As long as there have been people who want to get rich, there have been get rich quick schemes. They used to be in the back of the magazines, you see them on late night TV or someone at the office found the “next best thing”. There have always been people looking for an opportunity.
Automatic websites, newsletters that have the exact timing for huge profits in the market or register with us and we will build a business for you – there’s a long history here. The schemes tend to have a few things in common. They tend to have the same patterns, tone of voice, “just here to help you” messages and most of all, they all seem too good to be true.
Being too good to be true is the key part, because if it’s too good to be true, maybe, just maybe, it is true. My father used to tell me, “If you are told you are going to get something for nothing, THEY will be getting the something and YOU my son will be getting the nothing.” Did I listen? Of course not, it was my dad who told me…
Now with the ease of getting online, and the current economic challenges people are facing, this has blossomed. You’ll see the long long web pages filled with ALL CAPS and bright colors and testimonials and “wait there’s more!” They look alike for a reason–it’s a signal to the opportunity seeker that this is one of those.
Do they convert watchers into buyers? Sure they do. Do a few people make money? Of course they do.
What’s being sold here? Is it the riches or the hopes of riches? And what are riches? Is it money, admiration, material assets, or maybe time?
Another mentor taught me to always wait for 24 hours before I make any purchase or decision that impacts my life in a significant way. Go home and think about he told me…. And ya know, it has always made me think before I “do”.
But if you are looking at getting into business with someone – look for the best.
