Hey There!
I’ve just got back from Sydney where I attended a 3-day Internet event and will be back again next week for the Stepup Mastermind. There’s a great shift in the marketplace at the moment as people demand more value from seminars and can see through speakers. The lady who sat next to could sense the pitch coming on the first slide…with more participants demanding value and wanting to see a return on their investment, it’s going to put pressure on promoters to invest and find great talent that provide teaching and support to help participants maximize their experience.
Before I get started this week, I wanted to share a quick story with you. I checked into the Sheraton in Sydney and decided at the end of the day, to have a bubble bath. As the bath filled, I realized there was no bubbles so I called reception and they sent someone up. To my embarrassment, I had actually put mouthwash instead of the shower gel into the bath! Missed it by that much…
One thing I love about the seminar game is the travel and meeting new people. There were over 300 people at the internet event and it’s great to see a new generation of people committed to growing their internet business. Instead of going out with large groups, I often take a small group out to dinner and enjoy getting to know people better. If you haven’t done it yet, I highly recommend it as it will add more depth to your relationships in this game. And if you ever want to test your abundance, pick up the tab for the table…it will be an incredible learning experience.
What Are You Learning?
Are you learning material to fill the space of where you currently are or are you learning to acquire the skills and knowledge to get you where you want to grow? Just like life, the seminar game is filled with people at various levels however, the generic programs out there are not serving a highly evolved and fragmented marketplace. Just like school, it’s important to know where you are at and find the right people to learn from otherwise you will spend a fortune and waste your time. It’s quick to get disillusioned with everything, especially if you don’t get the support you need. Listen, buying more opportunities won’t make you rich, they only give you the “opportunity” to get rich.
What Can I Do and Teach Which No One Is Doing Already?
If you go to the average seminar these days, they will tell you to “Find your niche” or “Find your market” before you create your product or service. Listen, there’s many ways to be right. Apple constantly innovates and creates desire for their products such as the recently released iPad. They don’t conduct focus groups but design technology that goes against the status quo. Jason Fried of 37 signals created Basecamp as a tool to use in his business and now it’s used by thousands of businesses for project management. When you discover your niche, you can make a real impact and difference. Will you provide a product, service or movement?
With new education, a fresh approach is to “Discover Your Niche”, according to Eben Pagan. Eben is right because “finding your niche” is very superficial whereas “discover your niche” forces you to explore your current depth and knowledge. Many entrepreneurs are looking for the magic pill and are plugging into a guru’s system of values which are often incongruent with theirs. As some people have learnt this weekend, the seminar game is an artificial environment that does not reflect the reality of life. If you aren’t making money from seminars and continue to attend seminars, then what you really have is an expensive “hobby”. I encourage you to reconsider your strategy because there’s no right or wrong way, it is what it is. It was an incredible networking with new and old friends this weekend and I know everyone felt very connected to play the bigger game.
One of my personal goals is to create a “Mastermind Platform” where great minds come together and share “ideas for growth”. A mastermind where there are no egos, no hidden agendas and no “sharks”. It’s challenging to find great people but as more members spread the message and attendees are getting less and less value from these “seminars”, they are looking for something else to plug in to. You see, I don’t want to be just another person who discredits seminars without providing a real solution. There’s enough jaded victims out there that want to blame others for their lack of success. It doesn’t take a genius to discredit things, after all, everyone has an opinion but not all opinions are equally weighted. You see, a buyer is a buyer is a buyer. People seek and demand more value and as markets change, it’s important to reassess your strategy and create an opportunity to find more people just like you.
This weekend, I’ve discovered more people who have spent thousands of dollars. Some have spent over $60,000 and got nothing. Now, these are not stupid people and they are not the type that don’t take action. These people are genuine people who have been promised a lot and have had very little value or delivery for what they paid. In an industry that isn’t regulated, the cowboys continue to get away with it because “good” people do nothing. It’s an expensive way to learn. So remember, you can’t buy success…you have to earn it.
I’ve also learnt this week that too many gurus and wannabe experts only have one strategy or idea and if you don’t fit their model, they can’t help you. The trouble occurs when they are prepared to take your money knowing they cannot deliver. You see, most don’t have the infrastructure and cannot support you. They take your money and leave you to work it out. The scary thing is sometimes the system hasn’t even been tested. There’s a big difference between delivering your “pitch” and delivering what you promise and this “gap” provides constant battles with speakers and promoters as the number of refunds in the industry increases.
When you provide more value, you build quality relationships on strong foundations.
The mastermind community reflects the demand for “quality” and gives you more clarity and direction. I’ve been enjoying the mastermind environments and can sense the shift and support from members who want more. I’ve learnt that when you deliver your products and services with fair exchange, you are rewarded and clients that will refer to you. The hardest thing is to build your network of relationships that will help you distribute your message or ideas. There’s really great people out there, it’s time to unite and find ways to contribute value to the marketplace. And I’m working really hard behind the scenes to provide a great solution for a rapidly maturing market. Watch this space and spread the word.
Please understand there is a game. Learn the rules and play the game. If you have been disappointed in the past, take responsibility and move on. If you have too, forgive and follow up with a new plan of action. The process of thinking during the planning process is often more important than the actual plan. Think about it. I don’t believe any thinking time is wasted because there is power and depth in clarity and direction. Some people often wake up thirty years down the track and wonder, is that all? Don’t be one of them.
Nothing is missing…learn the rules and play the game.
Simplify Life,
CHEN
P.S I’ve been asked to help people with building their personal brand and am thinking of working with a small group in a niche mastermind format. What if you can find your voice and message and wrap it around a proven revenue model? Are you keen to explore your core? Let me know if you are interested.
P.P.S Remember, If you enjoy these posts, please comment on facebook. My goal is to reach 1000 members by the end of the year. I appreciate your ongoing support.
