I once booked a meeting with a business consultant who charged a very high hourly rate.
Two-hour minimum.
I liked his book.
I showed up early with notes and real questions.
Then he came onto Zoom.
The camera wasn’t catching him correctly.
Half a face, then a shoulder, then the top of his head.
A few quiet resets while he tried to “get it right.”
When the frame finally settled, he looked like he was sitting in a tiny closet- wedged into the corner. Behind him, wires were taped to the wall.
And in that moment, my brain did something I didn’t ask it to do.
It discounted him.
The whole call started slightly sideways- and it never fully corrected.
Not because of a bad angle.
Because the atmosphere didn’t match the promise.
It’s 2026. And people notice.
If you charge premium, your first impression can’t feel accidental.
What does your background say about your standard?
