Summary

The article suggests that while "scammy" internet gurus may use questionable tactics, there is valuable knowledge to be gained from observing and learning from their methods, which can be applied to one's own online ventures.

Abstract

The internet is replete with self-proclaimed gurus offering get-rich-quick schemes, often for free. Despite the skepticism these ads evoke, the author argues that there is merit in engaging with these gurus to learn about online marketing strategies, tools, and the structure of their sales funnels. The article emphasizes the importance of developing a critical eye to discern valuable information from the commonplace or deceptive. It also suggests that by attending free webinars and courses, one can leverage the research already conducted by these gurus to enter the same market and potentially succeed. The author posits that even a single case study of success can be a powerful tool for selling one's own products or services, as long as the intent is to ethically solve a customer's problem rather than manipulate them.

Opinions

The author believes that the persistence of guru ads indicates their effectiveness, suggesting that there is something to be learned from their approach.
Trust-building tactics used by these gurus, such as sharing screenshots of earnings or using whiteboards, are recognized as effective, even if they are not always trustworthy.
The article implies that the value of free information provided by gurus can be a litmus test for the quality of their paid content.
Developing a personal "BS-meter" is crucial for evaluating the worth of advice and products offered by online gurus, especially when entering a new market.
The confidence displayed by these gurus is noted as a key factor in their ability to persuade potential customers, despite the presence of disclaimers about the effort required.
The author advises that by collecting data and observations from these gurus, one can make informed decisions about purchasing products or services and can also learn how to effectively position their own offerings.
The existence of competition in a niche is seen as an indicator of its profitability, which can be an opportunity for new entrants.
A single successful case study can be highly persuasive in marketing, according to the author's observations of guru sales tactics.
The distinction between ethical and unethical selling is highlighted, with the intent to solve problems ethically being the differentiator.

Untrusted Gurus are Generally Scammy, Learn from Them Anyway

They may know things you don’t already know — leverage it!

Those get-rich-quick ads can be annoying. However, instead of feeling annoyed, perhaps I thought I’d learn from them instead.

The internet is filled with gurus sharing the exact system that made them millionaires. AND, it’s for free! I mean, you’d be stupid not to click and sign up, right? Or is it the other way around? The promise seems too good to be true and that’s why you don’t click because you’re a smart person who doesn’t fall for scams.

If that were the case, then why do these ads still exist?

My guess is that whatever they are doing works.

A lot of them are confident with what they’re saying. Some share their screen or a screenshot of their earnings and sometimes, a whiteboard. They do these things because they work.

They know how to instantly build trust.

But trust is something you earn over time. This makes me wonder, “Who falls for this kind of stuff?”. Well, I did…when I was desperate to earn money online.

No, I wasn’t scammed or anything like that. I decided to be open and just give it a try because all I’m losing is time (not money). And I’m glad I did because I continue to gather new info that expands my knowledge about the niche I’m in or the niche I want to (someday) want to serve.

If you’re someone who also likes to serve a market someday in hopes of making money online, I’d suggest you learn from them. You’ll learn what you should avoid when selling and the tools/apps/software you can use to sell. You also get a better understanding of their marketing funnel.

This is under the assumption that when something still exists, it must mean it’s working.

What defines a “scammy” guru?

A guru is “scammy” when it teaches you lessons or sells you information that is either available for free or when they sell you products or services that make you feel you’re guaranteed to make money.

One thing they have in common is when they state “This is not a get-rich-quick scheme, and it requires a lot of hard work”. It’s a legit disclaimer, but it doesn’t hold a lot of value. It’s a handy excuse they can easily give me when I struggle to make things work (assuming I buy their product or service).

How do you know if the guru is scammy?

A good indicator is the value of the free information they give you. If it looks like it was copied+pasted from Googling stuff online, then there’s a high chance that the course is also crappy (borderline scammy). But if it’s something you have not seen before, and you’re wondering why they’re giving it out for free, then maybe (just maybe) it’s legit.

But gauging the value of the information you’re given is tricky, especially when you’re entering a market you don’t have any knowledge of.

Develop your own BS-meter through observation

You need to do your own research first and develop your own “BS” meter.

Otherwise, you wouldn’t notice that what they’re giving you is free/very common advice. This becomes even harder to do when you are desperate because all you care about is the result. This is probably the reason why so many people fall for scams. Who cares about the “how” if the result is almost guaranteed?

These gurus are adept at making you feel like your success is guaranteed. Despite all the disclaimers, they can say stuff that makes you feel like they’re legit. I always wondered how they pull that off. I haven’t uncovered that mystery yet. But my observation is that they sound and act confident.

I figured, if I continued to sign up for free courses, I could collect enough data and observations to come to a conclusion. The more I know, the better I can decide if a product/service is worth buying. Not only that, but I also learn more ways how to position my own product/service if I ever decide to penetrate the same market.

Leverage their research

Participating in free webinars (regardless if it’s by a scammy guru, or not) gives you ideas about the tools used in the niche they’re in and how they use them.

The assumption is that scammy gurus are selling you information you can easily find on the internet. Both of you have access to it. But the difference is, they’ve already done more research to validate the product or service they are selling. That’s something you can leverage because copying what they’re doing allows you to penetrate the same market.

Competition in the market is a sign that the “niche” is a valid opportunity to make money from.

One case study is all you need to create traction

Most of these gurus sell you a cookie-cutter system that has been tested and almost guaranteed to work all the time.

However, that’s also hard to assess because they will only show you case studies of successful students. Sometimes, they only have one and yet, somehow it is enough to convince others it works. That tells me that if I wanted to sell a course, product or service, I just need one case study to create the traction for me.

But if I was to convince some skeptic such as myself, the cookie-cutter system wouldn’t work.

Whatever objections I have is a clue towards improving the way I position myself or improving the product or service I intend to provide. The more objections I can address, the more trust I gain. There’s a thin line between manipulating others (to buy something they don’t need) and motivating others (to buy something to solve their problem).

What separates unethical selling and ethical selling is the intent behind it.