Monthly Archives: July 2015

The Creative Challenge

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CreateThis week, I’m issuing you a creative challenge. We all do so much consumption, such as watching TV, reading, eating what someone else has made, etc. And that’s fine. After a hard day at work, I know people often need to unwind in front of something mindless.

But just this week, try replacing a passive activity with something creative. For example, instead of listening to music, I’m going to create some music. Instead of reading, I’m going to write some more pieces for my blog. There are many more things you could do – instead of going out for a meal, create a meal; instead of watching a tv show, how about creating your own video. Write a poem, paint, sing, create a garden, make a business plan.

Please feel free to share this challenge. And let me know what you created.

Gift Certificates Are Back!

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When I recently revised my pricing structure, I had to temporarily remove the ability to purchase gift certificates while I worked out how to price them. I’ve done this now, so I’m delighted to announce that I have brought the certificates back.

Sample Gift Card Image I originally launched gift certificates last year, in time for the holiday season, and they did very well then. But they are available all-year-around, so they make a unique gift to send to family, friends, work colleagues or business contacts for birthdays, other events, or “just because.”

They are currently available for 1 reading, 3 readings or 5 readings, each one being successively better value, so the more you spend, the more you save. Recipients don’t have to ask all their questions at the same time, either, so a five-question certificate could provide some great guidance for an entire year (the gift certificates never expire, by the way)! They are delivered via email, either directly to the recipient, or to you so you can print it to send via mail, to give in person or to put with another gift.

Purchase a gift certificate now.

Changes To My Price Structure As Of July 1st, 2015

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When I first started reading tarot seriously, I had a “proper” job, and I was reading as a sideline. I considered tarot to be a calling, and I didn’t want to deny anyone a reading just because they happened to be on a low-income. Therefore, I had a “pay what you will” policy. Some people gave me a pretty good donation for my services, while others didn’t pay at all. My attitude to this was that if anyone took advantage, that was their problem, not mine. I felt pretty comfortable with that policy, but I did have a steady income from my regular job.

Unfortunately, the company I worked for went through a restructuring process, and I was laid-off after many happy years working for them. As with many others in that same situation, I had difficulties finding new employment. It was at that point that I decided I would change the nature of my tarot reading services, and started offering a fully paid-for service, firstly via Fiverr.com, and then via my website. Still wanting to make my readings available even to people on a low income, I set my prices very low. Many of my clients have actually said at one time or another that they felt my prices were too low, especially considering the time I spend doing a reading and the service I provide.

calculator and pen imageI’m sure many of you have been through the process my family and I went through recently; we looked at our financial situation. As a result of that, I felt I needed to contribute more towards my family. I have a difficult time with anything financial; my eyes glaze over when I see numbers! Nevertheless, I sat down and created a spreadsheet. On it, I put the various services I provide, how much time each takes me, and the money I make. I was shocked at what I found. It was worse than I thought.

I had to make some tough decisions, and you’ll see the results of those decisions immediately. I’ve eliminated a few options, because there was no way I could make them financially viable. Some will be temporarily removed until I can make some changes and reintroduce them. And the prices of what I continue to offer have been increased slightly. I have tried (and I think I’ve succeeded) to make the increase minimal, while at the same time, they will make a difference to what I can contribute to my family. As for Fiverr, since I can’t increase the base price of a reading there, I will streamline what I provide, so I can complete a reading in less time. I would definitely encourage you to pay just that little bit extra to obtain your reading directly from my website, so what you get will be more complete. Please know I will always strive to provide a simple option at as low a price as I can.

One final thing: I’ll be offering some exciting new services soon. I’m working on some of them right now. Once they’re ready, I’ll let you know.

Your feedback is important to me. Do please tell me what you think.

Order Your Reading Now

(Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)