it goes against the grain of the speaking and training business. But I am so tired of watching what I believe to be unethical and misleading pitches out there, that I thought I would voice my concerns .. and see if anyone agrees with me. In fact, I think we’re on the front edge of a new approach in the wealth, business and investment training world .. and I’m looking to test my theory on this, with your help. I stumbled into being a public speaker accidentally, having been an entrepreneur my whole life and spending the last 10 years as an investor. I didn’t decide I wanted to become a speaker or a trainer first — I was doing pretty well in my businesses, and the opportunity to speak and teach others came about as a result of my business experience. It became obvious early on that when people saw the success I was having, they wanted to learn some of the things I was doing that was creating success. So I started with small, local training events, and ultimately that little business has blossomed into a multi-million dollar training business, with clients from around the world. The entire time, I have had this little voice in the back of my mind, the skeptical little voice that is always questioning whether I really want to be a part of the “speaking business”. Do I really want people to look at me as a “guru”? Is my plan or hope to become a household name in the speaking business? And, honestly, the question that bothered me the most .. Do I really want to be a part of an industry that does things I don’t agree with? What if I get painted with the same brush? Well, all along the answer to those questions has been a resounding NO. Because for the most part, I’ve become somewhat jaded by the industry that, in many cases, is more concerned about making money and “selling stuff” to people than it actually is in helping people. I’ve attended programs teaching people how to start speaking businesses, where 90% of the discussion is on all the tricks to get someone to pull their wallet out .. how to get the sale .. how to maximize revenues .. while less than 10% of the program talks about the CONTENT .. the VALUE .. and what it is you’re actually selling! This has always bothered me, because in my world, I believe the MOST important part of what I do is deliver value to people. Undoubtedly, I make money doing it, but that’s not my pursuit. It’s why I don’t beat people over the head to buy things when I speak, and why I don’t use manipulation to get people to buy things. I’ve seen approaches taught on how to sell stuff to people that don’t really it .. that won’t use it once they buy it .. and how to reduce your complaints by making people feel guilty about their lack of success, instead of being accountable to them and ensuring they are successful because it’s the RIGHT thing to do. Since the beginning, I’ve always been resistant to letting anyone call me a “guru”, because I hate that label. I’m just a guy who does what he teaches, and works very hard to deliver VALUE to my clients. That’s it. That’s my business model. And it seems to work really well for me .. so that’s why I can’t figure out why most of the industry doesn’t do the same thing. I guess it’s because a lot of people just don’t have the content or knowledge in order to really deliver value to their clients. So instead, they rely on manipulation, hype and over-the-top claims and promises to suck people into buying the stuff they sell. In any case, as I said, I believe we’re at the front end of a MASSIVE shift in the way that speaking and training businesses will be successful going forward. I think the days of the “pitchfest” (where there are 19 speakers over 3 days, and everyone of them does a 60 minute talk with little content, and a 30 minute pitch of their product) are on their deathbed. You know the types of events I’m talking about, because, like me, you’ve been to them before. Waiting for the great information that doesn’t seem to arrive.. and then the speaker goes into their “pitch” .. you sit back with arms crossed, wondering how long this will take .. hoping that the next speaker delivers the value you’re there for .. which never comes. I believe PEOPLE ARE SMARTER than this. This model used to work, but it ain’t working any more! And I think it’s because people are tired of this type of approach. They expect VALUE. They DEMAND value, because in today’s world, they realize the value of their money, and want to be careful where they spend it. In my mind, this explains why my training business continues to grow exponentially, even with a lot of other speakers seeing massive declines in their business and revenues – some even going bankrupt — because they can’t find enough prospects to bring in the front door (because there are so many going out the back door, disgusted.) I’m sure a lot of people in this business will be pissed off about me talking about this side of the business, but I don’t really care. If you know me at all, you know that I’m the kind of guy that does what he wants for his own reasons, NOT because it’s the politically correct thing to do. I’m not afraid to offend people when I think that I’m standing up for something I believe in, and that I think is important to others. Fortuntely, there are some other speakers out there that agree with me on this issue, and they’re running their own businesses in a similar way. And not surprisingly, they’re also seeing growth at a time when many others are suffering significant declines. So it’s not the entire industry.. don’t get me wrong. But I would say that it IS an epidemic. I’m serious frustrated at the whole Myth of Magical Results, and I’ve decided I’m going to do everything I can to bring a new model to this whole speaking world. I call it the Myth of Magical Results, because that’s what some people offer for sale – the myth that you can create fantastic success, be a millionaire, lose 40 pounds in 10 days, or create some other magical and amazing result with little time, energy, money or effort. The entire premise of that is absolute GARBAGE, and anyone who’s successful KNOWS THIS! But the industry preys on human nature that looks for short cuts to success. A core belief I have is that success never goes on sale. You can’t buy it or get it without paying the price. When I run my events, I charge what I feel they are worth and what I need to bring in to make it an economically reasonable project to create. But once I have people there, my goal is not to try and siphon as much money from those people as I possibly can. If you’ve ever been to one of my programs, you already know this first hand. And I think this is why we’re seeing so much growth today in our business, in an industry that is collapsing around so many of the people who, in the past, have created massive fortunes from the old model. Is it just me, or are you also tired of the “pitchfest” events and the promises of instant, magical riches and health .. .. when you KNOW that it doesn’t happen overnight, or that it’s easy? I changed my company name to SimpleWealth, primarily because I believe it reflects the TRUTH about creating wealth and business a business .. that it’s simple, but it’s not easy. Look, I don’t care if other people are willing to tell the public that is quick, fast, painless and instant .. if ONLY you buy their product and do what they say. I’m just not willing to do that. So here’s where YOU come in .. I am trying to do some market research, and find out if this Myth of Magical Results is just in my head, or if YOU see it in the marketplace, and if it bothers YOU as well. It may be that there’s nothing wrong with the business as it is, and I’m just being overly sensitive. But I suspect that there are a LOT of people out there, looking to build their wealth and create a more fulfilling life for themselves, but are tired of the games played in the training and speaking business. PLEASE .. do me a favor, and post a comment here on my blog with your thoughts. Am I a dunce, and overblowing the problem? Or do you agree with me, and think that there’s an opportunity for a NEW way to run this industry? If you’ve been to any of my programs, please POST a comment and tell me what YOU think about our business model, and what your experience with my approach was, compared to others that you’ve seen out there. Please do NOT name other companies or speakers, as my goal here isn’t to aggravate anyone. It’s truly just to get a better sense of what my market really wants and NEEDS. This is likely going to turn into a blog series here, because this is a SERIOUS concern I have. Many times, I’ve almost gotten out of the speaking/training business ENTIRELY, because I wasn’t willing to play by those rules. I’ve watched speakers do things that made me embarrassed to be a speaker. But what I’ve realized in the last few months, is that I don’t HAVE to play by the old rules. I can create my own, and I’m looking for YOUR input as to whether or not new rules are needed, or if I’m the only one that gets annoyed by what I see on stages! So please, post a comment on this topic, and let me know what you think!]]>
46 Responses
You’re right on the mark with this one Greg. It seems that when times are really good or really bad every shuckster with a program that promises easy success shows up.
I see it in the bookstores as well as every person with an opinion on the economy or the methods of Warren Buffet launches a new book.
Overthr years I’ve read a lot of different books and attended many seminars, and I always come back to my good fortune to discover the REIN group and yourself.
I can honestly say that the solid detailed information I’ve been provided with has made a huge difference in my and my families life. Unlike the theory with little details that most seminars provide, the support and detailed knowledge you provide is first rate and anyone really can use it to their advantage!
A big thanks for all that you do and how you do it.
It is very much appreciated!
Brad A
Dear Greg,
I believe from my experience in your program that you do deliver content and more. I was very impressed, as I too felt a lot of people out there talk big but left me feeling that I wasted my time and/or money when there was not much content in their workshops. I don’t go to any of them anymore. When I do, I make sure it’s worth my time. With your programs, there is no question on how much I’ll gain from the experience of participating in one of your programs.
Thanks for caring,
Glad
Greg,
Usually I agree with you but this time you are wrong.
Wikipedia (I know, I know it’s not a “real” encyclopedia but reflects instead general consensus) defines guru as “a person who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom and authority in a certain area, and who uses these abilities to guide others.” While you might not like the term you are, in fact a guru. (no worries, I won’t be coming to you for spiritual advice anytime in the near future)
The other people you are mention are speakers (defined as “one who speaks”). Their job is to collect money for speaking. It’s when they promise more than words that they are out of integrity.
As a student of yours, I can honestly say that your words are only one of the ways I have learned from you. You provide demonstrations, systems, practice, accountability, information, inspiration, checks and balances and (when deserved) a nice kick in the butt. You annihilate all obstacles so that by the end of your course success is nothing more than lifting up one foot at a time and putting it down directly where we now know it belongs.
Back to your question about speakers, I think that many of them offer some really good things. When I refer someone to one of those programs, I say “its great but . . .” and I give them a huge list of caveats, every single one of them about expecting more than words from the program.
When I refer someone to you, the only caveat I have has to do with the person I am speaking to. I tell them that SimpleWealth is only suitable if they are truly ready to produce results. If someone would rather be a passenger in her own life than take action, if they relish the role of victim then they have no business with SimpleWealth. They are much better off going to speakers to be medicated with feel good words.
So Greg, you are not a speaker. You are a guru.
Roanna
Hi Roanna:
Well, technical definitions aside, I think it’s more the interpretation of the words than what they truly are. Your points are well taken and in the end, I think you hit it on the head — I try to attract people that are willing to create results in their life.
I think there’s a huge group of people that fall into that definition (myself included) and that’s probably why this bugs me, like others who are results-focused.
Again, I wasn’t try to say that all speakers and gurus are bad – many of them inspired me to be who I am and do what I do today. My post wasn’t aimed at anyone in the industry in particuar .. more at the industry itself because on average, I think it has a long way to go.
And you can call me a guru (since you’re so much fun), but you’ll just never hear me refer to myself that way!
Regards,
Greg
Hi Greg,
I think you are right on with this. THANK YOU! But it is not only in your business that there this is a problem. I think it is a society trend that is causing lots of damage. It is about ethics and integrity, the lack of, and no one talks about it.
In my business (performing arts), there seem to be two levels: Celine Dion & other entrepreneurs or the starved artists who rely on grants to make it, turning their business into Not for Profit enterprises.
I’ve been told many times to create a not for profit enterprise so I could get grants or sponsors. I’ve always refused because the truth is, I want to make a profit. I want to build a profitable business I can later sell and then retire. So I did not get the grants my colleagues all seemed to get.
In the beginning, it was really hard to accept, and I had little money. I saw artists who had boring programs through the years, get the grants and the industry little ‘awards’. In the meantime I created great shows, started by performing for free, then for $1 a kid, now I’m at $5. I struggled my way there. I make an ok living now, my kid is in university without loans and I’m debt free. It took about 10 years of real hard work to achieve this.
Parallel to me, I have seen artists with little to offer create their ‘not for profit’ business, get grants, present their plays year after year, to a few of their friends, drive a nice car and pay themselves a nice salary thanks to the 3-5 close friends on their board. Their business is not making a profit, they spend all the money they get, and if there are any left, give everyone a raise. Easy enough.
And this used to infuriate me, working my butt off to do things honestly, getting no grants, no sponsorships and no little ‘awards’.
Now, justice seems to have come finally, thanks to the financial crisis. The governments are cutting the support to the arts, and the corporations don’t sponsor much these days. While everyone is scrambling, my business is doing fine because my clients are still buying since they know my product is good and reliable and I’m used to rely only on my good products, not grants and sponsors. Of course, there are some honest artists out there who benefited from a few grants to get them started. But it seems to be the minority.
The rest are filling the right forms, saying the right lies and getting the money. I’ve seen major music schools administrators create ‘not for profit org’, get huge banks to sponsor their ‘art programs’, get tons of government grants, (I’ve worked for them to be paid peanuts to deliver art while they had their big admin salary and cars). I dropped out and told them why. In the name of art they are (still) getting lots of cash and the artists who are at the core of everything they claim they will provide are starving. I don’t think there is anything I can do else then take care of my own business.
I’ve been to speaking events you are referring to, and I’ve been to two of your events. It was like night and day. One is an ‘attrape-nigaud’ (could translate like dumb-catcher) and the other is giving you a lot more than what you paid for. I remember meeting a great coach who has passed now, Thomas Leonard. He said a lot of things but I remembered one that I applied everywhere and it worked: ‘Promise little, deliver everything’. My clients keep telling me: ‘I had no idea I would receive all this’. This year, I can’t remember how many clients told me: ‘we’ve had two shows before yours, through the ‘not for profit org’, they were a complete fiasco’. We are so glad you came.
I’ve been to the speaking events you are referring to (I never bring my credit & debit cards, or even checks) and I’ve been to two of your events. It was like night and day. One is an ‘attrape-nigaud’ (could translate like dumb-catcher) and the other is giving you a lot more than what you paid for, like Thomas Leonard had suggested.
I have seen that you are deeply concerned and you care about the people who attend your seminars. You care a lot more about their business than you care about selling them something, and you get to know them, and give tons of handouts.
The trend you are annoyed with does the opposite.
They promise everything and deliver nothing, except your high credit card bill at the end of the month, which naive people are stuck with now with their still low paying job cause the magic trick has not happened.
This world has not changed, we just choose our camps.
There has always been scammers and I think there will always be scammers. In every industry. I think it’s what life if all about, choosing the camp that allow you to have integrity and ethic. It comes back you your ‘value’ blog earlier.
Bonjour Helene:
I think you’re right, and this really does extend beyond the speaking business. My CFO, Brenda Kelly, framed as we are in the Age of Ethics, and that people are developing a sixth sense to know when something is not in congruence – whether it’s a speaker, a product or anything else.
Again, I was really speaking about the industry, not specific people or anything like that. But there are some that are better and worse than others.
The world of arts and culture is even more difficult, because what’s ‘good’ and ‘worthwhile’ is really a matter of subjectivity. That makes it even more difficult to draw a line between those with talent and desire to share, and people who are just out for the money.
As for the feedback you’re getting, that suggests you’re on the right track.. so keep it up, it’s exciting to watch your transformation!
Regards,
Greg
Yes Greg, this is the reason why I don’t subscribe anymore to attend speakers’seminars.
I like and I want learning and I am ready to pay for it, like at a University.
I feel I am cheated if I discover the ultimate speaker’s goal is to sell me some package. It might be worth it, but maybe one out of 10 times.
I am glad I attended your 5-day training which was most instructive and I try to implement what I learned as much as I can. I appreciate your involvement and concern about your “student” success.
In fact , why don’t you create a “RE University”…? That would sound great and would put you away/aside the “speakers'” category?
Thank you for all your posts and the follow up.
Have a Happy Easter with your family.
Michel
In terms of creating a new venture, I’m always open to possibilities. It’s really why I create SimpleWealth, and why that has become my primary focus for the training and speaking business.
I think it truly stands for what I am and how I do things, as well as my team and my business partner Kourosh.
I think you’re right – smart people recognize that good information and education isn’t free, but they feel betrayed when they are promised they’ll get that, and instead they get an agenda full of more sales pitches.
Thanks for the input!
Regards,
Greg
Hi Greg. I read your posts alomst religiously and even though I stay silent and observe, this time I have to comment. You are correct in your observations. It drives me INSANE when I go listen to a speaker/workshop and come out feeling worse than when I went in.
I have spoken to several orgainizations, and wanting to improve my skills, have taken several professional courses. I am continuously amazed how many tell me I need to have a “product”. “Ryan -If you dont have a product to sell, youre leaving a HUGE amount of money on the table. ” was one “guru’s” advice.
I have never sold anything from the back of the room , nor will I. You are completely correct that the consumer today is more sophisticated, seen it all before, and tired of games. They want straight talking, to the point advice/ ideas.
Greg, I’m behind you 100% and I thank you for blazing a trail in this industry. I know there are many who will follow.
Ryan Topley
Hi Ryan:
I certainly don’t think it’s a bad thing to have a product or program that gives people what they’re looking for, as long as there’s value in it, and people don’t have to be manipulated into buying it.
If you’re getting asked for resources or a program in your talks, then that’s great feedback that there might be a market opportunity for you.
But the idea of creating a ‘box of crap’ as I like to call it simply to try and pitch to people, whether you think they want it or not, is a totally different animal.
I think you’re right.. the ‘old style’ is burning out, and there’s room for a new way of doing it. Thanks for the thoughts and kind words.
Regards,
Greg
Greg I couldn’t agree more. I have personally spent tens of thousands of dollars (and many of my investor friends have also done the same) trying to get the class that gave us what we thought we paid for the first time around. The classes have overviews and no tangible content. They convice you that you need to pay for an additional class to get to the next “level” of information you believed you would have received the first time around. Again you pay, only to find out that it’s the same as the first. We have even paid for a “suite” of classes and found that when you walked away, you had a bunch of information but no idea what to do first and, if you did figure out what to do, you were lacking information. You had just enough to get into trouble.
I have been to 2 of your 5-day trainings, as well as the commercial class, because I have the highest regard for you, believe in your values and know that you don’t talk but show you have integrity. You deliver what you say you’re going to deliver and that keeps me coming back for more.
Thanks for the kind words Holly! They mean a lot to me as I know you’ve been to a ton of programs and keep coming back to mine (you must be a glutton for punishment! 🙂
Could not agree more – now interestingly enough i hear you speak for the first time at one of these event with 17 speakers over 3 days- I certainly came out of these with the firm belief that you are the real thing yet folks like you also need the platform to get the message out – interestingly enough its one of my goal to train with you and folks like Keith Cunningham who i believe shares your view – there simply is no shortcut to success
Hi Pascal:
You’ve pointed out an important thing here. The fact is, I have appeared at events where there were a lot of speakers, all vying for sales from the audience.
I’ve chosen to take a different approach at those kinds of events – trying to give MASSIVE value to people, so that they come to the conclusion .. “man, if this guy gives away THIS much for FREE.. imagine how good his courses will be?”
And that’s my approach – give lots of value and demosntrate WHY they should trust me with their hard-earned money .. instead of making WILD promises that NO ONE can deliver on (‘start making $20,000 a month in 30 days’ kind of stuff).
And it seems to work, because my sales are usually the highest at the event. Again, I listen carefully to the market, and to me, that’s the market saying .. ‘you’re doing something right’.
Keith and I think similarly on this. Thanks for your comments, much appreciated!
Regards,
Greg
Thank you Greg, for stepping up to the plate to cry foul on the “old rules” and the pitch fest! I could not agree with you more, as I have fallen prey to empty promises based on the Myths of Magical Results. Since I have attended some of yours and courses of your recommended associates, I have seen many offers cross my desk. I have opted to engage in only those that I KNOW I can trust to deliver on their word and you are one of the very few! In fact, you deliver well beyond expectation and I always get great value from anything you put forth.
Thanks a million for your time, attention and integrity in creating the shift that I believe is alive and at foot!
Greg, the scams that exist in ANY profession are quickly increasing. Mail fraud, internet fraud, TV huksters; it’s all on the rise.
However, this is most likely a function of the inevitable backlash to the runaway greed & entitlement of the past 7-8 years.
The old, shrivelled leaves of the oak tree need to be pushed off the limb of the tree for it to grow new leaves and flourish. Likewise, the old, tired, greedy methods of giving too little and wanting a lot in return are dying.
What happens to anything; idealogy, person or belief system, when it is in its death throes? Simple. It hammers harder and louder and stronger at the only thing it knows to do to survive.
That’s where you come in.
The world absolutely needs people of truth and integrity to step into the space vacated by the dead and dying “old ways”. If you, and people like you who share your viewpoint are too disenchanted to fill that space, what will happen?
We are counting on you.
Wow, that was a very powereful comment. Thanks Simone!
I think you’re touching on what I was thinking but probably didn’t communicate clearly.
This isn’t just a ‘speaker industry’ thing – it’s much bigger than that. It’s the inevitable death knell of the “Entitlement Age” that we’re coming out of.
For years, it WAS pretty easy to make money, regardless of what you did. Greed was not just acceptable, but admired. Lavish luxury and decadent living were all the rage, with people trying to outspend and outshow each other with bigger houses, bigger cars, and more ‘stuff’.
I think we’ve seen a crash back to earth for most people, and it’s become obvious that outward appearances of excess have become a negative thing, after so many years of people admiring others for crass consumerism.
I am happy to fill this market and do the best I can to provide true value to people, as long as there is a market for me to do that, and people willing to accept the reality that “it’s simple .. but it’s not easy”.
I’m shocked at all the comments and thoughts this blog entry provoked, but I love it — because it tells me that I am not alone in my thoughts!
Thank you Simone, and everyone for your powerful and insightful thoughts!
Regards,
Greg
Hi Wendy:
Thank YOU for your kind comments. I’m glad the effort we make to deliver value is not lost in the market.
The Myth of Magical Results is something that I’m going to write a future blog post on, because I think it’s SO dangerous, and a key reason that’s gotten the industry to where it is.
Regards,
Greg
I agree whole-heartedly, Greg. I have spent a lot of time and money over the last couple of years–and received a lot of value, particularly from you and some of the people that you have brought in. At the same time I have wasted a shameful amount of money (I humbly, if not embarassingly, admit) buying into programs that were presented as an easy, slam-dunk system. The learning value: Nothing worthwhile is EASY (though, yes, hopefully “simple”), and everything requires FOCUS to be successful. As much as these program-pushers drain us of money, they also drain us of focus.
The same is true with all of the email I get from countless “gurus” of investing, each one attempting to entice us with THE ultimate, undescovered investing SECRET. I hesitate to opt out, because I’m afraid I’ll miss something, buI think I will, because I just don’t have the to read about, much less investigate all these claims. It would be nice to have someone weed through it all, and come out with what’s real and what’s not.
For this reason, I feel it is important for you, Keith, and the others you and he attract, to continue to speak and train. People who we can TRUST, because we know you have the INTEGRITY, to offer REAL value, and to put the interests of your students and investors foremost. People who create their wealth first and foremost as business people and investors, not as speakers and trainers–who train because they WANT to, not because they NEED to in order to reach their financial goals.
I hope you, and the others in your camp, continue to share your knowledge and experience. The TRUTH will ultimately prevail!
If there’s anything I’ve learned in all this time, it’s this: The Secret is that there IS no secret.
Unfortunately, as human beings, we have a tendency – a desire – to believe that there IS a secret, little know path to easy wealth .. and that if we just look hard enough we’re bound to eventually find it.
For me, I think you’re right Daniel – it’s about the fact that someone teaches what THEY do and have been there, done that. I think that’s so critical, and one of the fundamental problems that’s out there.
A lot of people on stage say on thing, and they do something totally different in real life.
Hi Greg,
I must say, I’m quite lucky in my experiences with Gurus. When I originally got into the creating long term wealth game, I read a certain very famous book. I was very taken by that book and inspired. I was going to take on the world and be a millionaire in no time! However, a year passed and I had done nothing. I started to think about what I had “learned” from this Guru, and I realized at the time that I had learned nothing, and I was just excited. I did some internet searching and found a website dedicated to debunking fake Gurus. The Guru in question was shown quite conclusively by this debunking website to have had no business success prior to selling tons of books and games. I was a little bit disenchanted and starte to think wealth creation was like a secret society that I’d never get into, and that the only people out there trying to “help” were the type of people you’re railing against.
LUCKILY, right around that time, I discovered the Real Estate Investing in Canada, and then in turn the REIN group. Seeing this group in action totally changed my perspective on what kind of training I could recieve from the right kind of people, and that I could do this over the long term.
Seeing you speak at the REIN group has been very impactful in my life; I respect trainers like you and the REIN group a great deal, and have only ever felt like I’ve received MASSIVE value from your talks.
Like I said, I feel lucky because my only negative experience with a Guru was that first time, and since then I feel like I’ve only had positive experiences.
Thanks for helping get guys like me started, and by continually adding knowledge and value to our lives.
Look forward to hearing you again.
Sincerely,
Zander
Don Campbell is a GREAT example of the people I mentioned that ARE out there, though they’re in the minority. It would be easy for Don to ‘cash in’ on all the trust he has with members, but he would never do it. In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never once for a moment thought about trying to leverage his members simply to make more money. For him (like me), it’s about trying to add value wherever he can, and trying to help people move towards a goal they’re trying to achieve.
Greg,
What a breath of fresh air it is to read your posting this afternoon!
In a world where we are constantly surrounded by hype and in which we seem to have less trust everyday whenever one of our elected officials or one of his appointees speaks, it’s refreshing to have a straight shooter like you.
Why did I pick you from all the presenters offering courses at the multi-speaker event where we met? Why did I sign up for another course from you? Why was I initially disappointed when you ended the ‘Master Circle Coaching’ program?
You speak from the heart. You come across as a real guy, a real person. No glitz. “Just the facts.” No sugar-coated promises. The good and the bad together…..”simple, but not easy….it takes work.”
Our world is going through some huge transformations, and they’ve just begun — economically, psychologically, and spiritually. I think you’re at the forefront of the change. We are surrounded with lack of ethics, lack of integrity, and a general focus on immediate gratification, not long-term fulfillment — and you are the antithesis of almost every speaker that I have seen at many different events.
Keep delivering what is important…keep delivering honestly from the heart. The cream rises to the top.
Lyle Latvala
Thank you Lyle, I appreciate your comments! It’s great to know that people value what we’re trying to do!
Greg
Like others in this blog i also have attended many seminars over the years with the goal of setting my life straight and making me lots of money. From personal developement to financial freedom, you know the ones..
I got caught up in the hype of many of these leaving all excited and ready to take on the world only to find after a few weeks that nothing has changed. After each seminar the “pitch” comes on and you run to buy the next one that they say you need. The words and tactics they use gets you reaching for your wallet for you can attend the next one and so on and so on. The cycle never stops and $10’s of thousands of dollars later the seminar junkie is no further advanced.
I too atended one of these seminars that you were speaking at and after your speach like many times before ran to the back to sign up. My wife and i attended your 5 day course on Real Estate which we both felt had value for the money we paid. After the course there was no pitch for the “next” bigger and better seminar.
But after a few months looking at property’s and finding none this too wore off and went looking for the next way to make the million. Investing in other businesses proved fruitless over the last few years as many of these turned out to be money grabs and others going bankrupt. It seems money is #1 to these people and they will do whatever it takes to get it from you. In the papers and on the news corruption seems to be rampent and many of us succum to this.
I cannot say if your a guru or not but being at your seminar and a follow up in Banff you are the only one that does not promise the world and riches. We both love your style of teaching and love being around you. In our conversations your name comes up several times a week always on a bright spot. I believe you have found your niche in teaching and you are truly at the top of your game. We both commend and thank you for all that you have done.
I have not signed up for anymore seminars as i finnaly discovered that these are not the answer. Action, deidication and common sense is needed to achieve what one truly desires. You have taught us this
Martin, I think you’ve spoken a very powerful truth in your last sentence:
“Action, dedication and common sense is needed to achieve what one truly desires.”
That is SO true and thank you saying that, because if there IS a secret, that’s probably it!
You can’t become successful or wealthy by osmosis.. as Jim Rohn says, you can’t get someone else to do your push-ups.
Hi Greg
Truly a relief that finally there in an incredibly in tune Individual such as You and the Simple Wealth Team that is truly concerned about the Value being delivered to the Client. Also the accountabilty You hold Yourself to when it comes to what you deliver Greg truly an honor to be Your student ThankYou Greg
Kind Regards Dave Rabbitt
Hi Dave:
Thanks very much for your comments! It’s great to have people who are open minded and just want to learn and grow around us, and you’re one of them.
Hi Greg,
Your comments regarding the speaking industry are refreshing as I too have spent thousands of dollars on past courses that didn’t live up to the hype. As someone who has followed you teachings for close to five years now I would have to say that I’ve never really considered you in the same league as the other “Professional Speakers” out there. Not that you don’t speak well, it’s just that your message always comes from a place of empowerment for the student and not just filler for the attendee. Notice the distinction I’m making between the description of student vs. attendee as this is crucial.
One other area that hasn’t been mentioned is the constant borage of email promotions and programs being offered these days. I appreciate you standing by your personal commitment to never offer your database to other marketing groups for their products as that speaks volumes to your integrity as well.
Garth, I think you’ve touched on one of the true breakdowns in this business. So many people, once they get an email address, sell it or rent it out to anyone that asks, and you end up with an inbox full of offers and spams from people you don’t even know.
We’ve never once released our database to anyone, nor have we ever allowed someone who isn’t part of our team market to our people.
It drives me CRAZY when people lend my email address out to other marketers once I’ve trusted it with them, and I’m definitely not alone!
I will definitely agree with your thought that when I am developing a talk or content for a presentation, it’s always from the perspective of “what is the audience going to get from this”. That’s truly how I approach my talks, because it helps keep me centered on what really matters.
When I try to deliver massive value, people inevitably seem to want more information from me and that’s been my strategy.
Hi Greg,
I do agree there’s a lot of hype out there. Having been to a number of events, I feel I need to go to these events with a critical eye and judge for myself.
I think this paragraph in your blog expresses it best:
“I guess it’s because a lot of people just don’t have the content or knowledge in order to really deliver value to their clients. So instead, they rely on manipulation, hype and over-the-top claims and promises to suck people into buying the stuff they sell.”
I understand your feelings about “Pitchfests” but I must admit that is how I found you. It’s my job as the consumer to shop before I buy. A pitchefest is like going to an autoshow. Some of the stuff there is good for me, some not. Now, if someone wanted to put together a QUALITY pitchfest, that might be something really cool!
Greg, no worries, NO ONE can say you don’t deliver. You are absolutely the “content-guy”! No questions. That’s why I signed on to Masterwealth at that particular pitchfest.
Best regards,
Richard
A ‘quality pitchfest’ – now that might be an oxymoron! 🙂
I hear what you’re saying and you’re absolutely right.. every type of event has its place. I guess what would be nice is if all the people who speak at those events would deliver LOTS of value and be confident enough to let people decide for themselves whether they want to invest in a program with them, as opposed to feeling like they’ve got to hammer people as hard as they can to get them to sign up for their program, instead of other speaker’s.
From what I’ve seen, it’s a real competition for the dollars in the room — that’s the view that a lot of speakers have.
The way I look at it, I’m not competing against other speakers to sell when I do a talk. I’m competing to deliver more value than anyone else, and to give people the sense of who I really am.
I’ll never regret being called the “content guy”, that’s for sure.. because at the end of the day, for me, that’s what it’s all about.
Regards,
Greg
Greg, IMHO, there will always be people who will prey on those who are “willing”, or even unwilling to be preyed upon. Bernie Madoff (sp?) is one very recent example. Thos of us who prefer the high road will never get rid of those scum bags.
Celebrate that your sense of honesty and fair play is what it is. As with Don Campbell, you attract others with the same degree of integrity to and around you. I, for one, am delighted to have met you both, and to follow the advice and knowledge you both distribute with such relish.
Kepp up th excellent work.
Cheers,
Dan
Thanks Dan, I appreciate your comments and kind words. I definitely DO relish doing it.. that’s a great word to describe it! I love trying to amaze people more than the last time they spoke, which honestly is not an easy thing to do .. but keeps me on my toes.
Interesting post, Greg. Here are my thoughts: Everything needs a seed to form around, whether that is a raindrop, plant or a movement. To be that seed, in my humble opinion, is an honourable pursuit. That the industry is full of bad seed is historical. People have been selling snake oil forever. The usual resolution for dealing with unsatisfied customers was to flee town and set up shop in a new place where you were not known. With the growth of fast communication and information sharing, it is not so easy to hide any more. That I would guess has much to do with the decline of the “Rah Rah” boys who would travel long distances and set up elaborate stages for presentation but only bring 7 units of their product to sell. Yeah Right!!!
On the whole, people are intelligent. They are going through life artfully applying the skills they learned in college as doctors, police, engineers and etc. However, for the most part, they are not succeeding financially because those same colleges never taught the simple truths of finances, investing and money management. These people can see the problem but feel powerless to change it as they believe that money handling is a complex process.
What I believe people like you and another great trainer I know (I won’t mention his name other than that he is a bestselling author) bring to the table is simple truths of investing and developing a financial nest egg. When we see you present, we know that you have done what you are teaching and filling rooms is not your primary source of income. You teach that achieving financial security is simple but not easy. People may be disappointed with that message but, deep down, they do believe it is true and will accept it and follow that course to achieving wealth slowly.
The biggest difference between you and the “Rah Rah” boys is that your message is sincere. It is at the highest level of Maslows’ “Hierarchy of Needs”. When people see that your message is true, they will gravitate to your methods. Other presenters will also see that success in this business requires a higher level of competence and experience and that will be good for the industry as a whole. The ones that don’t like it are running dinosaur business models anyway and will slowly fade away.
My suggestion is to keep doing your thing. You have done your apprenticeship and earned the right to teach. Say what you think, whether people like it or not. You mentioned that your true passion was watching people use your methods to create their own success. It would be amazing to see you expand on that somehow and work it in to part of your platform.
So those are my thoughts. Hope they help.
Harold
Hi Harold:
What a fantastic post, and a great view of the way the world is moving. I think you’re right – the informmation age has made it difficult for people to actually sell garbage, because it catches up with them far too quickly in today’s age.
I can honestly say that I do not derive the majority of my wealth from doing seminars. That’s why I show people a lot of my own deals, what I do as an investor, so that people know I’m not just teaching something I don’t really do in real life.
I really think we’re on the dawn of a new age in the education/training business as you’ve said. People are realizing the ’empty calories’ of the get-rich-quick seminars are unsatisfying, and that just like losing weight, there is a certain amount of commitment and work required to achieve results.
I think you also touch an important thing that I think holds so many people back .. that they think that money handling or wealth creation is complex.
It’s NOT! Anyone who’s wealthy knows this. But they also recognize the difference between SIMPLE and EASY.
To me, this is one of the FUNDAMENTAL distinctions you have to make when you set out to creat wealth for yourself:
1) it will NOT come without actual WORK (which is why I think the phrase ‘passive income’ is one of the most damaging phrases we’ve created in the last decade);
2) that you will not create results until you’re willing to make a DECISION and COMMIT to doing WHAT IS NECESSARY. This in itself is a piece that most people never figure out.
3) it’s about doing SIMPLE things consistently .. not complicated, difficult things occasionally.
Anyway, great thoughts. Thanks Harold!
Regards,
Greg
Thanks for your comments and support!
Hi Geg,
To anwer to your questions:
1. “whether I really want to be a part of the “speaking business”.
Answer: you don’t have to consider yourself being part of, nor have to adopt the “speaking business” model to continue to do what you are doing already: which is doing what you practice in RE, and deliver what makes you successful(VALUE) in RE. The lucky ones(who went through your course) like me can tell the difference and will spread the words to those that they care about.
2. “Do I really want to be a part of an industry that does things I don’t agree with?” or “Will I be painted with the same brush”
Answer: unfortunately Greg, I don’t think that you have a choice in this matter. Because it is very difficult to the general public to distinguish integrity speakers from others until they have had the experience of both. This is very much like my experience with RE investment. I did not know what I should know. So, I based my business decision solely on trusting of other’s characters. In my case, I was not wrong in their characters, but I was wrong in their fundamental knowledge(which is what you taught in class, and in your book). We all live and learn.
My recommend you not to pay much attention to other’s unethical business practice model unless you can actually DO something about it. And instead, continue to deliver what you think is concuring with your “CORE VALUES”. There are always unethical practice in all professions. There will always be people who would take the “freedom of speech, business, etc…” to the extreme to benefit themselves. Thus, this is the nature of life. It is your freedome not to be associated with those whose core values are different from your own.
3. “Do I want to be called guru”
Answer: it’s entirely up to you, your freedom. Will people call you guru? It’s up to them, their freedom.
Sorry for the long answers. And thank you for what I have learned from you. Looking forward to seeing you soon in June.
With all respect,
Teri Cam
Hi Teri:
All great comments, thank you. I definitely do my own thing, and don’t play by other people’s rules. As you’ve said, it’s not about playing by other’s rules – it’s about creating your own and if you’re adding value to the world, people will show up.
You’re welcome for having learned some things, and I look forward to adding a lot more to your ‘learned’ list!
Regards,
Greg
Greg,
Without a doubt, I too have developed a bad taste for much of the training industry over the years. With few exceptions (you obviously are one of them), I realized that the interest in me was too often less about my personal growth and more about how to get deeper in my pocket.
It has been refreshing to connect with an individual and organization who sees income as a by-product of delivering value, rather than the primary focus of our business relationship.
Deb
Hi Deb:
Great way of putting it.. thank you.
Adding value is what ultimately creates wealth long-term. Everything else is really just a distraction or excuse.
Regards,
Greg
Greg, I haven’t attended any of your programs but I certainly have been part of the audience in a ton of speaker events. The message I get from speakers is that they deliver the message of “what” we need to do to get whatever we are looking for. The “pitch” is directed to sell us the program that delivers the “HOW” to make that happen. FREE events are always a prelude to another event that will have to be purchased. I am a new “trainer/speaker” in the automotive industry and the essence of what I offer is value. I sincerely want to see people achieve success. Ideally the training/speaking industry is changing in that a FREE event will have more of a specific purpose than to sell another event. I just don’t understand how someone as a newcomer to the training/speaking world can get their message out. Hard work, knocking on doors one-by-one is certainly one method, other suggestions you have to offer are welcome. I don’t actually offer FREE events with the single purpose of promoting another program that will cost the listeners $ (not yet anyhow although I have just signed-up for a course “to sell in front of the room”). I believe that if people have given their valuable time, they deserve to get value for being there and I always try to deliver that. Would it be fair to say that eventually we will develop an audience by simply delivering a valuable message? The fear there is that one may go broke in the meantime. Having said all this, I have met many great speakers with valuable messages and programs that I have learned from (you are one of them). Without the “pitch” on stage, I may never have learned so much so fast.
Your comments are appreciated!
Cathy Aron
Hi Greg-
This has been a fantastic blog for me. As you know I have spent thousands of hours, literally, listening to speakers in my industry – many with technical information, but also many with practice management and marketing information. Fortunately if there is a product involved it is very evident before you sign up and it may be something you are really interested in learning about for your dental practice. Being introduced to the world of “professional speakers” talking about wealth and riches was a new experience for me. At first I was taken aback by their lack of shame in how they pitched further products, but, alas I was also fascinated enough by the approach to sign up for more – up to the point of signing up for a series of programs. After about the third program the glitter wore off and what was left was a pattern of exactly what you were talking about – lots of sizzle, but very little steak. The two exceptions were you and Keith.
Malcom Gladwell talks about you guys in “The Outliers” – people who usually have put in over 10,000 hours into developing themselves and their professions: the Beatles with 250+ performances in Germany before they were “discovered”, etc. I would call you an Outlier, because your approach is the way it is because of all the hours you have spent and the path you have chosen in integrity and honesty. Maybe we should call you our outlier instead of guru.
In a world promising quick riches and wealth, people are finally starting to use their inherent “sh.t detecters” and speaking with their feet – leaving the promisers behind and walking toward the genuine outliers. I, for one, am not going to finish my other program because I do want more content. You deliver that.
I really don’t think you actually have much competition. In my business, referral is the highest reward for doing a good job. Sure, you need to advertise, etc, but I bet there are 10 people for every 1 that has attended your seminars that at least have heard of you from one of us.
Sorry about the rambling. I just feel that there is a new model emerging – one that will be a true University with teachers that really want their students to succeed, not just take another course. And it will touch many different professions. I really feel you are the embodiment, in this case, of “Luck” the definition which is “When preparedness meets opportunity” and this is what you are instilling in us.
Thanks,
Glen
Hi Greg. Just got back from a great cruise and spotted your new blog.
In my opinion, you are correct in your assessment of the target market for these ‘self-help’ courses that are now offered by every man and his dog. It has certainly become a backroom profit-making venture that is verbally aided and abetted from the stage suggesting that anyone who doesn’t run (repeat) run to the back of the room to sign up for yet another “new improved”, “bigger than life”, “10% more”, “seminar of a lifetime” is a LOSER!! Worse than this, I was personally contacted by no less than a dozen participants at a recent West Coast 5-day seminar, asking me to help them foot the bill for the $5000 cost of the next great seminar. YIKES!!! Many people can’t afford the airfare back home after the seminar let alone pay for another course. Worse yet, 90% of these folks who keep attending these seminars, don’t take any action at all respecting the new knowledge they just paid for. (oh well, it must have been the trainer, right??)
The concepts may be called clever and creative (even practical at times), whether they be experiential or wealth-building. However, I know for a fact that far too many traners, coaches, dare I include self-proclaimed mentors operate straight out of the textbook. In fact, more trainers than we know are RICH because we keep buying their courses!
Thanks but no thanks! I’ll follow someone who has worked hard, produced results, loves his family, treats his friends and associates with respect and cares about more than just the money!
One of the things I learned over the years is that REAL POWER IS NOT MONEY. REAL POWER IS CHOICE…the ability to do what I want, where I want to do it, when I want to do it, when I’m good and ready. It is my CHOICE to follow you, Greg. Significant value for money every time! I like your direct, no nonsense approach to business. I find the whole SimpleWealth group of professionals, an organization I feel priviliged to know. And I’m coming back in June!
On behalf of all of your students….THANKS!
Hi Greg,
this may have been mentioned above as I have not had the time to read all feedback.. but I think you made the comment yourself before that there are 10% of people doing something and they are the top performers. I think you can draw the same analogy to the professional speaker business.
The shift and migration of people could be because of recent economic stress and people are simply being more cautious and really vetting who they listen to in the future, so hence a migration towards the top performers..
that’s my 2 cents,
Donal.
Simple math and common sense is the regular method of people getting started in living a full life. My twenties consisted of learning from others who had more and knew more than I. Now, I consistently get evaluations and comments that I am not paying attention and will not follow instructions (a contrarian).
However, I lost my 50% of market value in stock because I followed the hype, I lost value in property because I was following the trend.
However, in one market I have been going against the grain and stand to see a 500% return in the real estate market and many people are telling me that I am taking a risk.
The truth is I am attempting to show ten people how to evaluate and decide what a good deal is and how to find it. These are your techniques. Amazing what happens if I do what the speaker does and not necessarily do what they say to do.
I have been blessed with meeting very successful people including a Earnest and Young recipient down in the US and he told me that he feels the same way about the pitch sales. He trains by nuts and bolts and gives his organization facts that can be shared and a quality product that is value added and he backs it up everyday.
Integrity is values and actions meeting skill and aptitude.
There is magic in taking action steps and when I explain to others the truth of investing and the emotional control involved. Then follow through on everything I do, even when it means ‘learn the lesson’.
Most important – who and what I invite in my life – defines it!
Here is what I gave away to a guy who turned out to be a writer with a degree in psychology: When our words, our actions, and our thoughts come together at the same time something very special is happening at that moment, because it is so rare.
I wish you the best – if I do not become a millionaire because of you, I know at minimum how one feels (the same way I do). That is the lesson.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Just a quick reply regarding the “speaker’s” industry. If I hadn’t of taken the 3 day “free” seminar in Vancouver…then signed up for the “week long” seminar in LA, I would not have signed up for your Masterwealth course at the Art’s in Calgary and then joined REIN. Frankly, I wouldn’t have know who you were.
I agree that some speakers prey on anyone who does not use their brain and wallets as their own possession to control what they choose to purchase will fall victim to buying everything laid out before them…but I took the seminar in LA to learn something and found it to be like the yellow pages of possibilities. I took your course because I have always been interested in Real Estate investing and you seem to know what you were talking about. I then signed up for your course because I thought I would learn how to invest properly.
And I did.
My partners and I now own several properties that are happily cash flowing, we have turned over some properties that we found before they hit the market and I took the course on mortgage broking (for cash flow purposes) and am working in that field so I can qualify to buy more houses. Because of what you taught us, we now have people approaching us to JV with us. You and Don Campbell’s group taught us a systematic and intelligent way to build this business.
So…back to where I started. Wouldn’t have a clue about any of this if it were not for some “run to the back quick” type of seminar that introduced me to you and your team.
Koodos to you for being there and leading me here.
Thanks.