I recently posted on Threads that I should add a module to my Tarot Business Course about "Spiritual Karen". I'm not a big social media person, I personally don't care about it enough but that post was a HIT. And I'll soon have time to record this module* (Yay!!) but in the meantime, I felt a blog post about how to deal with that kind of noise could be really helpful. Grab a cup of something delicious and let's talk!
SPIRITUAL KAREN IS REAL (But she can't hurt you)
First of all, I don't deal with many spiritual Karens anymore. One reason is, I think I'm pretty clear about not being available for bullshit when it comes to my Tarot and coaching business. I know who I am. I know what I'm worth. But I've had quite a few encounters over 15 years of guiding people online and offline. Sometimes she pops up on Facebook (she loves Facebook...), sometimes she sends a message or email me via this website. So I have a couple stories under my belt but let's focus on a couple recent ones.
Note: the goal is not to mock any specific person. No names will be shared, of course. The idea here is to help you put things into perspective and not let anyone bully you or make you doubt yourself as you build or pivot your spiritual business.
Recently, a Spiritual Karen emailed me to complain that for WHAT I CHARGE there should be a guarantee on my online Tarot business course and a preview. At the time of writing this, I believe the course she was referring to is at about $300, and was on sale when she reached out, for about 40% off. Like. Honestly this is too cheap, that's my thought as I type. Those courses take weeks to prepare (not including the life experience and professional expertise), days to records and weeks to launch. But as my courses are new on the streets, it was my intentions to make them affordable for most people, with low prices and payment plans. Knowing that these prices will eventually have to increase as I add content and modules.
At first, I decided to remain professional. Maybe the tone of her message was not really how she meant it?
I explained to her that my courses all have a free preview, the first video can be watched for free so you get a taste of it. Then you have an extensive sales page, which is filled with clear information about the course, it contains the full curriculum and previous students testimonials.
She wrote back, complaining that the price was too high and she and her friend could not make such an investment. At this point, I know who I'm talking with and what is expected: an extra special discount just because. And I'm done talking.
SPIRITUAL KAREN IS NOT YOUR IDEAL CLIENT ANYWAY
Why am I done talking?
Because no one walks into my store, be it online or brick and mortar, to tell me how to price my services and goods. I will not accept it, and neither should you.
The culture of cheap shitty products with a full refund guarantee is based on a toxic economy. I won't name brands but hey, Pri---k, Te//u, S#3in... right? And of course, Amazon. Those business models are not at all the same as your local book store or real life coach. They're not people.
Now this is not a blog about economics, but my course is about how you get to run your business successfully, and understanding those differences and what they mean is crucial. Not only to your success, but to your mental health and longevity in the game.
Here's the deal....
As a professional Tarot reader or coach etc. You will sometimes be shocked at the audacity and entitlement of people (mostly NOT your clients lol) just passers by.
Imagine walking by Chanel, barging in and yelling at the manager that the prices are outrageous and the store policy is wrong. I think they’ll have a giggle. And you should too. Being kind and caring about your clients, doesn't mean having to take bullshit from people who have nothing better to do on a given day.
Set your prices.
Know your worth.
Up your prices as necessary.
That's normal, that's growth. And the right people will grow with you.✨
Does it mean every product you sell should cost a minimum of 5K? No. But maybe. I don't know what you're selling! But be honest with yourself and never undercharge. Most businesses that go down, do so because they undervalue themselves. And of course, people will not come and give you extra money for your hard work if you give it away for free. That's just not the world we live in. As a result, businesses that undercharge, end up closing because the owners are overworked and under motivated. The quality, of course, is affected negatively by such practices too. You do not want to go down that route. It's not serving you and it's not serving the people who need you.
The truth is: Not every client out there is right for you and you may not be right for them. Be okay with that. Your energetic boundaries will keep you in business LONGER.
I personally offer products for $8 and coaching programs for $10K. And they're all fair prices. You can download a little something I created with love and care to treat yourself without breaking the bank. Or you can decide that you're changing your life and I'm the person you trust to help you make it happen. Two different things, two different prices. All good.
It's also true that my highest paid paying clients are my most aligned ones. They get tremendous value out of our work together because they are all in. And so am I. But it's important to me to provide free content (like this post and many others), free tips, free videos and affordable products. I've been broke, and I've been "shopping". And I want my message and experience to be out there. But I don't want to burn out. And I'm confident that when someone is ready to book a call or enroll in a course, they'll be in the right hands with me. I've know that I've done my job.
Remember: you get to choose who you work with. You’re an entrepreneur, not a beggar.
Other audacious ways Spiritual Karen tried to get my attention over the years included:
Disagreeing on the meaning of a card in a defiant or insulting way (usually a Facebook or Pinterest comment) - Girl, no card has one meaning only anyway. NEXT - Honest note: when I was starting out and much younger, this used to hurt my feelings a lot, I was not even selling anything, just sharing info from my heart. Why would anyone be mean like that? So if you're a sensitive soul, worry not, your skin will get thicker, and you're the reason why I'm sharing this. The meanies suck, and you don't have to take it.
Asking me if my prices were in bitcoins or crypto (not actually saying they were too high). Oh the laugh I got from that one. I'm not knocking on your door with my prices honey, you're literally surfing my website. Make a left on Main street for Etsy templates, hun. NEXT
Rushing me to publish more free content about Tarot reading because my Tarot Meaning Pages are her only source to learn to read and I haven't posted the Minor Arcana. So could I hurry up a bit? No please, no thank you.
Ah... The audacity.
By the way, I currently offer two courses, you can watch the free previews (lol) at the links below. More to come! I really hope this post helped you a bit in how you get to approach difficult clients and online trolls. You don't have to tolerate the nonsense. And the less you do it, the less it'll find its way to you. Oh yes, we're running spiritual businesses here (well, everybody is but that's a different conversation), and we get to set the rules.
*BTW if you already bought the course or plan to do so, you'll have access to the Spiritual Karen module and any others at no additional cost. Once you're in, you get access to everything, old and new.
And speaking of lower priced offers, you can check out my original How to Start Your Tarot Business (the eBook) ✨
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