Skip to main content

The 2% Rule

Secrets
Karen and Jen, cohosts of The Speakeasy Podcast, sit on a vintage sofa in an industrial warehouse setting, clinking martini glasses and smiling.
There's a moment in every project where you have a choice: call it done, or give it that extra layer of care that transforms it from good to exceptional. That's the 2% rule — the invisible polish that clients can't always articulate but absolutely feel in the final product. It's not about perfectionism; it's about caring enough to go beyond the default. In this episode, we explore how that extra 2% compounds over time, builds longevity for your work and your business, and becomes the most profitable part of your reputation.

In this episode, we break down what the 2% looks like in our respective crafts and why it matters more than you might think. This extra effort is often what differentiates premium work and justifies premium pricing — it's the invisible layer that turns "thanks" into "wow." We explore how to protect that 2% margin in your workflow and culture, why it becomes part of your brand expectation over time, and how it compounds into longevity for both your deliverables and your business. We also talk about the difference between extra polish and scope creep, because knowing where to stop is part of mastery. The 2% rule is what separates seasoned professionals from those just checking boxes — and it's the most profitable investment you can make in your reputation.

Pair this episode with:

Brandy Alexander

Brandy Alexander

Brandy
A creamy brown cocktail served in a coupe glass and dusted with nutmeg, styled for The Speakeasy Podcast to showcase a rich and elegant drink pairing.
The Brandy Alexander is liquid sophistication — built on cognac's warm, fruity depth and dark crème de cacao's rich chocolate notes, this classic gets its signature silky texture from heavy cream that's shaken until perfectly chilled and frothy. A garnish of freshly grated nutmeg adds aromatic warmth and a subtle spice that plays beautifully against the brandy, creating a flavor combination that feels both indulgent and refined. Served in a chilled cocktail glass or coupe, it's a drink that’s sweet without being cloying, rich without being heavy, and elegant enough to feel special every single time.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz cognac
  • 1 oz dark creme de cacao
  • 1 oz cream
  • Garnish: grated nutmeg

Preparation

  1. Add cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
  2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass.
  3. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Brandy

More on

It’s Hard to be Honest
It’s Hard to be Honest
It’s hard to be honest. Well, not in the truest sense of the word. But if you work in creative services or are an entrepreneuer—and especially if you are a woman—you know how…
Let's hear it »
Crying at the Office
Crying at the Office
Crying at work is a controversial professional topic. Is it good or bad? Does it depend on if you are a man or woman? Does it matter if you do it privately or publically? We're both people who…
Let's hear it »
What Our Kids Have Taught Us About Clients
What Our Kids Have Taught Us About Clients
By nature, kids live impulsively and it is our job to save them from themselves—and while they have so much to learn as they grow, they are also teaching us great life lessons along the way. Between…
Let's hear it »
@easyunderground
 
Listen on apple Podcasts
Get it on Google Play
Listen on spotify
Listen on stitcher