You can sing the blues believing the "news"

This week I found 6 products using "news" pages to make their products look legitimate. How can you tell? Take a closer look at the content and the disclaimers. On one site none of the other navigation links worked. When I went to the home page it simply said "Hola". On other pages 90% of the content was selling a single product.


What should you do?
1. Always do a thorough search on a product you are thinking of buying. Google the product name plus the word "scam" or "review"
2. Take the time to search sites for any disclaimers.
3. Check the about us section. Legitimate news feeds will give you their background.
4. Some sites are not news sites but informational sites that also sell product. In some of these cases you can find useful information in others its just sales copy. Again do your home work so you know what you're getting into.

What you see is what you get! Often it's Nothing!

Good morning! This week I came across an offer to buy a program that had helped an ex-gas pump dude (the "pro" selling this course, based on the photograph 20-25 years old) make an amazing, stupendous, crazy successful 15 gazillion dollars in JUST ONE WEEK!! Wow, how could I NOT buy this great course right away?

Mmm, Not. What I did do is send them this email:

"I enjoyed reading your sales page but it does not tell me what I would be buying? You will understand there are millions of these kind of pages so it would help me if you could provide some additional detail so I can evaluate if this is a program I can work with.

Thank you for your time"

What I got back was:

"...it is an affiliate marketing course. But we don't expect you to do everything yourself, that's why we have 1 on 1coaching program, where one of our experts will work with you to make sure you do make money.

Please let us know if you have any questions."

Of course I have questions...well really just one: Tell me what I would be buying?

These programs should be avoided. They ask us, the consumer, to give them money, based on hype, without first knowing exactly what we're buying. Ridiculous!

Needless to say this correspondence did not go anywhere. It offers two success lessons.

1. If you do not know exactly what you're buying do not give them your money. Even with a money back guarantee....often that is a scam as well.
2. A good program is upfront and honest. They let you see what they are offering. Sometimes they will even let you have a trial period.

Internet marketing success is not about gimmicks. Like weight loss products, there are plenty of magic bullet programs that are based on some truth but do absolutely nothing for you long term. Everyone knows what is needed (in the case of weight loss-diet and exercise) but too often do not want to do what it takes to be successful.

If you want to succeed in any business let me recommend the following:

1. Have a friend or partner that can help you with your strengths and weaknesses.
2. If you need help join a group or have a reliable and accessible coach.
3. Have a good marketing plan.
4. Learn what you need to measure to track your progress.
5. Do not procrastinate-even little steps are fine.
6. Read quality business and marketing blogs, books etc
7. Start with something you know.
8. Offer your customers real value!

I hope this helps.

Long time gone

I have been off starting a new business and I am happy to say it is going well. Back on my blog here to reach out to those that come across this blog to be extra careful these days with offers from Internet marketers.

My general rules for not getting ripped off are:
1. Never trust a money back guarantee-even if it has one of those cheesy seals
2. If you can not get a free look then you're probably better off going else where
3. When they mention money more than 3 times in the first 3 minutes--LEAVE
4. Use internet safe credit cards that let you limit the amount available if you are certain you want to go ahead and buy something. We have tested several money back guarantee offers that tried to hit our cc after we canceled.
5. If you can't find clear terms and conditions that you can understand--LEAVE

If you ever have a question feel free to drop me an email and I will let you know what I have on any particular offering.