Who Told You That? Session 7
“What if I told you there’s ONE thing…”
“…this is the greatest time in history for you to create a full-time business doing what you love.”
“I’m now doing what I love!”
“No prior skills or experience.”
“You can do this while sitting on the beach.”
“Travel the world free!”
“I was once a total failure online.”
“Tired of being stuck in a rut?”
“No followers?”
“I know how you feel and I have been there to.”
“I understand your struggles.”
“Do you want control over your life?”
“I have the answer and want to share with you.”
“Time to make SEVEN figures in your pajamas, on the beach, flying overseas…”
“I will share with you how I made $20k in the first 8 days.”
“Click here.”
You get the picture.
In our society today, with so many facing hard times financially, people are eager to learn something new hoping their new knowledge will help them launch a successful business. I am sure you have seen these sponsored ads on your social media feed, and maybe you’ve clicked on one of them. Yes, I have fallen for the trap too. At first, I clicked and registered to see if I could learn something new, although I never really believed the hype. I did it mostly because I’m the kind of person who registers to see what not to do. My curiosity turned quickly to anger after my discernment revealed to me that these people were playing on the emotions of others.
I’m so over it!
Over the last few months I have been patiently taking notes, asking God to use me to reveal the truth to others. I sat on a webinar recently and could see the names of people joining. I noticed that at one point there were over 1000 people in attendance. The host arrived and began showing images of their luxury lifestyle. A light-bulb went off in my head which said, “That’s it! It’s all about manipulation!” I realized that if people who are struggling were attending, more than likely they were drawn to the lifestyle they are perceiving the host enjoying. They are seeking the seven figures to get out of debt. They are tired of their current job making $9 – $20 per hour. They are seeking more freedom and more money.
I began to read all the buzz words on the images provided during the free webinar. It’s interesting how they will setup the participants. They build anticipation by giving you a few pointers; pointers you can find in a book, or online if you just google “step by step for starting a business.” Some will be bold enough to tell you to model what’s already out there, “See who’s successful and follow their methods.” Some will say, “See what’s already selling. Don’t be afraid of your competition.” After about my eleventh webinar, while conducting research, I noticed that every person was saying the same thing. It is almost as if they are sharing the same script from one person to the next.
All of this reminds me of what I wrote in my book Who Told You That? The Truth About the Lies. In a chapter titled “Where’s My Voice,” I wrote to following:
“I dare you to speak up in church as a woman. I double dare you! We are all very familiar with 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” This passage of scripture has been used to try and silence women in the church. Here’s the truth about the lie that has been told one too many times to try to silence women in the church today. Paul was correcting the church of Corinth because they had lost focus of the foundation of Christ. People in the church were speaking out of turn and doing their own thing. It’s interesting how we pull out verse 34 and 35 and forget about reading the beginning of the section titled, “Orderly Worship” in the NIV Bible which begins at verse 26. Now, what’s really important to get the full understanding is to read verse 36 which begins with, “Did the word of God originate with you?” Paul was correcting the church. He used verse 26 to 35 to make his point.”
I share the first paragraph from the chapter “Where’s My Voice” in this blog post with hesitation. Why? Because I know people are challenged when I reveal the truth. Just as with the people who read my book and reject what I write, some will not believe this post, because they wish the webinars will get them from debt to a life of luxury. So many are after overnight success, big numbers, and large followers. They scroll social media and see words that say, “Live a life of luxury” and they will quickly join the free webinar or conference call to purchase even more after the pitch has been announced. Some people pull out what they want to read and hear without reading the small print. I’m learning that some people believe they are walking by faith when in actuality they are engaging in wishful thinking.
I’m so over it. Literally. ~ Tweatable ~ @GailDudley
Although some may reject what I write, I have a voice and today I choose to use it for the greater good to encourage someone who is reading this article that it is time to stop chasing after financial gain and allow it to happen organically.
Here’s some valuable free advice for those of you who may be seeking to build a business and gain traffic to your blog or social media: start with building your platform one person at a time. This method may take longer, but it’s a start without manipulation and gimmicks. Keep before you your integrity and reputation. Offer tangible content. Be authentic. Let people know up front there is an offer at the end of the webinar. Share how you may have hit roadblocks while building your brand and your business. Share the time you dedicate on a daily basis which may also include the weekends.
Now, for the webinar attenders: take a step back and reflect over the last few months. How many hours have you spent on webinars hoping to get your breakthrough? How often have you clicked the link to purchase? Why not save yourself the time and do a google search and read reviews by others who have already attended the webinars and those who may have purchased the products? Consider why people will buy into a product or latch on to a sales pitch on social media platforms that have crazy prices, especially after they start out with enticing you by saying, “I will reveal 9 steps to making seven figures in this free webinar. Register now!” only for you to learn quickly that nothing is free, and the 9 steps are shallow. Consider why it seems people won’t purchase from those of us who are honestly sharing our products without the lights, camera, and action.
That voice on the inside telling you not to click the link. Listen to it.
Let’s be clear, I am not speaking of business owners, entrepreneurs or life coaches who are authentic in their work and offer a webinar or make a pitch on their blogs or social media feeds to show their value and worth for you to hire them. I’m speaking about the “get rich quick” individuals who are in it to make mega money without truly giving you real content that can position you for the greater good.
…and yes! This is what I do. I’m a coach and I would love to help you with building your brand for your business. www.GailDudley.com
Let’s talk.
