge by the years, you recognize that the value you bring extends beyond individual transactions or projects.
This approach allows you to emphasize the expertise, knowledge, and experience you have accumulated over the years, which can significantly benefit your clients. It acknowledges that your value proposition goes beyond the immediate task at hand and encompasses the broader impact you can have on their business or life.
Charging by the years also encourages a focus on outcomes and results. It invites you to take responsibility for the long-term success of your clients and ensures that your pricing reflects the value they derive from your services over an extended period. This mindset shift aligns your incentives with your clients' goals and motivates you to deliver exceptional value that can positively impact their business or personal growth.
Ultimately, this quote urges professionals to transcend the limitations of hourly billing and instead embrace a more comprehensive perspective of their worth. By charging by the years, you recognize the depth of your expertise, the value of your accumulated experience, and the lasting impact you can make on your clients' lives or businesses.
Who said the quote?
The quote “Don’t charge by the hour. Charge by the years.” was said in the book Selling the Invisible (Summary) by Harry Beckwith. Harry Beckwith is a marketing consultant and author who helps businesses improve their marketing and customer service by focusing on the needs and desires of their customers.
* The editor of this interpretation made every effort to maintain information accuracy. This includes the source and any key ideas or meanings conveyed in it.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.