Warning: I’m about to go on a rant… but just for a minute, because then I have to get back to work. =)
When being interviewed recently, I was asked what I thought was the #1 mistake business owners make. (Watch the interview here!) Anyway, the mistake is THIS: listening to their peers. Doing what they see others do. The BLIND leading the BLIND.
A couple of years ago, I posted something about a wealth / abundance author and coach putting out a desperate “fire sale” of his materials — all of which taught you how to amass great wealth. He honestly (and admirably) confided his reason: he needed the money to pay for a $4K home repair. I admire his honesty, but he’s been teaching and preaching wealth and abundance… So the fact that he needed money urgently for a home repair was in direct contradiction to what he was trying to sell you. I wonder how many people noticed.
**In his defense, I’m not sure he “needed” the money… I think he actually WAS quite wealthy, but had been advised to have a “reason” for a sale. The advice was good. But, the implementation of that advice fell way short of what would have been ideal.**
Moving on. TODAY, I saw something FAR more eye-opening. I see this coach posting constantly across social media platforms. Last week, this person exposed that they needed to “wait for cash” to buy a new release DVD. Today, the coach is showing others how to have a five-figure month. (??) (HEY– I’ve been there. I once went three days without power — in college, because I couldn’t pay a $73 power bill — and early in my business, remember not having $6 to buy saline solution and using water. I’m not judging… but WHICH IS IT? Are you making gobs of money and showing others how to do the same, or are you too strapped to by a DVD?)
Another example, again from an expert… BOTH POSTS the same day:
The first complaining about not being able to lose weight, and having gained BACK all they lost… and another offering a weight loss product.
I stand amazed.
OVER-assuming your target market’s “intelligence” or “sophistication” is bad. BUT under-assuming their ability to see direct contradictions… far worse. IMO. =) Happy Hump Day!
About 2 years ago, I was approached by someone who was interested in becoming a client… So we spoke by phone. What I learned in that conversation was that she and I were in the same boat — financially. We were making about the same amount of money and our financial goals were similar as well. The money from this arrangement would have been VERY convenient for me… but I had to be honest.
I had to say, “Hey — you and I are in the same boat… let me introduce you to MY coach — instead of falling into that BLIND LEADING THE BLIND trap.” =)