Why Your Clients Want a Discount (And Why You Do, Too) - Martine Severin

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a client who wants top-tier, champagne-level results on a beer budget? We've all been there. But what happens when you realize you do the exact same thing in your own life?   We are digging into the messy, human psychology of why we all want more than we can sometimes afford. I explore the powerful "first impression effect" that sets our expectations and the tricky mental shortcuts we use that equate price with quality. I will share actionable steps for managing expectations, setting your "non-resentment rate," and protecting your creative energy, especially when you really need the money.   Chapters 00:00 - The Contractor Story: Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget 02:18 - The Psychology of Why We Want Expensive Things for Cheap 04:45 - More Than a Budget: The Human Need for Quality and Joy 07:04 - For Service Providers: 4 Ways to Manage Client Expectations 10:11 - For Clients: How to Get Better Results on Any Budget 11:54 - The Hardest Part: How to Set Boundaries When Money is Tight 15:37 - Your "Non-Resentment Rate" and Why It's a Game-Changer 19:06 - Breaking the Race to the Bottom & Final Recap   Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/YR449TnmbrI   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives   Resources to Support This Topic Here are a few resources that dig deeper into the concepts discussed in the episode: "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman: This book is a masterclass in understanding the cognitive biases that shape our decisions, including the "anchoring effect" or "first impression effect" I discussed. It's a fantastic read for anyone who wants to understand the "why" behind our choices.   "Pricing Design" by Dan Mall: While focused on design, the principles in this book are invaluable for any creative professional. Dan breaks down how to price your work based on value, not just time, helping you build a more sustainable and profitable business. "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab: Setting boundaries is crucial for protecting your creative energy, especially when dealing with pricing and client expectations. This book offers practical advice on how to establish healthy boundaries in your professional and personal life, which is essential for long-term creative health.