We are programmers. We think in terms of code, design, tests, architecture. What you may not fully realize is that businesses don’t pay you to code, they pay you to solve a problem through technology.

Think in terms of value provided, not hours churned out. If you’re selling your services it will help you come up with a fair rate for the project. Try to calculate what’s the ROI and you can easily see if it’s a convenient investment for your customer (and of course, an attractive rate for you). Be honest if it’s not, and strive to find projects that have a high ROI by using your services.

If you’re working as an employee of a company, figure out what is it that they value and are paying you for. Keep your eye on these larger objectives while doing your daily work. If you prove to be a valuable investment, the company will invest in you.