I have an email account I use to sign up for money making programs. I have not attended to it in several weeks because my day job is keeping me busy. When I looked at my inbox I have over 3,800 emails.
I began to wonder through my fine collection of "must-have", 'incredible wealth", "Christmas special" offers. It was funny. All these squawking internet marketers trying to sell the next hot item on the internet. It was particular entertaining to see multiple marketers selling the same product with their own little twist added.
Some has a good and fair offer others were just same 'ol online scam games. Here is my Christmas list of programs on a good list and what puts them on the bad list
Good list:
1. No long video presentation or sales pitch page that repeats it's sales points 3-7 times
2. Clear explanation of who was offering what. Good detail, easy to research.
3. Clear terms and conditions
4. Sample offering to understand what is in the program
5. Honest-- the pitch is born out by independent reviews and users
Bad List
1. Long presentation, hype upon hype, promise upon promise..."others lie but I don't" babble and so on ans so on.
2. Very little substantive detail available on which to make a sound decision. Any offer that basically says, "send me your money and trust me I will return it if you don't like it"
3. Half truth money story. They show $8000 in one day which may be true but that shows the revenue from all affiliates that day or week. They also show revenue based on their mature, well established business with many affiliates and many list subscribers. Not disclosing that is dishonest!
4. Dishonest--or looks dishonest. Listened to a pitch for Affiliate Silver Bullet where "Dustin" tells you he spent big bucks and late nights developing the program...then I find articles indicating 2 other people did the work. Who knows? Someone is lying.
5. Say stupid things in a presentation like: "I could get in real trouble for sharing these secrets" [oh really? by who..your Mom?]; or,"I am about to show you
something no one else has the courage to show you". [really?..truth is there are probably dozens of other IMers saying the same thing...well at least they can read a script]
Final note thank you for the "thank-you" emails we receive.
Wednesday
Evaluating home based business
In these difficult economic times more and more people are looking for ways to make money. Anxious to get started and see money come in, many people are sitting ducks for MLM, internet marketing and online business opportunities that will take their money and not produce the much needed revenue they are looking for.
Here are some brief notes to help you make a wise decision and be successful.
1. Any "opportunity" that does not give you at least the company name UPFRONT should be avoided. Many want your email or your phone number first. Don't do it. Most successful internet businesses are successful because they have been harvesting contact info for years and then sell whatever they can to whoever they can. This leads to the next point.
2. KNOW for a fact (as with any business) that you are not making a dime without people to sell to. Many MLMs advertise big numbers but fail to tell you the hundreds or thousands of names they have to help them generate revenue. You will need to know that your chances of success are directly related to your ability to get in front of perspective customers. This is not always easy. It may be one reason that only about 3-5% of those who venture into this kind of work succeed.
3. Many opportunities start with a small "investment" but then the upselling begins. So make sure you get some visibility down field on your possible cash outlays.
4. Ask to speak to 3-4 in your area already in the program. When talking to them be aware of their relationship to the person trying to bring you in or sell you the program. If asked for references everyone will always give you their friends...what you want out of the meeting is more detail about what they do and how they do it etc
5. Following up #1 and this is most important: Do your due diligence.
>Is there a parent company?
>Search the business name plus words like review, legal, scam etc. The internet is a great place to find out the scoop on just about any MLM or internet business.
>Take the time to read the terms and conditions on their website.
>General rule: the more they talk big numbers and give few nitty-gritty details the better the chance you are looking at a bad opportunity. Move on!
>Do they have a support group of other reps in your area?
>Has the business or company operated under any other names?
>Will the business give you the materials to look at and evaluate without asking for money?
>How much of your time will it require?
>How do you get paid?
>Do you have to buy inventory no matter what your sales volume?
>Set up an email account somewhere to collect info without giving up your personal data...see what you get. See if they sell your contact info somewhere else?
> Are you passionate about the product or service...if not...don't fool yourself by thinking that maybe you can be. Its an uphill battle to start a business....as the work gets harder the less energy you will have to "get passionate" at that point.
> Do you know who the target customer is? Are you comfortable talking to them?
> There are thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people out selling something...can you present yourself in a unique manner to differentiate yourself?
> Do market research. If you do not know how to do that then certainly don't jump into that business. It would be like jumping off a cliff into a pond without knowing what is just under the surface of the water. Is the product priced right for the market. I recently evaluated a business selling super juices. The cost per bottle was $7-9 but a similar product could be bought at the grocery store for $3-4. The product price was inflated to cover commissions on a product available elsewhere for less. IN that case your only customer will be the uninformed.
>Google keywords of the business to see what turns up.
>Lastly...get away from the hype and promises...know your own mind-have an honest assessment of what you can do. What I mean by that is don't get caught up in the hype and promise of big wealth...get real...get with someone who knows you well and ask them what they think of you taking on a type of business or product. A good proverb: the wise man seeks the counsel of many.
I hope this helps
Here are some brief notes to help you make a wise decision and be successful.
1. Any "opportunity" that does not give you at least the company name UPFRONT should be avoided. Many want your email or your phone number first. Don't do it. Most successful internet businesses are successful because they have been harvesting contact info for years and then sell whatever they can to whoever they can. This leads to the next point.
2. KNOW for a fact (as with any business) that you are not making a dime without people to sell to. Many MLMs advertise big numbers but fail to tell you the hundreds or thousands of names they have to help them generate revenue. You will need to know that your chances of success are directly related to your ability to get in front of perspective customers. This is not always easy. It may be one reason that only about 3-5% of those who venture into this kind of work succeed.
3. Many opportunities start with a small "investment" but then the upselling begins. So make sure you get some visibility down field on your possible cash outlays.
4. Ask to speak to 3-4 in your area already in the program. When talking to them be aware of their relationship to the person trying to bring you in or sell you the program. If asked for references everyone will always give you their friends...what you want out of the meeting is more detail about what they do and how they do it etc
5. Following up #1 and this is most important: Do your due diligence.
>Is there a parent company?
>Search the business name plus words like review, legal, scam etc. The internet is a great place to find out the scoop on just about any MLM or internet business.
>Take the time to read the terms and conditions on their website.
>General rule: the more they talk big numbers and give few nitty-gritty details the better the chance you are looking at a bad opportunity. Move on!
>Do they have a support group of other reps in your area?
>Has the business or company operated under any other names?
>Will the business give you the materials to look at and evaluate without asking for money?
>How much of your time will it require?
>How do you get paid?
>Do you have to buy inventory no matter what your sales volume?
>Set up an email account somewhere to collect info without giving up your personal data...see what you get. See if they sell your contact info somewhere else?
> Are you passionate about the product or service...if not...don't fool yourself by thinking that maybe you can be. Its an uphill battle to start a business....as the work gets harder the less energy you will have to "get passionate" at that point.
> Do you know who the target customer is? Are you comfortable talking to them?
> There are thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people out selling something...can you present yourself in a unique manner to differentiate yourself?
> Do market research. If you do not know how to do that then certainly don't jump into that business. It would be like jumping off a cliff into a pond without knowing what is just under the surface of the water. Is the product priced right for the market. I recently evaluated a business selling super juices. The cost per bottle was $7-9 but a similar product could be bought at the grocery store for $3-4. The product price was inflated to cover commissions on a product available elsewhere for less. IN that case your only customer will be the uninformed.
>Google keywords of the business to see what turns up.
>Lastly...get away from the hype and promises...know your own mind-have an honest assessment of what you can do. What I mean by that is don't get caught up in the hype and promise of big wealth...get real...get with someone who knows you well and ask them what they think of you taking on a type of business or product. A good proverb: the wise man seeks the counsel of many.
I hope this helps
Monday
The longer the pitch the bigger the rip off
Tis' the season for HUGE claims, outrageous promises and big let downs.
I just finished clicking through a pitch with a tag line about what ONE food I should not eat. Well 10 minutes into the presentation I had not been told what the tag line promises and the pitch was nothing but empty useless hype and market barking.
He is STILL talking and the only thing it has done for me is inspire me to post this warning to my readers. When someone gives you an interesting topic and it turns out to be a long winded diatribe....click off...ALL YOU'RE going to do is get hit up for your email address (junk offers to follow) or asked to buy some useless ebook or "secret" program (I have not found a secret yet that was not available for free after some diligent research)
WOW, the presentation is still going and I still have not been given the information I was looking for. I did get "5 forbidden commandments" that were nothing more than puffery. He has finally sprung it on me...its the superdiet...wow what a let down. What is interesting there was a guy on PBS pushing out the same info.
Ok...I'm done and I am not biting on this diet scheme.(sorry too easy a pun to skip)
Hope this helps.
I just finished clicking through a pitch with a tag line about what ONE food I should not eat. Well 10 minutes into the presentation I had not been told what the tag line promises and the pitch was nothing but empty useless hype and market barking.
He is STILL talking and the only thing it has done for me is inspire me to post this warning to my readers. When someone gives you an interesting topic and it turns out to be a long winded diatribe....click off...ALL YOU'RE going to do is get hit up for your email address (junk offers to follow) or asked to buy some useless ebook or "secret" program (I have not found a secret yet that was not available for free after some diligent research)
WOW, the presentation is still going and I still have not been given the information I was looking for. I did get "5 forbidden commandments" that were nothing more than puffery. He has finally sprung it on me...its the superdiet...wow what a let down. What is interesting there was a guy on PBS pushing out the same info.
Ok...I'm done and I am not biting on this diet scheme.(sorry too easy a pun to skip)
Hope this helps.
Friday
Aftershock Survival Guide
Hey folks,
Came across this item. It looked like news article but it was just another marketing page. So heads up there. That is a red flag...a trojan horse to get to your wallet. Then the main squeeze boasts free give aways but you get those "free" gifts after giving them your credit card for "shipping".
Giving your credit card??? Be careful. The ad page says you'll get a cancellation letter....worded otherwise....they will keep hitting your credit card until you properly cancel. In fairness to these folks....the ad does say you can cancel with "email,phone or fax" that is good.
So if you want this please use a credit card that lets you set a limit.
Alot of marketing went into Aftershock Survival Guide so be careful. There are several posts and reviews out there so do your homework.
Came across this item. It looked like news article but it was just another marketing page. So heads up there. That is a red flag...a trojan horse to get to your wallet. Then the main squeeze boasts free give aways but you get those "free" gifts after giving them your credit card for "shipping".
Giving your credit card??? Be careful. The ad page says you'll get a cancellation letter....worded otherwise....they will keep hitting your credit card until you properly cancel. In fairness to these folks....the ad does say you can cancel with "email,phone or fax" that is good.
So if you want this please use a credit card that lets you set a limit.
Alot of marketing went into Aftershock Survival Guide so be careful. There are several posts and reviews out there so do your homework.
Tuesday
Dr. Chauncey Crandall
Hey folks. I just finished a fairly long winded presentation on a Dr. Chauncey Crandall squeeze page. Throughout the pitch he must have referred to his "FREE" kit a dozen or more times. So I patiently waited through the pitch and at the end I clicked on the orange button to get my "FREE" newsletters.
What a disappointment when I read the following:
I don't like this tactic... here is why.
If you have read my posts before, I have commented that the longer a pitch goes without giving you anything of value the greater the probability that you are going to get hit up for money regardless of the promises. This was no exception. I think it is dishonest. It is better when an online business is upfront with folks!
I think it's dishonest to offer the promise of a free gift, entice your listener to wait through your presentation only to then make it a conditionally free offer. Doesn't that bother you, too?
Here you have to BUY ("audition"-really?) Dr, Crandall's newsletter before you get his "FREE gifts".
[Side note: If you want to cancel and get your money back (then its free, I guess) you will probably have to follow whatever process they require--I can't comment on that because it was not on the page I looked at-see below]
Back on topic.....Does that sound like free to you? "You give me some money...I will give you my "free stuff" (only after I have your money) and if you don't like the stuff....trust me....I will return your money. Honest! " I don't think so.
Business is business--I get that...but I felt Dr. Chauncey Crandall's offer had an altruistic air to it...a' giving-back-to-the-community' feel to it....would make sense.... a doc like this [probably doing well for himself...works at several hospitals...has a good practice and is even reported to be born again] may do that. Nope, not here.
So folks, I walked away. My rule is if I see disingenuous behavior on the front end I will probably see it going forward. Do your due diligence and be careful. To play it safe, never go for a "FREE" offer that requires you first have to give someone a credit card or other payment. Keep this in mind: If you do give them your money and you are not satisfied you will then find yourself in the unenviable position of trying to get them, (those who misled you from the start) to honor their promise of returning your money--good luck. Too many sad stories of that scam to take the chance. IMHO.
Last note. I noticed on the sign up page I was linked to that there was not a link to read more about their terms and conditions or guarantee--red flag. I have no idea what hoops I would have to jump through to get them to return my money. Always look for the details of any guarantee.
I hope this helps. The internet has great information that is truly free....you don't need to pay someone to find that out.
What a disappointment when I read the following:
To receive my FREE Kit, I just agree to 'audition' Dr. Crandall's Heart Health Report at the low rate of only $54 for a year — 12 monthly issues (a mere 15 cents a day) so I can discover even more great strategies for my heart health.
I don't like this tactic... here is why.
If you have read my posts before, I have commented that the longer a pitch goes without giving you anything of value the greater the probability that you are going to get hit up for money regardless of the promises. This was no exception. I think it is dishonest. It is better when an online business is upfront with folks!
I think it's dishonest to offer the promise of a free gift, entice your listener to wait through your presentation only to then make it a conditionally free offer. Doesn't that bother you, too?
Here you have to BUY ("audition"-really?) Dr, Crandall's newsletter before you get his "FREE gifts".
[Side note: If you want to cancel and get your money back (then its free, I guess) you will probably have to follow whatever process they require--I can't comment on that because it was not on the page I looked at-see below]
Back on topic.....Does that sound like free to you? "You give me some money...I will give you my "free stuff" (only after I have your money) and if you don't like the stuff....trust me....I will return your money. Honest! " I don't think so.
Business is business--I get that...but I felt Dr. Chauncey Crandall's offer had an altruistic air to it...a' giving-back-to-the-community' feel to it....would make sense.... a doc like this [probably doing well for himself...works at several hospitals...has a good practice and is even reported to be born again] may do that. Nope, not here.
So folks, I walked away. My rule is if I see disingenuous behavior on the front end I will probably see it going forward. Do your due diligence and be careful. To play it safe, never go for a "FREE" offer that requires you first have to give someone a credit card or other payment. Keep this in mind: If you do give them your money and you are not satisfied you will then find yourself in the unenviable position of trying to get them, (those who misled you from the start) to honor their promise of returning your money--good luck. Too many sad stories of that scam to take the chance. IMHO.
Last note. I noticed on the sign up page I was linked to that there was not a link to read more about their terms and conditions or guarantee--red flag. I have no idea what hoops I would have to jump through to get them to return my money. Always look for the details of any guarantee.
I hope this helps. The internet has great information that is truly free....you don't need to pay someone to find that out.
Trust me, I'm a guru! (really?)
Well over the last few days my mailbox has been refilled with must have training programs. Courses offering to teach me about getting Facebook traffic to making MILLIONS in affiliate programs.
It amazes me the bull that many of these people put out."Buy MY course and I will make you millions". Folks, no course is going to do that for you. If you want to start your own business do the homework, get good advise and plan carefully. (yeah that is definitely nutshell input but its a start). I have yet to order a course that had must have information. So much can be obtained for free by joining a local internet marketing group. So please folks don't get pulled into these, "new secret", "must have", "wow, I can't believe I'm telling you this" programs.
Having said that I often get asked, "Are there any courses I would buy?" The answer is, yes. Here are some considerations:
1. Do you know (personally) more than one person who has studied, implemented and profited from the course?
2. Do you have an HONEST review period? So many offer refunds and just jerk you around. [see my earlier post about how to protect yourself from these guys hitting your cc after you rejected the course.]
3. If you're new to starting a new business, studying a course will not make you successful. Will the program give you on-going dialogue and training? You will SIGNIFICANTLY increase your chances of success if you have a mentor or support group.
I hope this helps.
It amazes me the bull that many of these people put out."Buy MY course and I will make you millions". Folks, no course is going to do that for you. If you want to start your own business do the homework, get good advise and plan carefully. (yeah that is definitely nutshell input but its a start). I have yet to order a course that had must have information. So much can be obtained for free by joining a local internet marketing group. So please folks don't get pulled into these, "new secret", "must have", "wow, I can't believe I'm telling you this" programs.
Having said that I often get asked, "Are there any courses I would buy?" The answer is, yes. Here are some considerations:
1. Do you know (personally) more than one person who has studied, implemented and profited from the course?
2. Do you have an HONEST review period? So many offer refunds and just jerk you around. [see my earlier post about how to protect yourself from these guys hitting your cc after you rejected the course.]
3. If you're new to starting a new business, studying a course will not make you successful. Will the program give you on-going dialogue and training? You will SIGNIFICANTLY increase your chances of success if you have a mentor or support group.
I hope this helps.
Saturday
Income At Home TV
I have seen several versions of this marketing campaign-Income At Home. The commercials tout the company is a triple 'A' company but don't tell you the name. It is Herbalife. So you can take it from there. Do your homework.
When you go to the website they want you to pay $39.95. Some pages have a "free" offer but they want you to pay shipping and handling ($9.95). I don't think you should pay to learn about an opportunity.
There are great ways to add income to your life...be careful don't get pulled into scams and programs with too good to be true promises.
When you go to the website they want you to pay $39.95. Some pages have a "free" offer but they want you to pay shipping and handling ($9.95). I don't think you should pay to learn about an opportunity.
There are great ways to add income to your life...be careful don't get pulled into scams and programs with too good to be true promises.
Thursday
Weight Loss, 31 day weight loss, fast weight loss etc
This past week I had a friend of mine ask me about a 30 or 31 day weight loss program. As with many of these programs you can find a mixed bag of reviews.
I hope the following will help you make an informed decision:
1. Know up front that there are no short cuts. Its a simple formula-calories in vs. calories used.
2. Every exercise offering I have seen offers exercises I can find online for free. So if you like to do the research you can save the money. On the other hand, if you'd like all that work done for you then buy the book or program.
3. Check to see if the program has an affiliate program associated with it. If it does you can be sure you're paying an inflated price. The owner/publisher/creator of the program has to inflate the price so they can make enough for themselves and have extra to pay commissions. You can certainly do better elsewhere.
4. Just because someone was an athlete, special forces soldier, trainer etc does not make them fully qualified to help you. Do your homework and also do your own self evaluation-are you the kind of person that can order a course or read a book and carry out what you learn? If not find another way or join a group activity to help keep you on track.
5. Be wary of up sells. That is when you buy something for $39.95 and then you get follow up offers after follow up offers selling you more stuff at $59 or $79 and up. Usually in those cases all you're doing is buying rehashed material you could probably get elsewhere. Stay away!
6. It never hurts to get advise on a program you're buying and certainly check it out online.
I hope this helps.
I hope the following will help you make an informed decision:
1. Know up front that there are no short cuts. Its a simple formula-calories in vs. calories used.
2. Every exercise offering I have seen offers exercises I can find online for free. So if you like to do the research you can save the money. On the other hand, if you'd like all that work done for you then buy the book or program.
3. Check to see if the program has an affiliate program associated with it. If it does you can be sure you're paying an inflated price. The owner/publisher/creator of the program has to inflate the price so they can make enough for themselves and have extra to pay commissions. You can certainly do better elsewhere.
4. Just because someone was an athlete, special forces soldier, trainer etc does not make them fully qualified to help you. Do your homework and also do your own self evaluation-are you the kind of person that can order a course or read a book and carry out what you learn? If not find another way or join a group activity to help keep you on track.
5. Be wary of up sells. That is when you buy something for $39.95 and then you get follow up offers after follow up offers selling you more stuff at $59 or $79 and up. Usually in those cases all you're doing is buying rehashed material you could probably get elsewhere. Stay away!
6. It never hurts to get advise on a program you're buying and certainly check it out online.
I hope this helps.
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