No matter what niche market you are in, there comes a time whether you want to “play the game” or not.
And by “play the game”, I mean promote someone’s product in return for them promising to promote yours. In the IM space it’s called “reciprocation”. Believe me, it happens in EVERY market – whether you know it or not.
If you play nicely and kiss enough ass, you can have people promoting your products. And you might make some money in the short term – but it can come back to bite you. Hard.
My support team, Demetria and Shirley, get dozens of these requests every single day. EVERY day!
Now, we get emails about things I haven’t promoted! Here’s an email we just received (I removed the name of the person and product being referenced).
Do you REALLY think that the hundred or so people who promoted this product really reviewed it, or are they just doing it for the commissions and for future favors?
Think about this as well, because I chose NOT to promote this product (and almost every other one), that decision alone makes me stand out from the pack.
THE PROS AND CONS
If you offer to blindly reciprocate for another marketer, it CAN bring you a big windfall. And the money can range from hundreds to thousands to even hundreds of thousands of dollars (although, that is becoming VERY rare indeed).
But, since they “mailed” for you, now you OWE them one.
And what if their next product is absolute shit. Trust me, most of the products that come across my desk really suck.
It’s usually filled with 60% “fluff”, stories, testimonials from their friends and pictures of their cars. And the “content” is just a bunch of thrown together “tricks” that you know they never even tried themselves.
I couldn’t imagine what would happen to the trust I’ve built up with you over the years if I endorsed a product like that.
As an ADVISER, your role is to guide your subscribers. To teach them. To protect them. To advise them.
It’s NOT to whore out a shitty product because it has a high EPC! (earnings per click)
And once that trust it broken it’s almost impossible to repair. People may forgive you – but they NEVER forget. If you had a boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse cheat on you – then you know the feeling (yes, I had my first love in high school cheat on me and I cried like a baby). It’s like a big fat punch in your gut.
I don’t care if you are endorsing a product for $20 or $2,000 – it’s about TRUST. In today’s new world of transparency and social media, that’s all you got! And when you promote a product only because you owe a favor or the commission is high, then you risk breaking that trust.
I’ve been online for a long time. Since 1999 and while I’ve had my share of screw-ups and bad decisions, I wouldn’t still be here if I treated my subscribers like garbage.
So the million dollar question is.. do you take the cash or do you stand on your own?
THE STAND?
I’m here to tell you that you CAN stand on your own.
You CAN do the right thing for your subscribers. You CAN choose to put your subscribers before your checkbook. You CAN choose long term relationships and profits over short-term cash.
Now I’ll be honest – when you stand alone, the journey will be tougher.
It will take you longer to gain traction in a market. You will face more obstacles. You will have more challenges. You may even have people talk behind your back and think you are a jerk.
BUT – here are the benefits..
You will attract BETTER colleagues into your life! Since I’ve taken this stance, I’ve become close with really brilliant business minds whose ethics and morals are unshakable. People like Andrew Lock, Chris Farrell, David Frey, Lewis Howes, Jim Kwik, Brian Kurtz, Michael Fishman, Marie Forleo, Mike Litman, Jason Fladlien, Jit Uppal, Peter Hoppenfeld, John Sanpietro, Tim Kerber, Rosh Khan, Mike Hill, Valerie Young, David Risley, Beau Blackwell, Stu McLaren, David Riklan, and too many more to mention here…
You will sleep BETTER knowing you are doing the right thing. I love showing my 8 year-old daughter my businesses and we talk about marketing all the time. She’s hooked!
You will have a BETTER business. Your business will continue to grow as your customers become your biggest cheerleaders. They will help you and become your best source for new leads.
You will attract BETTER customers. Now, I have the best customers and Inner Circle members in the world. Smart. Caring. Loyal. Passionate. Ethical. Hard working. And I protect them from the bullshit with everything I’ve got. I’d run through a wall for them – and they all know it, every one of them! And if it makes me an outcast within some marketing circles by not “playing the game”.. then, I just don’t give a f*ck.
If it sounds like I’m angry – well, I am.
I’m fed up with all the bullshit. All the ass kissing. And all the “marketers” who only care about themselves and their padding their bank account.
The answer is so obvious and sometimes, I feel like I’m the only one who sees it…
ARE YOU WITH ME? READY TO TAKE A STAND?
TO CREATE VALUE AND MARKET WITH PASSION?
PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENTS BELOW
Hi Ryan,
I am with you on this. I get asked to endorse dodgy sports supplements all the time. I can’t afford to let my athletes get tainted, or given poor advice. So I always refuse.
A report out in the UK today shows that Integrity is worse now than 10 years ago. It isn’t too late to change.
Hey James,
Thanks for your support!
RE: supplements – that’s the reason I co-founded Prograde (www.progradenutrition.com) because of lack of good products I could promote when I was in the fitness world all those years ago.
It’s never too late to change!
Ryan
Really appreciate your voice of leadership on this issue, Ryan . . . and super-honored to be mentioned as well. Stay on course, your tribe will always be there appreciating your transparency and the difference you make.
Thanks Michael,
I appreciate you and everything you do.
You know I take a lot of shots for my stand – but I’m always up for the challenge. I’ll never back down :)
Ryan
How TRUE this is…. I call these “blow job” launches…. I see how friends of friends promote one another, period…..
The e mail that goes that says: “Hey, my good buddy, John Smith just released…..”
There ya have it….. “My Good Buddy…..”
Is it about “good buddies” or is it about….. “I have tested this course out, it’s awesome and worth it’s weight in gold…… ”
BIG difference, Ryan has it right. Period, End of Story.
YES< these guys r making bIG bucks but ethics is BIG
Telling my kids what I do is BIGGER
Giving my all to my family is the same way I treat those who opt to follow me, read my newsletters, etc.
Ryan has it right…. That's the truth!
–z–
Zach,
You have ALWAYS done it the right way. I remember from our first call almost 10 years ago – you had the right combination of passion, ethics and insanity :)
Your integrity was never in question and it’s been great to see your business continue to grow. And you are leaving a legacy.
Keep on the path, my friend!
Ryan
Ryan,
Do you remember the movie “When Harry Met Sally” and she fake an orgasm in the diner? A woman across the room (happened to be director Rob Reiner’s mom) said, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
That’s what I was thinking about as I read this post!
Two other points:
1) People don’t seem to realize that many of us are on LOTS of lists… so when you are the 5th person to write us about “your friend’s” product and how we really “must” get it, you look foolish. How many people use the exact wording sent by the marketer but think they look original. Amazes me.
2) We as consumers get confused. When you start hawking someone else’s product, we lose site of what YOUR products are. Even the big guys forget this. In the middle of a launch of a new product, a really big marketer recently sent a letter out about a buddy’s product. I now don’t know if I want to open his emails or not – is it someone else’s product (that I didn’t sign up with this guy to learn about) or his (which I very MUCH want to learn about).
So rock on, Ryan. I’ll have what YOU’RE having!
Charlie Seymour Jr
http://ExpertMarketingAcademy.com
Hey Charlie,
You know I never get tired of movie references :)
And you’re correct, in ANY niche people are on multiple lists. And even if you do get behind a product you really like, at least take the effort to make your promotion different. People are just lazy.
Products you promote should “compliment” what you offer – not give them conflicting messages all the time.
Keep on rockin’ Charlie!
Ryan
Hey Ryan,
You have just validated what I have been thinking all along. Now I can charge ahead with complete confidence that I am doing it the right way…..just like you. What a relief to not have to second guess myself as I build my membership program.
I’m in the deer hunting niche, and there are countless prostaffers who will pitch for any product manufacturer with deep pockets. One year they’re pitching product A, the next year they’re pitching product B. Both are supposed to be the best…..say what???
I love your “fired up” posts…..I read every one.
Randy
Hey Randy,
You can absolutely do it.
Again, there will be challenges – but if you put your dive into your work, take care of your customers and overdeliver, you will prevail. I have no doubts.
Keep us posted on your progress…
Ryan
I absolutely agree with you on this, Ryan. When people trust me enough to part with their hard-earned money to become my clients, they expect me to be totally above board and honest with them. The last thing I want my clients to experience, think, or perceive, is to wonder if I’m recommending a certain product or service to them because I truly believe in it, or because I’m making a buck from my relationship with them.
I’m sure some of the things I’m asked to endorse, and choose to pass up, might benefit some of my clients, but I’m not willing to put my relationship and their trust on the line to take a chance that on the flip-side, it may backfire on me.
If I happen to believe in a certain product that’s being marketed and I buy it and am using it myself, I MAY (not always) let my clients know, and advise them that if they’re interested, to do their own due diligence and check it (and the person marketing it) out for themselves, and very clearly let them know that if they do purchase it, that I do not receive any compensation, commission, or remuneration of any kind. And I NEVER give them an affiliate link that pays me; I’d rather let them search it out on their own.
By making my position on product referrals crystal clear to my clients, further strengthens my relationship with them and their trust in me. Thank you, Ryan, for your excellent post!
Thanks for contributing Martin.
It’s ok for your subscribers to know you are making a commission. And most, when you are building the relationships the right way, won’t have any issue. In fact, they are glad you are making a commission if positioned correctly.
Keep on rocking…
Ryan
Ryan,
I don’t think you’re the only one who sees it, but I do think that you’re one of the few people that DOES it!
What’s the point of having more dollars in your account if you lost your Integrity? For those who chose to live a Life based on that principle, the choice between €$ and Integrity is easy… but as you said, the journey gets tougher. But for us, it’s the only way to reach, sustain and enjoy true Success.
Your stand inspires the rest of us to believe that it IS possible to live and do business with integrity AND receiving the applause (€$) for the value we give.
Now can you endorse my product? JUST KIDDING!!! (I even removed my site from this comment) :D
Keep kicking IM ass Ryan!
Hey Bruno,
I know it sounds weird, but I’ve never been motivated just by the money. Anyone that really knows me understands it.
And when you make money but you lose your integrity in the process- what the hell is the point?
Thanks for contributing and I’ll keep up my ass kicking!
Ryan
Ryan
I agree and make a point of reviewing every product I mention to subscribers – there’s just two slight exception (or would be if I didn’t buy them for myself…) and those exceptions would be products produced by Jason Fladlien and not to kiss too much ass – but your products too.
Having bought, used and got results from your and Jason’s products, its got to the point where I know…without taking off the digital shrink wrap that the product X (whatever it is…) will over deliver. Given that I could promote without reviewing. Now the reality is thats never yet been a question – when I buy a Lee or Fladlien product, I’m keen to dive in.
The reality is there are a small number of people you know you can trust to bring on the value, everyone else who you promote without reviewing is a BIG risk to the credibility you have with the folks who you are working to build a relationship with on your list.
Hey Andrew,
Thanks for your endorsement (I also like Jason’s stuff too!) and you have proved my point exactly.
When you get to the point in your business (no matter the market), then selling becomes so much easier.
Rock ‘on
Ryan
Great post again Ryan! I have unsubscribed from a lot of lists- I like it a lot better- I also like it when people don’t recommend much – there is maybe 2 or 3 people of who’s list I’m on that rarely recommend anything and when they do – I pay attention- and it’s usually something good- trust is very important especially online- I heard a statement one time that said, trust is the hardest thing to rebuild once you lose it- even more so than love-
Keep rockin’ Ryan!
Beverly
Beverly,
You have no idea how many lists I’ve unsubscribed from.
And you are correct – trust is not impossible to rebuild, but it is VERY difficult.
Thanks for your support!
Ryan
Totally right on Ryan. Great comments above also! Power to integrity.
love,
Rona
Rona – you rock!
:)
Ryan
Thanks Ryan; I am aligned totally with your “why” you do what you do: “As an ADVISER, your role is to guide your subscribers. To teach them. To protect them.”
Although I know very well (and like) many of the IM’rs you probably know, I am glad I am not in the IM space because the prospects have got to be worn down after years of JV promotions and affiliate bonuses…
Keep on inspiring, guiding and holding the higher ground for us all.
With gratitude, Tourism Tim Warren
Hey Tim,
Thanks for your comments.
They are definitely worn down in the IM space – but it’s happening all over. And if it’s not in your market yet, it’s just a matter of time.
Just stay on the path and be your own man. It always works out in the end.
Keep rockin’
Ryan
I would say something but you said all of it already. You sound like Dan Kennedy and his trademarked brand NO B.S. Thanks for teh post. It inspires me to share these same inner core values so many of us have in common with my list.
Hey Edwin,
Although I don’t agree with everything Dan teaches – he is one of the smartest marketers alive and is really good at cutting through the bull :)
Thanks for contributing!
Ryan
Powerful and transparent post on the importance of Integrity in Internet Marketing….thank you for being you and i am looking forward to today’s IC training…..
Thank you Chris – and the IC will be rocking today.. Get ready for the madness!
Ryan
Brilliant!
Gracias Clay :)
Ryan
Hey Ryan
You are so right! These experts are preying on the new and uninformed, using grand tales of easy money and becoming rich instantly to people who are really struggling to make it in the world. And then they are double and triple teaming u!
Unfortunately, it is not easy to see these things early on. Some of these guys are very good at sounding like they care about you and have the best products available to man. I have been “hosed” several times already which has opened my eyes and made me more skeptical to everything I came across.
However I must admit, after finally believing in you, mainly because of your character and the character of some of the people that have praised you for your guidance, I jumped on the Ryan Lee bandwagon and, even tho I am just beginning, it is obvious why your guidance is so good.- You break every step down and keep it simple and honest.
The rest is our job. Thanks dude!
Don
Hey Don,
Thanks for your post and for finally jumping on my bandwagon :)
You are correct – it is hard to tell who is the real deal and who is full of it.
But hopefully, things will continue to shake up and a simple google search of their name before you buy would usually give you the right answer!
Ryan
This is what’s called “running a business” as opposed to “running a con.”
Since you brought up the word “ethical,” I’m curious to know your thoughts on where to draw the line when marketing one’s own products at the fantasies of your prospects to be rich, sexy, work-free, etc., given that no product can fulfill a fantasy. Although it might help, more generally it will fuel the dreamers’ ideas that all they have to do is buy the right thing and push the right buttons. So when there’s actual work involved, they don’t do it — instead, they blame the product for not working.
It seems like there is a lot of fantasy marketing in the health and fitness and IM marketplace. What are your thoughts? Can it be done ethically? Or is it even worth it to use this device, given the likelihood of customers turning against you once your product doesn’t magically fulfill their dreams?
Hey Jen,
The line is very grey.
But YES, it can be done ethically. And while your conversions to “cold traffic” will be less without the big promises – your refunds will also be much less (as well as complaints and chargebacks).
The people who sell that way are only good for one sale – and that’s not a business. It’s just a bunch of products and it’s very hard to sustain over time.
Plus, when you are building the relationships and your own list – the hyped-up copy & promises matter less and less. And people will buy because they trust you.
Ryan
That’s helpful – Thanks!
Yes, it is lonely when you don’t promote like everyone else. :-)
In the health space, there are a lot of solutions that I’m not an expert at, so I have to rely on good content and programs to recommend in case one of our readers needs help.
I read and review every program that I want to promote. I actually buy it as well to see the sales process and make sure it’s not offensive.
I NEVER send out canned emails and I write a full review with pros and cons of the program.
It takes a lot of work, but I think our readers appreciate it.
I’ve made mistakes in the past, but now I’m smarter because of it.
There really should be no reciprocation game… I want people to promote my programs because they’re really good and really helpful — so we make them that way.
My wish is that everyone else does the same thing!
Kev
Hey Kev,
You have worked hard over the years – and it’s been fun to watch all the success you are having.
And I agree – there should be no reciprocation. I have had people say they love my programs but will NOT promote them because I won’t promote their stuff.
Keep on fighting the good fight Kevin!
Ryan
Yep – what’s with all the ‘buy my buddy’s $2k programme, and I’ll give you my own $15k bonus’ that seems to happen so much. I think we can practically set our clocks by how soon said buddy will be promoting the bonus-giver’s newest programme in return, right!
I think of it as going into a pizza restaurant (because you wanted pizza) and then the waiter suddenly starts recommending his ‘buddy’s’ greek food to you! Confusing!!
I wouldn’t want to give my own subscribers that feeling of confusion!
cheers
Tanya
Hey Tanya,
Or better yet – they recommend the Greek food and you go… then the Greek FOOD SUCKS!
Will you ever go back to that pizza place again?
Ryan
Tanya, that is great. I was just about to say something very similar when I read your post here. I run a software company that sells products into the major stores in the UK (Apple, PC World, Staples, Amazon).
I would not enter any JV with anyone unless I knew their history and business model. Why would I want to jeopardize not only my business, but importantly, my current partners’ businesses!
When put in this perspective, for me anyway, it makes it very simple to choose who to partner with. Ryan (as usual!) has this exactly right – and I can tell you from my own earlier mistakes that this is REALLY important (it’s a lot more than just integrity).
Hey Quentin,
You bring up a good point.
I’m just talking about one product – not even the entire business they are running (and all the crap THEY recommend).
Thanks for your ongoing support, I really appreciate it.
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
I didn’t realize my query would generate so much food for thought but I’m glad to hear the answer :) I had actually been in touch with the person who owns that company and he didn’t seem at all the ‘sweetheart’ the marketing team made him out to be once I asked about some seemingly contradictory info I’d received.
Good on you for being your own person, no matter what bobbles they dangle to have it be otherwise.
Sharon
Hey Sharon,
You definitely touched a nerve – thanks for the inspiration.
Some marketers have been lying and deceiving for so long – they don’t even remember how it is to be a human being.
Really kinda sad…
Ryan
…”they don’t even remember how it is to be a human being.” Well said!
Also, when you use Ryan’s approach, you’ll get rabid fans, not “subscribers”. My list is not that big but because I treat them right and actually care about them, they support me.
Great, great point Ben!
I’d much rather have a smaller list of rabid fans – and we care/support each other.
Ryan
Hey Ryan, I am rather new at this but the integrity that I sense in your leadership gives me confidence in the these choppy marketing waters. I appreciate you! James
Thank you James.
I’ve always been taught to stand up for what you believe in – and I’m just enjoying guiding my subscribers through the waters :)
Ryan
Gotta stayin alignment with your core values, business and personal!
Absolutely Nick.
100%
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Awesome! Always good to get my jolt of Ryan Lee Unplugged! I had a similar scenerio 10 years ago when I started my private practice and chose not to work with the insurance companies-it was tough generating all the referrals on my own-but a decade later I have a nice sports psychology practice and most of my new referrals either come from clients that I have worked with or people who watch my free videos at my site (the other sports psychologists around me hate me because I am giving away free stuff). And you are right about sleeping well at night! Best to the family! Doing a television inteerview today, but looking forward to the Ryan Lee Method on Thursday and the free webinar later that night!
Regards,
Cory
P.S. If there is any time that you would like a testimonial from me either for the IC, Method, both, or other, please let me know-I would be more than glad to do it!
Hey Cory,
Way to go by taking a stand. Good luck with your interview.
And yes, any testimonial on my programs is always greatly appreciated :)
Ryan
Wow! Ryan I knew that the elite internet marketers were a cut above, but I’m glad to know as I get more and more into IM that it is not only okay to take a stand but vital to take a stand and separate yourself from the crowd.
Just like the IM world, I have hated bad personal trainers and training business owners in my 10 years as a fitness professional.
I can’t wait for the live webinar and can’t wait to really start sinking my teeth into the Ryan Lee Method program so that I can stand out online.
Thanks for everything you do man!
WB
Hey William,
It’s not all bad – there are some really good men and women in the world of marketing.
I hope you enjoy my “Method” and take massive action!
Best
Ryan
Thanks for the “shout out” Ryan – it means a lot to be included in that group.
–
I was taught a long time ago that success over the long haul depends on understanding one very important fundamental…
“Have the patience to forgo short-term profits for long-term wealth”
In business, long-term wealth requires customer loyalty.
Customer loyalty requires trust.
Trust is built on consistency.
Deviating from your “core” to promote a product because you “owe” someone or because it could produce a “quick buck” is a step in the wrong direction.
It interrupts that consistency.
It breaks trust.
It begins to destroy customer loyalty.
And it therefore ruins your chances of long-term wealth.
At the end of the day, that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.
Hey Stu,
Your “shout out” is well earned, my friend.
You and I have been in the world of online marketing for a long time – and I always liked the way you run your business!
Keep on keepin’ on!
Ryan
Hey Ryan,
As always, great post, and I’m very honored to be mentioned among the people you listed!
Like many others have said, I’ve unsubscribed from dozens of lists in the past year due to the exact phenomenon you talked about, and yours is one of the only lists I’ve stayed on.
So many people pay lip service to the “educate 10x as much as you promote” but you’re one of the few people who actually practices what they preach. Keep fighting the good fight, my friend!
Beau
Beau,
You have a real view of what goes on behind-the-scenes and I’m really glad you are making a big difference.
Screw the 10x… we gotta start raising it to 20x :)
Ryan
Yo Ryan,
Thanks for the reminder of why I am continuing to do my best to do the best thing for customers and subscribers instead of participating in the “guru game.”
The last “other people’s” product I promoted to my list was a product that I actually purchased and used myself, and truly believed in the results.
So I felt that I was doing a real service to my followers, and was even able to answer their questions with enthusiasm and confidence in the fact that I was recommending something that would really help them.
I want my followers to see my genuine desire to help them get a positive result, and your independent approach definitely helps convey that ;)
Hey Aaron,
Absolutely – if you try a product and like it, then you SHOULD promote it to your list. 100%.
Just focus on your subscribers and THEY will know the difference. It just takes more time – but the payoff is worth it.
Ryan
Damn!
Great article! It shows once again that “common sense” is not common!
Hey Mary,
It really isn’t that common. I wish it was – and I’m doing my part to spread the word :)
Best,
Ryan
I agree. It’s all about integrity and that means being patient and deferring gratification.
Thanks for the post!
Shaun,
Integrity is everything. Without it, you are building your business on a shaky foundation.
Ryan
Damn Straight! That’s why I like you!
Bret
Hey Brett,
Thanks, my man.
Just being honest and letting it all hang out!
I appreciate your support!
Ryan
Ryan, although I read blogs I never post comments, but this post of yours I just have to comment on. I bought a course because of the “guru” who recommended it…his “friend” you know… and the course was total crap and i got my money back. I had been following this “guru” for a long time an bought into one of his coaching sessions for $1400. It turned out to be one of those talk to a couple of experts and then say you are an expert etc. which I thought was so dishonest I was disgusted. But to tie into your post, he did not know that I had bought a crap course prior because he recommended it so on the second live training question and answer session I asked if he tries out the products he recommends or does he just recommend them. He said of course he DOES NOT try them out there are way to many he just promotes them. I said well what if it is a crap course and you have endorsed it with your name? Won’t that hurt your mailing list and lose you trust?? He very calmly said NO. If people don’t like the product they can just get their money back and no big deal.. And even if one person would drop off my list because of it, two more will come on…it’s a numbers game. I was so disheartened by the actual truth I refunded his coaching program and removed myself from all his mailing lists and will have nothing to do with him. I have learned NOT to buy just because a “guru” recommends it. Boy was it an eye opener for me and a reality check of how many only care about the money and don’t give a crap about how much their customers lose…like he said, it’s a numbers game. Shame on all the gurus who promote like this! May you get what’s coming to you someday! Thank you Ryan for being an honest person, this is so “rare” anymore. You are now at the top of my list of who I follow and who I would buy from! God Bless!
Ann,
That sums up EXACTLY what I am talking about.
And so many have become brainwashed thinking that’s the way you are supposed to run your business.
It’s just sad. Really sad.
Ryan
Wow. Excellent ! Good to see this coming full circle as quit little me as been saying this since 2005 … We all know you can’t fake sincerity and being ethical. You either are or your not.
And I believe social networking has played a role in bringing truth to the forefront and calling out less than ethical gurus!
I’ll take this stand with you any day as I related to every single response to your post!
Thanks ryan for a great post
Hey Georgette,
It has come full circle. And social media has played a big role in the transparency too!
Ryan
Love this post, Ryan. Right on point! Looking forward to joining you soon.
Thank you Joanne and I look forward to welcoming you to the club!
Ryan
Solid trustworthy leadership advice Ryan. Maybe a lonely voice amongst other so called leaders but one that rings strong and true and carries vibrations deep into the hearts of good people. Keep us safe and protected always. We depend on you every day. Naveen.
Hey Naveen,
Very well said :)
I’m here and there are a lot of other really solid people banding together against the crap.
Keep rockin’
Ryan
This is why I love hanging around you Ryan!! No BS and really exposing the truth! What is the saying? ” How you do anything is how you do everything”. Eventually marketers true intent will be discovered and we each a choice to take the high road or not, and live with the consequences!!
Keep it coming Ryan!!!
Thanks Annie!
I appreciate your support and will continue to shout from the rooftops :)
Ryan
It’s Funny how being ethical and providing true value is what makes you stand out from the crowd
I remember when I promoted a Make money product without testing it before, Horrible mistake!
The product was pure shit, and although I made around 20 sales, I got 19 refunds, lol
So i made that mistake, but learned to never promote stuff without testing it before :)
Thanks for the fresh reminder to be ethical and play the game for the long term!
LC
Hey Luis,
20 sales and 19 refunds? That sounds about right for much of the crap :)
Always test the programs first and get behind what you really, truly love.
Ryan
Amen. I have personally been turned off by some for their whoring out of products. In fact, I was one in a way. I was bit a couple of times where I trusted an individual and jumped on an endorsement, started endorsing the same product myself before trying it (because of my trust for that first endorser), only to find the product was sub-par (or worse…crap) later on. I did this very early on in my career and, hence, learned a very valuable lesson early.
I agree. Take a stand. Integrity goes a long way.
Hey James,
We’ve ALL made mistakes and we just gotta learn from them – and keep on the path.
Ryan
Sleep better, attract better partners, have a better biz, and better customers. you are dead on Ryan and I’m glad I brought on this type of model early on in my business even when it would have been easy to go the other route with the wrong people.
Yo Lewis,
You have done it right from day 1.
And that’s why your business is growing strong and will continue to!
Ryan
Hear hear!! I have just purged my email list of quite a number of folk who I used to consider as ‘must follow teachers, trainers or thought leaders’..
Thing is most of these folk (in the IM and Personal Training spaces particularly) all seem to have either 1) just discovered affiliate marketing and now do nothing else or 2) have created a’cabal’ with a few other ‘players’ and just cross promote each others (often worthless or rehasehed) products on a 3 monthly cycle…
A shame really as many of these folk used to have something real to offer and used to promote products with at least some semblence of value.
So – yep I’m with you and in fact have sent this article of yours to a number of my clients so they get the mesage about integrity on-line.
Having me on your list does NOT mean I want to be sold to all the time – this is not a relationship, it is an attempted transaction.
Good on you Ryan!!
Hey Geoff,
Most people live “launch to launch” because they do not take care of their customers. And when their customers leave – they need another launch for an influx of new customers.
And the cycle repeats.
Thanks for your feedback.
Ryan
Right with you Ryan. You’re the only IM guy whose list I am still on – this post is one of the reasons why.
SO tired of all the hyping of crap. It is killing the credibility of the online commerce space. And unfortunately there are a lot of newbies that think this “pummel your list” mentality is the path to long-term success. Wrong!
Blessings,
Scott
Hey Scott,
Thanks for sticking with me :)
I tired of the hype long ago – and things will change. People now have no choice.
Ryan
*My Man*
love this post Ryan …
… Over these past few years I’ve NOT played the scratch my back I’ll scratch yours when it comes to email promos.
And I know I’ve lost a ton of money because of it … But on the flip side the brand ive build is solid and looking back it was so worth building (and leaving $$$ on table) plus I learned alot about myself.
Then over the past 18 months I’ve been REALLY focused on building a self sufficient business.
It’s been hard work – rocky & slow at times … but it’s solid now and growing like a dream.
at times I doubted myself …
thinking maybe I was doing it all wrong – but now after reading this one post I know I was right :-)
to future big moves
Alex Jeffreys
Hey Alex,
Never doubt yourself.
As you said, it’s hard work but the payoff over the long-term is massive.
Your business is easier to run. Sales are higher. And it’s much more fun too :)
Ryan
I think that article sums up you Ryan and how you have greatly impacted us. You have steered us in the right direction to live to our full God given potential. Thank you Ryan
To your success,
Travis
Travis – thank you, my friend.
I’m just trying to speak the truth – and it’s you who are taking action!
Ryan
I completely agree with not promoting these big ticket fluff programs. I opted out of promoting many of my friends programs when they got away from delivering content exceeding the cost of the program. It’s really sad the level of quality has dropped so low. I couldn’t expose my clients to that type of program. So I, like you, walked away from those big commission checks to keep my integrity and my relationship with my clients intact. And I’ve never regretted that decision.
Lynn,
You made the right choice!
There are certainly good products that overdeliver… but unfortunately, it’s becoming less common.
Rock ‘on
Ryan
Ryan,
Thanks for including me in your list. I’m blushing.
But you know, I’ve been at this internet marketing thing for around 12 years now.
I’ve opted out of the guru game simply because I never wanted to feel that I “owed”
anyone, anything.
Doing that has certainly curtailed my income. No doubt. But how much money does
one need to make to be happy?
My monthly income exceeds many Americans yearly income. That’s enough to be
happy and content. What more does a person need?
However, I DO have a desire to make even more money, but only so that I can continue
my charity work, which is important to me. There comes a time in ones life that
giving back is more important than getting.
Now about guru launches. In my 12 years I believe I’ve only participated in one launch
that I can remember and it was the Membership Site Bootcamp launch that you can
Tim did because I believed in it so much.
I also promote Lewis Howe’s products because they are moderately priced, provide
high value and are a good fit for my list (and he doesn’t force me to send my leads
to a squeeze page).
A lot of people gripe about “syndicate” launches, but I believe most, if not all those
products were high quality and worth $2k. But I don’t like being a part of the “herd.”
Much like you, I’d rather do things my own way.
Okay, I’m rambling. I’m taking my kiddos down to a hotel in town tonight just to
mess around and have fun. THAT’S what life is really all about. :-)
Thanks Ryan!
David
Hey David,
I’ve always admired you for going against the grain and being truly independent.
And you are right, I get access to almost all of the $2k products for review.. and many deliver really strong content. Just one idea should be able to make back your investment many times over.
Thanks for your ongoing support and keep on rockin’
Ryan
Totally. I always insist on road-testing a product before I endorse it. If I mention something in my newsletter that I haven’t actually played with, I say so. In fact, in my January newsletter, I write this about a friend’s book: “Disclosures: 1. I haven’t read this version, but I read and favorably reviewed the original edition several years ago. 2. Also, he cites my book Grassroots Marketing on page 228.” Then my readers know that I’m recommending on the basis of past experience and haven’t checked out this particular product.
When I do a full review of a book (which I do every month), I spend a few hours reading and taking notes.
I have dropped off the lists of many who promote stuff whether or not it’s good. Integrity is a core business practice for me, and that’s one of the reasons why you and I have built up a relationship. is we have that in common.
–Shel Horowitz, GreenAndProfitable.com
Shel,
Thanks for contributing and you have never strayed off the path! I still remember reading some of your books a long time ago in the library (because I couldn’t spend a lot on buying products!).
You rock!
Ryan
I’m late to the game it seems because, well Ryan I’ll be awesome with you…I’ve only just heard about you. It looks like you’ve been around a while but I’m only just now coming across RyanLee.com. Regardless, I’m glad to have come across this post in particular. Let me say this….GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION. Love the no b.s. approach and its quite admirable.
Awesome stuff and you’ve got yourself one new follower.
cheers man,
Jordan