Does this seem like a strange question?  I used to think it was.  That is until I decided to really dig deep and see why my business was not doing as well as I wanted it to.  The good news is this doesn’t just apply to entrepreneurs, this can easily explain why you do not have the level of income you would like. 

Take a minute and reflect…How were you raised?  Did your parents teach you that it was not appropriate to ask for things?  That it is better to give than to receive?  Money is the root of all evil?  If that is the case, then, my guess is, you are probably not a very good receiver in many ways.

Don’t get me wrong, your parents had the absolute best of intentions.  They were at least partially right.  There are definitely times when it is not appropriate to ask for things.  However, when you own your own business, it is appropriate to ask for payment from a client.  If you are an employee, there are situations when it is okay to ask for a raise.  And, yes, it is generally better to give than it is to receive.  But, again, when you are trying to make a living, receiving is a necessity…why not be good at it? 

I remember when I started my practice a few years ago.  It was really awkward for me to ask my clients for payment.  I would go so far as letting them leave and then billing them later.  Unfortunately, not everyone is as honest as I am and I did not always receive payment.  (Don’t worry, I have gotten over that now).  As far as money being the root of all evil, it is the person behind the money that can create evil.  Look at people like Oprah or Bill Gates who give millions of dollars to charity every year.  I do not see evil there.

Sometimes it just takes a shift in your mindset with regard to money and attracting it.  Money is good!  Money is great!  Just because you desire more money does not mean you are greedy.  I would like to make a whole lot of money!  Not for the material things I can buy (although, that is an added bonus), but for the freedom I will have.  Not to mention the charities I plan on donating to.  How great will it be when I know I can help out a charity in need and don’t have to consult my checkbook first. 

Practice being a good receiver.  When someone gives you a compliment, just say thank you.  When you get a stellar review at work with a raise and promotion, just say thank you.  Remember, you deserve it.  You would not have received it if you did not.  When you land that fantastic client, just say thank you for giving you the opportunity to be of service to them.