When you see this recipe for success, stay away from the computer
I have been tired of these so called internet marketing ‘gurus’, who promise the world and deliver very little. So, in the last few months, I’ve tried over twenty sites and found only three that were worth keeping. I plan an article reviewing all of this soon. Right now, I’m going to give you the recipe that these sites use over and over again. Surely there can’t be hundreds of formerly destitute people who were given secret internet marketing insights and are now incredibly wealthy and willing to share these secrets with you for just $37 or $47. Sound fishy? keep reading
Here is the prescription:
1. The screaming headline – Some say “stop”, “or, listen, right now”, “or, there has never been a more important message”. And so. It gets old after a while. But, the writers are discovering that they have to be increasingly outrageous to whet the appetite of the population, now fed up with seeing so much garbage in recent years. (In bad taste? I think so.)
two. Sad story to make you cry. I am so sick of reading about the number of homeless people, or people on welfare, or people struggling to make ends meet who suddenly had their lives changed by the intervention of a wonderful magical guru. It’s so common. You may remember it from childhood. It is the story of Cinderella in a modern outfit. In reality, many of the so-called ‘gurus’ may have been struggling, but their stories were exaggerated to try to make a point. (Lying? Well, let’s just say most aren’t telling the truth.)
3. the magical encounter. Paul, on the road to Damascus, was suddenly blinded and converted. These stories have the theme of the “Damascus Road” of salvation by a magical event. In most cases, he is a rich and wise person who meets the poor in a bar or somewhere. Often the rich person takes them home. (Why the hell would they do that?) Another version of this story is that of the rich and successful IM guru who drops a record on the floor on his way out of the bar. Bars and gas stations seem to have a good offer. (Outrageous? You can bet.)
Four. The ‘guru’ shares the secret. This part is the heart of the story, and most writers make sure to squeeze every ounce of potential out of it. Usually the rich person wants to give back, and/or they see such potential and goodness in this poor failed creature that they want to help. So they entrust this wonderful and valuable secret to a total stranger who, so far, hasn’t shown any great qualities. (Do they think we’re stupid? Yes.)
5. proof that it works. There are those ClickBank screenshots on just about every IM promotion. The ‘guru’ shows how much they have been earning before and after their magical transformation. Recently, a new ‘guru’ faked screenshots to show that he had made billions of dollars on ClickBank, just to show how easy it is to fake proof. (If Photoshop can create a shot of Obama dancing with Palin, people can fake ClickBank.)
6. Poor, Lucky Loser creates a multi-million dollar program. Isn’t it amazing that there are so many formerly destitute people who have made millions from internet marketing? And, with what they tell you they’re earning, their income puts them in the top 1% or 2% of all earners. One would think that financial and economic researchers and leaders in the field would pick up on that. It is surprising that this supposed success is only promoted within the instant messaging industry. Nobody else with credentials is writing about how easy it is to make money online using certain programs. (Can we really swallow that crap?)
7. Now rich and living life. I love these screenshots of the ‘guru’s’ house, boat, car and vacation. If they look like stock photos to you, that’s because they probably are. Some people in the industry have been outspoken about how most of these so-called ‘gurus’ don’t actually show off their own houses and cars, but rather take stock photos from the internet. You’ll also notice that those ‘gurus’ who say they’re doing this to give back never talk about how wonderful it is to be rich enough to give back to the community and support your favorite causes. (Can you find screenshots of your favorite ‘guru’ on the internet? Probably)
8. You can be rich, happy, and successful by working a few hours a week.. During the Great Depression, the movie business is said to have been an area of the economy that grew, rather than contracted. This is because people wanted to escape their own personal lives for a while. The “guru hype” about how you can get rich with a few hours of work a week is like going to the movies during the Depression. It is an escape from reality, it is not reality. It’s a bunk bed for the most part. (It may be a fairy tale, but it makes me feel better.)
9. But, there are only 21 spaces left. act now. Creating a false sense of urgency has become standard in the instant messaging industry. Leave the website you have found alone for a few hours or a day. Open it again, new. The same numbers will be there. Only 21 left. Please. (Can you check later? I told you. Same number.)
10 Last words. The last words of the “guru” can be unpleasant if you do not buy. There is almost always a veiled threat, or a not-so-subtle threat. The message is: “if you’re smart, you’ll buy this, and if you don’t, you’re dumb as a rock and deserve all the bad things that will happen to you.” But then if you buy, you get all these upsell offers that clearly indicate that the basic purchase is really enough. So what will work? (what can you expect?)
Watch out. Get away from the computer.
