Today, like some other days, will just be a story.

Sometime ago, I got a referral from a friend and after having a conversation with the prospect (who I later discovered was a friend too),

I found out that he was trying to build a list of subscribers who would be attracted by a lead magnet and subsequently buy his products with a follow up offer.

What he needed me to do at that time was an email sequence creating a buyer’s journey for his prospects.

After I called out my price, he seemed satisfied, paid an upfront and promised to pay the balance the next day. I usually don’t get to work until there is a full commitment but because of our level of relationship, I took his word for it.

I started with my research on his niche and asked him to furnish me with relevant details, which he couldn’t. That should have been my first red flag.

I also needed some testimonials, but he convinced me somehow that he had minimal testimonies as he is just starting out. Second red flag.

As I created the email sequence, I put in myself in it. You can’t persuade anyone when you haven’t been bought into the product yourself. Most times, I buy these services and products, ensure I get my money’s worth and more before plunging myself into it. I couldn’t do that for this for whatever reason. Third red flag,

Then the worst happened, I wasn’t getting my money. You know how money is a great motivator, and it was refusing to come forth. With the value proposition I wrote about, gotten from the knowledge of the service and the details I got from our first interaction, I felt both betrayed and like a betrayal.

Your content is powerful, and this is why it never should be in the wrong hands, for the wrong purpose. I knew this, and I had just done it. If I couldn’t get paid for my service, how would he help people pay their own bills?

I don’t know if he ever did use my email sequence, and how the conversion rate was, but if his intent wasn’t genuine, I sincerely pray it doesn’t convert.

This is why although it seems unbelievable at certain points in our lives, it is way better to choose the kinds of people you work with, than let money be your only guiding principle. You will find that peace, fulfillment and joy are more priceless rewards than money will give in the long run.

I hope this serves as some kind of motivation in the right direction this Monday. *sips coffee*

Grace Christos