#64 The Money Question

Hello, friends.

Recently I've been getting a taste of my own medicine.

How you ask?

With this question: What's your budget?

This is one of those questions we always ask when talking to a prospective client. Once we have a good idea of the scope and goal objectives, it's a common next question.

We ask this question not because we want to immediately spend all the client's money. We ask because there is usually a viable solution at any reasonable price point.

My mom is a realtor. One of her jobs is to find the best home within the price range a buyer has to work with. She's not going to show someone a $500k home if their budget is $200k.

Back to my medicine story.

We're working on several projects at Pttrns.com. A few of them required me to seek outsources help. When talking with the potential partners, they asked for my budget. My initial instinct was to draw back. I had the same thoughts flood my mind that I'm sure our prospective clients have. But then I remembered why it was important for them to know it.

After showing my hand, they were able to help me think through options based on my priorities. Most even recommended solutions using less than my max.

It's easy to think it's a zero sum game (If you win, I lose) when hiring a consultant, agency or service provider. However, it's a win-win in almost every case.

I'll close with this fun article from Wistia that illustrates exactly why knowing the budget is important.

Until next time.

Honestly,
- David

P.S. Not the most positive app but looks pretty useful as holiday travel is right around the corner - Flight Misery Map
P.P.S. Good article from James Clear on belief - Why Facts Don't Change Our Minds
P.P.P.S. Curious to see if this app gets traction: Dialog

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