Cardslingers Coast to Coast

Episode 67: Business of Readings with John Verbrugge

The Cardslingers get down to business, the business of readings. Special guest, John Verbrugge, is here to help us understand more business for readers. While coming in from the tech world, John gives us all some great advice on running your readings as a business owner. Think big and look to the future. Invest in yourself. Here’s hoping Hilary gets her private jet one year. So much good homework here. Thank you, John.
Visit John at www.tarotgeek.com and email him at john@tarotgeek.com.
Here are some articles from Hil that may help you realize that you are the TALENT, baby… and that you’re running a business, not a hobby:
Tarot Reader, Tarot Reader, Where Does Your Money Go?
Productivity tools from a part-time tarot reader
Reality Check - What It's Really Like Working as a Part Time Tarot Reader
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc and now on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cardslingerscc. 
Reminder, we would NEVER DM YOU for a reading on any social media site. We schedule all readings and conversations through our personal websites.

Episode 66: Scammer Be Gone

The alternate title of this episode is “Grand Rising, Beloveds!” Be careful of how you get a witch’s attention. Scammers online, and off, are everywhere and we’re fed up with it. Even tarot decks are being “counterfeited” and scammed. Listen to our stories about scammers; being copied; or having to deal with unhappy people who think we’re frauds. Amanda sums this up by saying, “It's easy for scammers to infiltrate a profession that people don't want to recognize as "legitimate". If it was easier for tarot readers (who are published authors, who have large followings, who have online courses) to get a goddamn verification checkmark, it'd sure help…”
Read up on how one person was scammed out of a fortune in Portland, Oregon. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2010/05/portland_man_accuses_hawthorne.html
Read Hilary’s fantastic post on how to recognize a scammer reading as it’s happening: http://tarotbyhilary.com/i-got-scammed-by-a-reader-how-it-happened-to-me-and-how-you-can-prevent-it/
There are different ways to deal with imposter/scammer accounts on Instagram or TikTok. Hilary’s episode on Spammers, Scammers, and Charlatans is here: https://youtu.be/UQ9A-RAlLpk 
Email us with your tarot-related questions. Booking a reading is done through our websites, and nowhere else.
Melissa: hello@melissacynova.com
Hilary: hilary@tarotbyhilary.com
Jaymi: tarot@innercompasstarot.com
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc and now on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cardslingerscc. 
Reminder, we would NEVER DM YOU for a reading on any social media site. We schedule all readings and conversations through our personal websites.

Episode 65: Stop Being Unhappy for a Living

Note: Zoom had some technical glitching in recording, so there may be some weird transitions in this episode. Don’t let it get in the way of this good stuff.
Self-care is the best care. What happens when you can’t even look at another deck? We’re talking about how to not turn into a chunk of charcoal. This field is lonely, and burnout can be real. Learn how to create containers for your readings and setting boundaries. Take time to understand your needs, wants, desires, and values which can free yourself from burnout. These things are the underpinnings for living the life you desire. 
We discuss a future three-part series of self-care while doing the work (before, during, and after) from our friend Ellen the Red. https://ellenthered.appointlet.com
Hilary recommends Gala Darling’s Magnetic Mindset book https://bookshop.org/books/magnetic-mindset-how-to-make-love-to-the-universe-and-manifest-anything/9798218030568
Homework: Brainstorm your self-care ways. Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc and now on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cardslingerscc. Reminder, we would NEVER DM YOU for a reading on any social media site. We schedule all readings and conversations through our personal websites.

Episode 64 Love, Light, and Toxic Happiness

Let’s talk about the dark side of the tarot community. Readers are people, not products or things. Yes, we appreciate each other's ideas and opines. However, there is a way to come at us and befriend us, and help us through our own journey. Think about how you use your privileges towards others and remember that a person is at the other end of the communication channel. Also, there is no light without the dark, and our screw-ups are what lead us to our brilliance.
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc and now on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cardslingerscc. Reminder, we would NEVER DM YOU for a reading on any social media site. We schedule all readings and conversations through our personal websites.

Episode 63: WTC Series: Craftsman Formula

Welcome to the last formula for our “What to Charge” series, where we show you our consummate competence. That’s right; we’re talking professional-level charging. We’re using craftsman instead of master because, at this level, you do so much more than just read and offer advice. You craft magic with the cards between your hands.
At this level, you can continue to read, but you also reach out through other avenues like teaching and writing. Many professionals turn away from the event reading and general public spaces and want 100% control of their future. Learn to cultivate the leader within and acknowledge the amazingness you are. Learn to leave a tarot legacy.
Homework: Watch StrongBad “Trogdor” for the in-jokes. Keep on learning and developing your skills in both tarot and business. 
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc.

Episode 62 WTC Series: Journeyman Formula

We push the What to Charge series one level further with the Journeyman level of charging for your reading, being a Journeyman. What does this mean? Well, at this level, you’re 3 years or more off book and should be charging between $50-$100 depending on where you live. This level is about experimentation with your readings or learning what works, including dropping prices. It’s also about looking deeper at the cards or finding your niche in this niche market. At this point, you have confidence as a reader and now look at what you do as a real business dealing with all the areas a real business takes.
Homework: Think about your brand/career and who you are as a reader.
People we mentioned
Pamela Chen https://www.magicalpam.com
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc and now on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cardslingerscc. Reminder, we would NEVER DM YOU for a reading on any social media site. We schedule all readings and conversations through our personal websites.

Episode 61 WTC Series: Apprentice Formula

We’re back with another episode of the What to Charge series. Today we dip one step above a Student level to Apprentice (aka “knight”). You took your skills and knowledge as a Student and have started putting it into practice. This is where you do it all events, online, friends,and family; and to make the mistakes that help you develop your business acumen. Charge for situation versus time. 
As we keep saying, be transparent about whether or not you need the book for readings. Being honest is what sets us apart from the scammers (more on this in a future episode #66). Have integrity. Don’t be something you aren’t.
At this level, we recommend $40 - $50 (depending on your location and “off-book”ness). At this time, we suggest you test whether or not you want to do psychic fairs by going and doing fairs while charging $25. This is the time to read everything our mentor and friend, Theresa Reed, posted about reading and business building. She’s got a lot of good stuff to share.
Next time we’ll kick it up a notch and share our thoughts on being a tarot Journeyman. Until then, have fun, get comfortable charging, and make great mistakes. We love and see you and support your journey.
PREORDER HILARY’S TAROT BOOK ON AMAZON! Arrives this fall.
We also love and adore Jamie Sawyer’s decks and work for the Intermediate practitioners. Especially her Pocket of Peers and the forthcoming Out of Hands Tarot decks. 
For reading at fairs or other pricing info, grab Jenna Matlin’s Have Tarot, Will Travel and Have Tarot, Will Party. 
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc.

Episode 60: WTC: Student Formula

Welcome to the wild world of reading for others. Our student formula helps you dip your toe into getting used to charing for readings. Students are those who have studied the cards for a bit and may still rely on books for deeper meaning.
At this level, you’ll be charging $25-$30 and hopefully you aren’t using your books. At this stage you’re learning you’re authentic reading self. Set expectations for the readings and be realistic. Be transparent in all you do, and let people know what is acceptable. Align your expectations and don’t compare yourself to others.
PREORDER HILARY’S TAROT BOOK ON AMAZON! Arrives this fall.
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc.

Episode 59: Introduction to What to Charge

Welcome to the long-awaited series on what to charge for your gifts and readings. We kick off this series by letting you know how this will go, some of our stories from the trenches, and other things to consider before you jump straight into making tarot a business. Thanks to our listener who came in and asked, “Being off book for 3 years, what can I start charging others for reading?”
Our formula takes the following into consideration: Where are you located? How long have you been reading? How much do you WANT to make?
We’re happy to you’re with us.
Homework: Figure out what readings you want to offer? Look at your readings and view them from their clients. Melissa wants you all to take a nap.
 
Recommended resources:
Jenna Matlin’s Have Tarot, Will Travel, and Have Tarot, Will Party for good beginner books on tarot business
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Need business help, visit SCORE where they have tons of hours of classes: https://www.score.org
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc.

Episode 58 Why is The Devil Always Hot?

Melissa, Hilary, and Jaymi bring up many Disney properties to discuss aspects of The Devil. Dating far back from Roman Catholic/Christianity origins, The Devil brings in the aspects of choice, from staying chained to following the pretty one who promises the world to us all. He is comfort, safety, and security that protects us from stepping into our promised greatness. This is an opportunity to remove the chains from your neck.
If you struggle with The Devil card, place The Hierophant next to it and see how they align and where they differ. Both teach you. Make sure the medicine you have is really healthy and not harming you.\
 
Call Safe Connections at 314-531-2003 to help get you out of an abusive relationship. 
As always, the National Suicide Hotline is 800-273-8255.
 
Decks mentioned:
Hilary
Legacy of the Divine by Ciro Marchetti https://bookshop.org/books/legacy-of-the-divine-tarot-with-paperback-book/9780738715650
 
Jaymi
Runic Tarot by Jack Sephiroth, Allen Dempster, and Jaymi Elford  https://bookshop.org/books/runic-tarot-kit/9780738770734
 
Melissa
The Sasuraibito Tarot
https://www.etsy.com/listing/963042390/the-sasuraibito-tarot-78-card-deck-and
The Housewives Tarot
https://www.amazon.com/Housewives-Tarot-Domestic-Divination-Kit/dp/1931686998
 
Do you like what you're hearing? Send feedback to us at cardslingerscc@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cardslingerscc.