How often do you hear business owners talking about their clients in frustration?
“They don’t value my work.”
“They’re always asking for discounts.”
“They want premium results at bargain-bin prices.”
If you’ve been in business for any length of time, those kinds of comments will sound familiar. And while it’s tempting to blame the market or assume people just don’t get it, there’s a more useful question to ask:
Are you the kind of client you want to attract?
Not just in business.
In every buying decision you make.
When you’re investing in something, joining a program, hiring support, buying a product, working with a tradesperson, or even picking up a service you use every day — how do you show up?
- Do you respect the value someone else brings to the table?
- Do you look for the cheapest option by default?
- Do you ask thoughtful questions, or go in with scepticism?
- Do you try to get more than what’s offered, or find ways to cut corners?
Integrity flows both ways
It’s easy to forget that being a business owner doesn’t mean we stop being customers. We’re all buying things — software, support, services, tools, subscriptions, education, essentials.
How we behave when we’re on the other side matters.
It doesn’t mean you can never ask for a discount, or that you should ignore your budget. But it’s worth noticing your patterns.
- Do you try to negotiate everything down?
- Do you delay payment, expect extras, or ignore boundaries?
- Do you value someone else’s time, work, and expertise in the way you want yours to be valued?
What you model in your day-to-day buying choices often shapes what you attract — not in a mystical way, but in a very practical one.
You teach people how to treat you by the way you treat others.
Being more aware changes everything
You don’t need to get this perfect. But being aware of how you show up as a buyer can make a real difference — especially if you’ve been wondering why certain kinds of clients keep finding their way to you.
We all want to be valued. We want our work to be respected. We want to be trusted.
So the next time you find yourself in the role of the client or customer, pause for a moment and ask:
- Am I showing up in a way that reflects what I want to receive?
- Would I want to be on the other side of this transaction?
If you want clients who:
- Respect your process
- Trust your expertise
- Don’t flinch at your pricing
- Value quality over discounts
…then you need to be practicing those same principles when you’re the one on the other side.
Ask yourself:
- When did I last invest in something without defaulting to a discount mindset?
- Do I treat my collaborators and service providers with the same respect I want from my clients?
- Am I anchoring my buying decisions in alignment or in fear?
These aren’t just business questions. They’re everyday signals.
Signals that shape your reputation, your energy, and the kind of clients you invite in.
If you want to build a business that feels good to run — one where your clients respect you, your time, and your work — start by being that kind of client yourself.
Quietly. Consistently. Without performance.
It’s one of the most overlooked growth strategies out there.
