We’ve talked quite a bit
about the law of reciprocity
here are client k.
If you do something
for someone,
they are more likely
to do something for you.
The issue is
you can’t control
what that something
they do for you
is.
You can hint.
“I really appreciate it
if you gave me a favorable review.”
But you can’t control it.
And there’s no guarantee
they will view
what you did for them
as a gift or a favor either.
A newer writer complained
that she volunteered
to read advanced reading copies
of other writers’ books
yet they didn’t volunteer
to read hers.
She assumed
everyone knew
that was the expectation.
Ahhh…no.
Readers offer to PAY me
to read my stories early.
I wouldn’t expect
to pay ‘in kind’
to have her read my stories early.
And that set expectation
isn’t reciprocity.
It is a business arrangement
that should be detailed
BEFORE it is acted upon.
Reciprocity is an effective strategy
but you can’t control it.