The Biggest Webinar in IM History / Perry Belcher

[Lynn Terry]

Hey Paul

The sad part of it all - and I'm referring to Internet Marketing in general - is the amount of misinformation and over-complication out there. And the number of people who get caught up in it all (because they dont know any better) and get totally derailed from any real goal of running a successful online business.

The hype is enticing. So enticing that it seems to override common sense and gut instinct.

Obviously those of us who are seasoned in this industry have a better feel for things, and will even invest in things we know are hype to study the process as much as the material.

Of course we're in the minority. There isn't much that I can do about it personally, outside of continue to make an effort to educate the market and share core principles that will help them make smart decisions. And continue I will.

My interest in this particular story follows the recent episode of the IMTW podcast - where this particular launch was discussed - and in hopes of getting some reviews/feedback on the actual product sold during that launch...

I know Paul Colligan (one of my co-hosts) made the purchase, and I'll see him later this week at the SNL8 event - so I look forward to hearing his thoughts on it.

[Julie Anna]

His call center tactics alone would put him in the unethical category by my standards. You don't use those tactics on your customers, or potential customers - and you can't tell me Perry doesn't know they're doing that. Come on - he knows!

But to have all this other negative stuff about him, and he admits it, the guy is not someone I would personally choose to align myself with. I don't care if he could poop out golden eggs, there are more important things than money. Integrity being one of them.

Yes, I was really disappointed to see Ryan aligned with Perry recently. It just didn't "feel" right to me. I haven't followed Deiss in years but he started out as a top notch marketer and had some brilliant free training when he began teaching about continuity (not forced but good solid business model ideas).

On the forced continuity comments, I asked about this a month or so ago on the forum and sought opinions when I saw that Russel Brunson was still teaching this after a couple of years of not being on his list any longer. Every experience I have had with this business model has been negative. Much like LMM's call center experience from Belcher's co., I also had a call that was borderline rude from Brunson's crew with similar terminology ... "don't you want a "real" business?" and "you're happy with chump change?" Then my work is finished here sort of tone and condescension.

Anyhow, when I read and saw the latest testimonial and poster child vid by the preschool teacher turned rich it was tempting to jump on the forced continuity model for a milisecond then I remembered who I am and what I represent - it's not all about money for me. I'd think the complaint and trouble tickets are a high percentage of employee wages for these owners. I have enough trouble keeping up with my paid membership and people who forgot they were signed up, etc. that I can't even imagine the issues of billing people who didn't realize what they signed up for or that they were actually going to pay for something. It's just not for me.

JA

[Lynn Terry]

You realize, JA, that they are probably laughing at us "all the way to the bank". Laughing at how hard we work to build up our little communities (condescending tone) and how much we 'enjoy' our work - while they earn more in one launch than we earn all month or year.

And why should they care what people think, or what they like or dislike? Why should they worry about their reputation? After all, as one of them has proven, you can go as far as pleading guilty to internet fraud charges... and still come back as a rock star with no sweat.

And if you tie it into your "story" you could have people believing you're a hero... and handing you $3,000 - over the internet, even.

Amazing.

Something is seriously wrong with this market. And it's obviously not JUST the marketing.

[TraciKnoppe]

And why should they care what people think, or what they like or dislike? Why should they worry about their reputation? After all, as one of them has proven, you can go as far as pleading guilty to internet fraud charges... and still come back as a rock star with no sweat.

Yes, but if I actually met one of my customers/clients in person - I could look them in the eye, shake their hand and hold my head high knowing I did my best for them. I sleep well at night with a clear conscience that I've done my best trying to truly help others. As has already been mentioned: it goes back to integrity. Something those 'others' care little about.

I personally believe that one day we will all have to answer to what we've done in this life. Whether you believe that's a judgment from God, bad karma, or coming back to spend your next life as a worm: one day they'll pay!

[Lynn Terry]

I do agree with you -

But for the sake of argument...

These people have huge fan bases, followings, lists - and people dying to get in their view at live events.

Which makes you wonder - what is the real issue?

(It's worth mentioning, for anyone reading along, that we arent referring to anyone specifically at this point, but discussing general industry issues)

Also, there are a lot of experts or "gurus" who aren't necessarily doing anything wrong... yet the market falls all over themselves to buy their products (whether they need them or not, and worse: whether they can afford them or not).

There are definitely a number of issues at play here.

[jamessamy]

Hi Lynn,

I agree what you said. There a lot and lot of guru's out in this universe and everyone trying impress the people who come online but for me i have learned from you and also traci.

It all boils down to individual level, who they trust and more forward.
I like your style, your blog, your forum and also your webinar

Anyway thank you for helping others Lynn

[TraciKnoppe]

And for the sake of further argument.... :P

I think it goes back to a bit of what I touched on in my blog post this AM; people wanting an out-of-the box solution to making money online. They're playing follow the leader, and honestly, I believe it's almost a 'cult-like' following for some of these IM 'gurus'.

They have charisma, and that is what sells. They are selling themselves, sometimes more so than their products. People will buy whatever they are selling, because it's them selling it.

So I think that for some folks, the real issue is "Rock Star" Worship. They are viewing these gurus like rock stars and these people are their groupies.

Think about it: how do these launches go? They build it all up into a frenzy-like state. They purposely build the anticipation level, the scarcity, etc... they are masters as marketing - there's no doubt about that. The product itself may or may not actually be any good; the point is that some of the people who are choosing to buy from these marketing 'Rock Stars' are not prepared to use the product. Do not know what to do with it. Are buying it for the wrong reasons; or worse, are buying it just because of who is selling it.

Unfortunately for some, it's like leading lambs to slaughter - they just quietly go along with the crowd to their doom. Just because everyone else is doing it!

[Lynn Terry]

Very good points - and exactly where I was leading.

It also happens in other industries - real estate, MLM, etc (we could make a list, I'm sure). It's marketing, and it works. Mainly they're selling a dream, not a product. And sadly, most people want a dream - not an awesome career or an incredible business and lifestyle they can be proud of.

There are fables and parables that go back for centuries on this very topic. It makes you wonder if people will ever wake up, or if they'll just continue chasing rainbows generation after generation...

[lisamariemary]

people wanting an out-of-the box solution to making money online. They're playing follow the leader, and honestly, I believe it's almost a 'cult-like' following for some of these IM 'gurus'.

They have charisma, and that is what sells. They are selling themselves, sometimes more so than their products.* People will buy whatever they are selling, because it's them selling it.

So I think that for some folks, the real issue is "Rock Star" Worship. They are viewing these gurus like rock stars and these people are their groupies.

*Emphasis mine

Mainly they're selling a dream, not a product. And sadly, most people want a dream - not an awesome career or an incredible business and lifestyle they can be proud of.

You ladies are so spot on! One of these master guru ROCKSTAR teachers, (whose spell I am still a tiny bit under, I must admit) says FLAT OUT that if you don't have a product - DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT! Just get started marketing "it". Start building up the frenzy NOW. One of his major launches that he did with a best-selling author ran in just this manner.

Just start marketing, get your list going, etc, etc - the product itself will come later.

What the?

[TraciKnoppe]

One of these master guru ROCKSTAR teachers, (whose spell I am still a tiny bit under, I must admit) says FLAT OUT that if you don't have a product - DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT! Just get started marketing "it". Start building up the frenzy NOW. One of his major launches that he did with a best-selling author ran in just this manner.

Just start marketing, get your list going, etc, etc - the product itself will come later.

What the?

That's scary! Look at the pressure of the fixed membership model and not having ALL the content pre-written before launch, or at least several weeks pre-written before launch: it's stressful!

I can not even fathom telling folks to sell a product they have not yet even created! That's honestly - in my humble opinion - like lying to these customers. You're telling them you're gonna deliver this great product that you don't even have!! How do you know it's gonna be great?! You can't possibly have any reviews on it - because it's not written yet!

It's very risky to do that. It's just another way to collect quick cash with a hyped up marketing ploy. It might work - but one day it's gonna fail when they either can't deliver or the product they do deliver is crap because they wrote it quickly to just pump something out; and then it's gonna bite one of these gurus in the butt.