When I first started publishing
my stories (products),
99 cents was ‘too expensive’.
I found that frustrating
because readers (prospects)
were spending $5 on a cup of coffee
that would be consumed in minutes
and wouldn’t spend 99 cents on a book
that they could keep forever.
What I didn’t understand was
Starbucks had built a reputation
for quality coffee.
Readers knew their coffees
were worth the $5.
They didn’t know my books
were worth the 99 cents.
After years of building my brand,
readers now don’t hesitate
to spend money on my books.
The same books I would try to sell
for 99 cents
are priced at $2.99
and readers often comment
about them being a bargain.
“Getting paid what you deserve
You never do.
Instead, you get paid
what other people think you’re worth.
That’s an empathic flip
that makes it all make sense.
Instead of feeling
undervalued or disrespected,
you can focus on
creating a reputation
and a work product
that others believe is worth more.”
If you think you should be paid more,
consider focusing on building your brand.