But I was still struggling to figure out who I was in the business world and "the gurus" did not seem too impressed with my little recordings. I wasn't secure enough then in my own "entrepreneurial self" to say "Tough *&%(! I enjoy them and the people listening enjoy them and the people doing them enjoy them and so I will continue." No, I caved completely and stopped and tried to model myself after all the other people I saw.
Thankfully I have a habit of cleaning things out at the beginning of a new year. That includes computer files. And this year while doing so, I found a couple of the original recordings. I posted them on my website and once again received lots of positive feedback. And it reminded me of how much fun they were! And so I asked my list to weigh in. Would they like to see something similar done again? And the response was overwhelming and surprising!
The answer was a resounding - maybe. Why? Well with the advent of things like Facebook Live and Zoom and YouTube, recorded interviews are popping up everywhere, apparently. And there are lots of people calling themselves "gurus" that shouldn't. And that when many of these "experts" do an interview, it is with the purpose of selling you something, not actually teaching you something. If I could bring people that were actually knowledgeable, that would share what they knew, and not be just one big infomercial, then perhaps they would be interested. Otherwise - well they might tune in if they weren't busy.
I can definitely meet everyone of those requirements. So based on this feedback, I think I will move forward with this. But in the meantime, I thought I would provide a little info of my own. How to find the right "guru" for you. Because the wrong one can do tremendous damage to your business. But the RIGHT one can help you reach heights you never imagined. These are the guidelines I will be using when I'm looking for interview subjects.
1. Do they actually provide good information? As I stated earlier, I get hundreds of emails every day and many of them are from the latest expert "sharing" the latest tip, trick, or trend to grow my business. But many times, further reading of their email or website reveals very little useful information and lots of self-promotion. I realize that we are all in business to make money but the best gurus aren't afraid to provide useful information to anyone - for free! Think Diane Hochman.
2. Do they tell the truth? If you are being promised riches overnight (or in a week or even a month) with no effort, no investment, no skills, and no knowledge. you are being lied to. There are many ways to make money online. But they all require work or the money to hire someone to do it for you. They require the skill and knowledge to create a business plan - or the money to hire someone to do it for you. You will need to build websites, market your products or services, deliver your goods to your customers - or find someone to do it for you. And beware the gurus who spend all their time "proving" how much money they made. Anyone can photoshop bank statements or checks showing millions in income - even me (and I'm technologically challenged!). The real experts don't have to convince you they make money. They are to busy running their businesses and showing others how to build theirs.
3. Can you do what they do? A multi-level marketing expert I used to follow suggested the way to build my network marketing business was by purchasing leads and then calling these people every day and making my pitch. She sure was successful, but I hate cold-calling with a passion! Although these were "qualified" leads, the thought of calling someone I didn't know and trying to interest them in my business made me absolutely nauseous. Needless to say, we soon parted professional company.
4. Can they teach? Just because someone is an expert in their field does not mean they know how to share that knowledge with others in a way that is understandable to you.
5. Do they run in the right circles? And by that I don't necessarily mean the "in" crowd. I mean do they know other experts they can introduce you to. The best example I can give of this is Ken McArthur and his Impact Events or Brian Fanale and the MLSP Live the Dream events. I've had the pleasure of attending a couple of these and it's a veritable "who's who" of marketing experts. Ken and Brian may not have all the answers, but if they don't they know the people who do.
6. Are you comfortable with them? This is an important consideration. Recently, I was going to start working with a new coach. I liked his program. He was recommended by many of my friends. But after talking to him on the phone, I realized I didn't like him! He had a way of speaking that made me feel like I was just the latest check mark towards his quota of new clients for the week. Perhaps it would have changed if I had actually started working with him. But I just couldn't get past that first impression. You must be comfortable with your coach or mentor or you will just be wasting your time.
Finding your guru can take some time and effort, but it is worth it. Do your homework. Ask for recommendations. Check them out. Choose the one that's right for you.
I'm in the process of deciding which platform I will use and starting a list of prospective subjects. Is there someone you would love to hear from? Pick their brain for a bit? Ask questions and get answers? Write their name in the comments and I'll see what I can do!
