The Psychology of Value—What People Really Buy

Core Article: Why your work matters (even more than you think)

Paragraph I’m Pondering: “Our job isn’t to get everyone to believe us.”

Powerful Affirmations to Inspire: “I see abundance everywhere, and…”

Book Review: Story Driven, You don’t Need to Compete When You Know Who You Are by Bernadette Jiwa

Cool Stuff: Do you know where the word “duffel bag” came from? Hmmm…

AI Info & Resources: Is AI Harmful to Our Human Intelligence?

The Psychology of Value—What People Really Buy

There’s a quote I love from the book Show Your Work by Austin Kleon that stopped me in my tracks:

“You might think that the pleasure you get from a painting depends on its color and its shape and its pattern… But our brains don’t work that way. People’s assessment of how much they like something—and how valuable it is—is deeply affected by what you tell them about it.”
— Paul Bloom, as quoted by Kleon

Read that again.

What I love about this is that it isn’t just about art…
It’s about marketing, pricing, value, and YOU.

We think people buy the “thing.”
The course. The service. The package. The product. The event.

Yet in truth, what they’re really buying is the meaning you give it. (And what it will give them in return.)
It’s also about the transformation it represents. And the story behind why you created it in the first place.

I just finished teaching my 7th class for my Soulful Marketing Accelerator Program. Today, we discussed the 6th Step of my Soulful Marketing System: Crafting Your Compelling Message.

The conversations about storytelling and writing copy were pretty lively. So much to discover about how to create messages/copy that will attract your dream clients.

When it all comes down to it, People don’t ever buy “the stuff!” They buy what “the stuff” will give them!

Think Apple. It’s not just about getting the iPad, iPhone, or MacBook. It’s about buying innovation, creativity, and being different. You’re buying what Mac products will give you and how they make you feel. 🙂

So take a minute with me here…

Think about the last time you bought something you really valued.
Maybe it was a …
…painting
…handmade item (pottery, jewelry, etc.)
…special book…
…Mac product 🙂
Or an event, product, course, program, or retreat.

Close your eyes and ask yourself: (Ok, so maybe you read this first, then close your eyes 😉

What drew you to what you bought?
What did it represent to you?
What made you say yes to that and not something else?
How did it feel to invest in it—beyond the price tag?
How did it make me feel when you brought it home, or signed up for that course, or event?

What’s fascinating to me is that chances are—it wasn’t just about the item, course, product, etc. It’s about the meaning you gave to it.

The story behind it. The emotion it sparked. The resonance you felt.

That’s what your dream clients are looking for too.

They want to feel that same feeling, that same depth and meaning.
And that’s why “how you market” matters just as much as “what you’re marketing.”

Keep these in mind:
If your…
…story is not telling the full truth…
…pricing doesn’t reflect the deeper transformation you offer…
…messaging skips the soul and depth behind your mission and values of why you do what you do…

Then you might be unintentionally devaluing it—without even realizing it.

So, here’s your kind and caring reminder:

Your work and your story matter. And so does your why.

Because when you lead with your values and mission…
It’s NOT about selling. It’s about connecting, attracting, inspiring, and making a real difference.

No matter whether you’re working for a company, working for yourself, or retired… You can still make a real difference. I believe in you always – hands at your back….

And on another note, I’m just gonna throw this out there for you:
Want help telling your story in a way that reflects the real value you offer? That’s what Soulful Marketing is all about—how to bring more depth, truth, and resonance into your marketing—from your pricing to your messaging to your entire online customer experience.

You in?
Hit reply, and put “tell me more” in the subject.

Paragraph I’m Pondering

Marketing should magnify the truth, not manipulate a message. Our job isn’t to get everyone to believe us. it’s to give the right people Something to Believe In….Today’s customers want to know that you care more than just making money. If you don’t understand why your business exists beyond turning a profit, or if you’re not communicating your purpose, then you’re making it harder for people to get behind you. When you know what you stand for, you have absolute clarity about the reason you’re the best choice for the people you want to serve, and so do they.
~ Bernadette Jiwa, Story Driven, You don’t Need to Compete When You Know Who You Are

Powerful Affirmations to Inspire

“Every challenge in my business is an opportunity for growth and expansion.”
“I see abundance everywhere, and my finances grow stronger every day.”
“I trust that slowing down is a powerful way to speed up my growth.”

Book Review

Story Driven, You don’t Need to Compete When You Know Who You Are by Bernadette Jiwa

Cool Stuff

What generation are you? Baby Boomer, Gen X, Gen Z?
I’m all about vocabulary and where words came from. So if you’re curious, here’s where the word “Duffel bag” came from.
Are you in the middle class? This cool little calculator will tell you how you rank in the US. Hmm…

AI Info and Resources

Is ChatGPT harming our human intelligence? Hmmmmm
Hmmm, Open AI Chat GPT’s parent company has expanded its Search Capabilities and is introducing Shopping Features.
Is AI killing our creativity… Well, this author says we’re just using it wrong…

Weekly Photos

Emma’s loving our new banquet in the kitchen. She’s getting her dog hair all over it!
There’s the long-range shot. My feet (with my comfy slippers) on the banquet, table nearby, and Alice’s stained glass in the window. She’s so talented – I love all that color!
This was kind of wild. I have this paper stuck to my window, and I usually read it every day. (One of my rotating morning rituals.) I haven’t looked at it in a while, and guess what was on the word “create?” Yep, it’s a Crane Fly that we call “skeeter eater.” So I took a pic. Then I got a jar and put my little friend back in the wild. He flew away happily. No need to be stuck in my office “creating” with me anymore! 🙂
I love these bicolor azaleas. They remind me of peppermint sticks. Yet, ones that look like stars. Kind of cool, Mother Nature – thank you!
Look at Mt. Shasta and all her snow. Almost looks like a painting. I zoomed in and took this from the highway. I need to get up there and go hiking.
Here’s a new flag I reviewed for Amazon. I think the message fits. It doesn’t take much to simply “Be Kind.”
Shasta Bally under some angry skies this week. Got some rain. Definitely springtime here.

P.S. If you missed last week’s blog, or maybe you forgot to click on the link… If you’re longing to be around like-minded people and want to move through your fears to create an even more successful business built upon your purpose and values and based on authenticity while attracting your dream client and more success... Welllll. you know what to do below. 🙂

Want more information? I’ve created a Word doc. You can access the doc here.
Questions or Want to Connect? If you want to connect over Zoom to see if it’s the right fit, please hit reply and let me know. Or schedule a call on my calendar.

P.S.S. Whenever You’re Ready: Here are 3 Ways I can make an impact on creating greater success in your business using marketing that’s aligned with your mission and values without feeling like you’re selling your soul.

1. Make Money Now Sheet – It’s one of the bonuses in my 7-Step Soulful Marketing System. I wanted to give it to you for free to help you create more success.

2. Love Books Like I Do? – I’m always reviewing the best nonfiction books – Where Buddha Meets Business.

3. Get my proven 7-Step Soulful Marketing System. It gives you the framework you need to implement authentic and connected marketing using online customer experiences and launching your products, services, or courses. It will help you create greater success.

It’s a simple system, especially if you love to read like me. There’s no video or audio. Plus, you get my proven templates, tools, and worksheets, all with tremendous value. And I’m pricing it incredibly low so it can be more accessible to more people. 🙂

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I appreciate your sharing. Thank you!

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