I was thrilled to see such a rush of comments and support for Part 1 of this series, which you can read here: “Rumors, Lies, and Industry Goodbyes…”
A brief synopsis: Our online world seems to be valuing perception over reality.
Gross over net. And “bigness” over all else. My personal experience with how laying off two team members turned into a nationwide rumor I was “going under” was a humorous and perfect segue into looking at WHAT exactly is going on right now.
I shared that story because I thought it would resonate with many of you, and based on the response, I was right.
(Of course there were the odd few who said my post was “defensive” and not necessary. I always chuckle when people share their opinion online that they don’t think you should share your opinions online.)
The last year or two I have been a bit quiet and just doing my thing, but I am going to be sharing more posts about things I feel strongly about.
And Part 2 of this series is to address the insane congestion we are seeing online. And the “launch bubble” that we are already entering into.
Bear with me here, because this is a long post, but there’s a lot we need to look at here…
We’ve been riding on a model valuing perception-over-reality, that’s fast going to burst.
Take only a few minutes to look around, and you will see there is (and has been for while) essentially NO barrier to entry in many of the online “businesses” you see today.
What does this mean? Well, anyone and their brother can get online and say they’re a coach, consultant, mentor, or visionary. (Oh, and thought leader.) People who haven’t run a lemonade stand (let alone a successful business) are selling success, business skills, or online marketing.
Some people ARE walking their talk, and doing it well.
But most are just creating a big mess.
And at this point, there is so much excess, pollution, and posturing on the Web and social media, it’s simply nauseating… to the point there have been times I have considered dropping out to do my work offline and under the radar. But my purpose in this lifetime is to “lean in”.
It seems if you aren’t posting constant selfies about your fabulous life, parading your clients and their results in front of everyone, and launching something new and amazing and BIG every month, some people are teaching that you’re not marketing hard enough. They don’t consider you a “player”.
(YES, you need to maintain visibility. No, you don’t need to exhaust yourself and constantly assault your followers. Be a leader—not a player.)
It seems most people online have become obsessed with not who they are actually being, but who they are appearing to be. Perception has trumped reality.
And that’s just the marketing end of things.
Now, let’s look at the state of your actual programs and offerings…
Within hours of release, someone can copy your program, stick up a slick web page via a free template, and have people signing up via social media and affiliates—all with little to no investment in themselves or in their business.
And if they have money and time, they can do more slick videos and gimmicks on top of that to drive interest. Add more levels of complexity, a 12-step funnel, multi-media presentations, and hard sells to get more and more customers. The hardest marketer wins. (Or, they have in the past… read on.)
Add onto all this the fact you can now do things like buy your way to being a New York Times bestselling author … (Just pay enough money, do enough promotions, and ‘give away’ enough books. There’s a company that will do it for you.)… and you start to see this world as we know it is about to hit a phase of complete implosion.
Because nothing means anything anymore.
And everything means nothing.
And no one is standing up and saying, “I call bullshit.”
Now… (deep breath)… stick with me here…
To put this into perspective, take a brief journey back with me about 10 years or so.
(OK, I feel OLD saying this… like I’m about to share a story that involves my having to walk to school every day, uphill, both ways. I’m only 43!)
No social media. No templates. No apps. No one-click ordering.
I had to power my computer with a hand crank. (Just kidding. Although I did a lot of my own HTML code, self-taught.)
Nothing was, well, so easy.
Back then, you had to really want this kind of business to get it off the ground. You had to invest in yourself in order to learn what it takes to create value for others and sell online. You had to figure out how to grow your list yourself. And you had to be good—really good—to get anyone’s attention and for them to invest in you. Or your stuff.
And you wouldn’t dare sell yourself as a coach or expert unless you were walking your talk. Otherwise, people would call bullshit.
I did my best to meet people in person, attend events, speak, and anything I could do with the limited money I had. I was the first woman on stage at many of the major internet marketing seminars, which at times was terribly uncomfortable… or even completely unenjoyable (oh I have stories to share!), but I felt it was something I had to do.
I did what it took. I HAD to. Otherwise there would be no rewards. And that’s how I built a multimillion dollar business.
Now, lest you think I’m lamenting those days of old being gone, I would NEVER go back.
It’s just so much easier now! Really, it is. And I’m so glad.
The power we have now with these new tools of connection is invaluable. It’s an incredible time for all of us—especially women—to have these platforms to share our ideas. To share our voices. To share our worth. To create businesses with purpose… while we can work at home or from anywhere. It’s changed the world.
You know I stand for women and success. This post isn’t about that.
Here’s the BIG IDEA you have to understand…
You are about to witness an epic transition that will be weeding out the women from the girls. The men from the boys. The leaders from the followers.
I predict a huge launch bubble that’s about to burst, as we reach complete market saturation.
What do I mean?
Think back to 2007-2009… the real estate bubble. After decades of real estate being exclusive to only those who could truly afford it, suddenly nearly anyone could buy a home.
At first it seemed like a great thing. Everyone could reach the American dream!
But this also included people for whom this was really the worst move in the world. Lenders pushed folks who could barely pay their bills into buying houses, and put everything they needed in their hands. Spoon fed. Instant gratification.
(And everyone was a lending agent as well, remember? I knew few people in LA at that time who hadn’t added “mortgage lender” to their business card.)
Then… we reaped what we sowed.
These folks couldn’t pay their bills, and added to a multitude of other factors including fraud within the financial industry itself, we witnessed a complete implosion of the industry.
It just wasn’t sustainable.
Home values dropped for everyone, and then buying a home became harder for everyone –- even those with money and great credit have had to jump through hoops the past few years to qualify for mortgages they could easily afford.
It’s really the ones who are serious and thinking long-term who are still doing well in real estate.
I see the same thing happening right now with online marketing.
We are witnessing the perfect storm of complete market saturation, lack of standards, and no barrier to entry for anyone who wants to jump on the bandwagon.
Everything we say and do online is being devalued.
So where does this lead us?
I’m not advocating crazy regulations or trying to limit people getting online, teaching certain material, or even to call themselves a coach, consultant, or mentor. Everyone has the right. This is a free country. I’m just making observations here.
But those of us who ARE leaders seriously have to re-think our strategy. Our leadership. And how we are working.
Just a few of the right moves can course-correct your business for long-term success and position you heads above the noise—instantly.
Part 3 of this series will be following soon, which will give my recommendations on what you MUST do now to prepare for this massive shift that’s already begun.
But in the meantime, if this post resonated with you…
If you feel it spoke to YOU… and everything you’re experiencing as a leader surrounded by a facade of imitators…
Then you want to take a look at a special private retreat I’m hosting here in Scottsdale, AZ this May 12 & 13.
It’s called the Repower Workshop.
It’s something I’ve never done before, and it’s ONLY for those of you who have been doing this awhile.
Because I’ve been reminded by my high-end clients many times this year there’s not an event out there for YOU…
For the women who have been in business for several years now, and who have mastered the multiple six-figures and are on track for or already making seven-figures.
For the women who are leaders… not followers… and want an intimate retreat with women of the same level to strategize a new level of business.
For the women who don’t need or want to be in another online program or “academy”… you don’t need more training or “schooling”.
You need a real event addressing your needs, and designed for real business success.
One focusing on STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION.
Have a look here to see if you qualify.
No videos to watch, nothing to opt-in for. No bonuses or early bird specials. What you see is what you get. (And isn’t that refreshing?)
We are limited to 37 seats only, so please note it’s first come, first served.
And I’d love to read your COMMENTS below… are you feeling this bubble coming? What are you doing to prepare? How do you think you can stand out among all the noise?
Ali,
As usual you are spot on. I blogged about the posturing, pretenses and pretending within the past year and I’m saddened to see a trend of people being “sold” fluff from those who claim that they can deliver results but don’t.
The noise is deafening but your message is loud and clear. LOVE what you are doing with RePower. That will be a powerful gathering.
I think it’s interesting that people said your previous post was defensive. Your decision to re-scale your team and create exactly what you want to create to support you and your family is commendable. I am a firm believer that sometimes you have to go small instead of big and focus on what truly matters.
Thanks for the continued inspiration.
Write on!~
Lisa
Thank you Ali! I’ve been feeling this for awhile too! There is so much noise out there. Not just on the internet, but well, EVERYWHERE! As someone who is brand new to this internet marketing world it confuses the he** outta me sometimes. How am I staying above the noise? Being myself. The good, bad and ugly. And asking for spiritual guidance along the way.
Excited for your next post on this!
Cheers,
Shannon
Hoping to connect with you about being a speaker on your fabulous Glambition program!
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Hope we can connect!
Warm Regards,
Peggy
Thanks Ali, for calling it what it is. I am looking forward to your next post in the series!
I’m in Australia, but travel to the US annually and I hope that timing works out for me to attend one of your workshops – not this time sadly!
I am 100% with you on all of this… and fortunately… tho unknown, not falling for the oncoming Fall…
George Gao has been on the cutting edge of where not to go… and dropping out of a lot of trumped up perception over reality.
It is a turning point… what I call a 180% turnaround… which I took even before launching my online and offline business this very year.
In fact my A+B Forum… Manage the Biz ofYour Lif… the Lif of Your Biz will address this very issue from the inside out… thank God for my Inner Team and Marie Forleo’s B school which I am a student. (I know she worked with you Ali.) Keep us posted in your most delight filled way
and give the twins a kiss for me.
Thanks to Ali for the reality check! Regina, that’s George Kao you’re referring to, right? He dropped out of marketing games even when they were making money for him, and is now focused on Your Highest Work. He gives everything he can for free except for his reasonably priced personal time. Just the opposite of what so many of us have been taught, to give in order to get, to leverage through group programs that require as little of our time as possible, and sell products that can be delivered electronically at minimal cost. Not that those things can’t have value, but having paid jaw-dropping fees for “perception over reality” promises with little commitment to meaningful results, I’m ready for alternatives. Let the bubble burst and we’ll see who’s standing on the rock of truth.
I completely agree with the fact that nowadays anyone call themselves coaches, mentors, etc leading to so much pollution on the Web and social media.
This is actually giving me the strength to be as much authentic as possible, focus on WHO I want to become and be to run my business and serve my clients and provide the best high quality products and services I can possibly can.
It’s my responsibility as a Coach to live my life with integrity and serve my clients from the highest standards of ethics and excellence.
Those who have the same values as me will buy from me and I will make sure they will succeed and we will create consistently win-win situations. 🙂
Just reading “I will make sure they succeed” is refreshing. Sure, each of us has to do our own work, but a large part of what makes quality coaching valuable is having a skilled person holding the unwavering intention for your success. It’s more than just “here’s the promised content, we’ll be on the phone for the scheduled hours, good luck!”
I believe this to be true for many industries now, not just the online world. There is SO much clutter that it’s hard to tell the originals from the fakes. Anybody can copy anybody & anything nowadays.
Yes Ali you are spot on and I thank you for speaking your truth. At times I dread going on facebook because I am getting hammered with online marketing sponsored ads. I have wondered when it would become so saturated that people would stop paying attention and I love how you compared it to the real estate market… it makes so much sense. I am excited to attend the Repower event. You are a pioneer and I can’t wait to hear your views on the future of leadership and empowerment.
I believe that Ali is spot on.
Seeing fb groups where people without a product, service, knowledge of history or skills of any kind are looking to run fb traffic to a funnel that is put up in hours or less (LeadPages) with a “tripwire” leading to a machine that they did not understand but want it to work. The barriers to entry are next to nothing and without a product or service that it unique and solving a real problem will fade away before it even starts. Those selling the tools,like the gold rush, are the ones making the money now. Remember how Joseph Kennedy knew it was time to get out of the stock market..??.. It is said that he knew it was time to get out of the market when he received stock tips from a shoe-shine boy. After asking a list of basic questions I was contacted by several people who could provide a solution without any question of what I offered or had as a goal. It did not matter as they could provide whatever I needed. Being able to solve a pain and provide value will never go away but the way things are being sold now can only lead to a major backlash and condemnation of the entire information industry. Information is no longer valuable. The right information given after the right questions are where the value lies. It is a customized answer not a general one. Those who continue to buy the pic axes and already mined land are just being sold a dream that is near impossible to fill. I have chosen who I work with this filter and appreciate that Ali is able and willing to say the emperor has no clothes and I agree with her. Do not expect most made it here as it did not fit the world view you want.
Bravo! Jonathan this is SO well said, and I love that story about Joseph Kennedy. That is a PERFECT analogy! None of this surprises me, as it’s been coming a long time. And I’m not sure what things will look like from here, but the bottom line is those of us doing REAL work and offering real value have to look at doing things DIFFERENTLY and not following all the formulas all the time.
I so agree with you! I’ve been feeling this for a while now. Doing what’s “right” because it worked for someone else.
I took a break for a couple of months from my coaching business because the whole system makes me want puke.
Yes! We really need to rethink and I call it the creative marketing vs copycat marketing. The “make $30k in 30 days” tag line is so over.
I feel so pressured (self inflicted) if I can’t make/ do a $200k launch. The pressure! #OMG
In the pretext of “celebrating” your clients. Make me sick too.
“Oh please help me celebrate my client who has just make $50k in a month!”
Is this really true blessings or a marketing strategy to say what a wonderful coach you are?
I’m in Singapore and I’ve been following you for 5 years now and YES! you’re the real deal.
#amen!
Thank you Jonathan for briging some details out and open, also and making the subject very concrete. The adrenalin and aggressiveness in the ‘information industry’ makes people loose their grip on what is truly valuable information. Thank you!
Thank you so much Ali for making this bold decision to share about what seems confusing at time. You are standing up as the leader you are. As someone new to the entrepreneurial world I am relieved to know that you are concerned about the many “experts, gurus, academies and thought leaders” online. Thanks again Ali.
Amen! I’m so glad you’ve called time on this. It’s come like your aforementioned housing issue – just a giant ponzi scheme of coaching.
I’ve been sitting here quietly for a while now wondering which direction you were due to take and can’t wait to see it!
The writing has been on the wall for at least 12 months – get outta Dodge (‘y coaching) and get a tangible product.
Very true!
For some reasons Robert kiyosaki has teamed up with profit academy and together they teach everyone to be a coach , a publisher . This is crazy!
I love Robert’s books and redio show but I don’t think what they are advocating is true entrepernourship .
Couldn’t agree more, Alina. It’s alarming that anyone could go to the Profit Academy site and actually WANT to sign up! Everything about it screams “Scam! Sham! Spam!” Shocking that Kiyosaki would associate himself with it, but, as Ali pointed out, this approach is legion today. But I do believe not for much longer.
Ali, your metaphor is insightful and what you say definitely resonnates with me. The work we do can be so transformational for people and organizations and yet, there are a great many big launches that do not necessarily deliver what is promised. I too think a correction is inevitable and am very interested in your ideas around what to do about it. I appreciate you boldness and vulnerability. Thank you for your post!
I enjoyed your article, Ali…and “launch bubble”, as you’ve named it, is one of the reasons I’m taking my time and doing the work to be a coach, consultant and a mentor. And that’s a good thing for me because I want to last in this industry. It’s also caused me to pause and second guess myself at times because I don’t want to be one of the ones that gets drowned out by the noise.
But the noise has also caused me to get pulled in every direction because it’s hard to know who is going to help ME best. While I don’t have the revenue (yet) to join your REPower program, I’m not a pure newbie, either. There aren’t many seasoned veterans like you who work with startups like me so to get what we need, we have to endure the noise.
Looking forward to the next part of your series!
Ali,
Finally, someone wrote about this! It is atrocious to see today’s online marketing leaders and their lack of integrity and authenticity.
I love this series and look forward to the next one.
And I would LOVE to join you if I weren’t holding a small baby in my arms:)
@Jansa Burza – these people are NOT online marketing leaders. They’re snake oil salesmen! Real online marketing leaders have put in the years (decades) to learn their craft. We WANT you to know that there are no overnight successes. We WANT you to know it will take time because we don’t care as much about getting all your money today. We KNOW that if you commit to working with us over time, we can help you reach your goals. And our reputation is based on our ability to deliver real results. Not grab your money and run.
The problem is that the fakers are promising the impossible, and setting business owners up for disappointment and failure. By the time you realize you’ve been taken in, you may not have enough money left to spend the time with the person who told you the truth right up front. It’s a classic case of human greed and laziness being exploited. It makes me sooooo angry because I’m the person that usually has to come in and clean up the mess these “leaders” leave behind.
So I definitely agree that there’s a bunch of noise. I see launches constantly and treat most with real skepticism. Worse, I have gone to webinars etc. where I see BAD advice. Advice that will get people into legal and financial trouble — and that makes me insane. (I’m a lawyer who actually practices law as well as an experienced entrepreneur. Preventable legal, accounting and operational failures lead to ruined small businesses in just 18 months 80% of the time. That’s the statistic and my experience.)
Unfortunately, I don’t think that the bubble will burst. I don’t think that because this has been a problem in legal marketing for decades and continues right on. I tell people to not hire peacocks and to look instead at the lawyer’s body of work (not his claimed results or even awards because that can be misleading). I’m not sure anyone listens though.
I wanted to try to join you in May but a health issue may prevent it. I hope to work around that and sign up before space runs out! I definitely don’t need any more courses — I need high level mentors and masterminds at this point.
I have had the same feeling; lotsa fluff. What about the people who KNOW it’s possible to be healthy and happy no matter what is happening “out there”, are COMMITTED to caring for themselves and are ready to create a Lifestyle that supports them…forever. Let’s play… I think this is your market, Ali. I would enjoy connecting if this resonates with any of you.
Being a leader in this industry for 14+ years it’s been fascinating to stand back and watch the posers. I shake my head and think, “Don’t people SEE the lack of integrity happening here?!”
I LOVE coaching and the power it has to change lives. Like, really, really love it! So when I see “coaching” being thrown around without integrity behind it, it makes me even more fiercely committed to our vision of coach training and certification, setting the bar high in terms of standards, and always delivering what we promise. My mindset is first, I have to be able to go to sleep at night with a clear conscious knowing I took action each day from a place of the highest integrity. And 2nd, I hold myself accountable as a role model for our clients and the industry at large.
Yes, it’s irritating to see marketers (and not just the guys, but women too!) pull tricks like “this is my last event like this ever” only to re-offer it again, same content, under a different name. Or put up phony scarcity limiters, or capitalize on spirituality by advertising they’re “tithing” shipping costs just to boost their spiritual status, or talk about the millions they’ve made when behind the scenes they’re filing bankruptcy or not paying their vendors.
I know some of those folks may make more money, but my highest personal values have always been honor and integrity. Our business is focused on creating financial and spiritual richness (i.e. coaches making awesome income doing work they love). It feels awesome to stand out from the crowd because of the strength of our company values which are love, listening, leadership, passion and gratitude. We’ve been incredibly successful (multi 7-figure coaching and training company) for many years because of these values, and because I was taught to always do the right thing, even when no one will know or see. I’ll know. I hold the bar high for myself and our business thrives because of it.
Ali, you and I go way back and I am super excited to already be registered for your RePower workshop! (I loved being the first person to register) 2015 has an energy to it of feminine power, fierce love and crystal clear clarity. I am proud to be a woman leader in the room with you and the other amazing women who will be there! Love and gratitude to you!
Kendall thank you so much for your input. You have always done things with high integrity and clarity. It’s an honor to have you with us in May! I sent you a little something in the mail as well. xo
This is an interesting topic! I finally finished and launched a book last year, made it through the blood, sweat and tears of getting it to no.1 on Amazon and plan to launch my ecourse. The Universe and all the “noise” out there has had me thinking, to hell with online, let’s just do an in person crusade. I have been a six figure corporate woman for 20 years and since I went solo , I have never worked so hard in my life to break into the online mess out there. No one has time anymore to read thru all this “stuff” out there and make sense of what is real and what results you hope to gain? So, glad you have confirmed that online is going “bust” or burst. In hindsight, I am glad I have stayed small and true to myself and my small tribe to be an authentic leader in a world of posers. Good luck in your new program!
Ali, thank you for saying what so many of us have been thinking. It would be easy to doubt ourselves when all around us seem to be following this formula. I know I speak for many when I say we feel strength in our numbers and thank you for bringing together such a large group of like-minded souls who are determined to soar above today’s outdated, overinflated bubble. When it pops, “it ain’t gonna be pretty!”
Confusion and panic over. Time to breath!
From the North-European (Finland) point of view I’ve been trying to understand the hype going on…and have not. My path has been about serious steps for serious impact. And life has been kind enough to show me that there are no instant wins if you want to build something sustainable.
I’m most grateful for you Ali, for bringing this subject to open & day light.
It resonated beautifully and made me stronger in my own Leadership, building my movement.
So true Ali! When we’ve worked, studied + practised our profession for many years before daring to claim any kind of ‘expert status’, it does appear crazy to see all the self-named ‘gurus’ + ‘leaders’ with no real credibility. I believe the customer knows the difference though + has a LOT more Savvy than the opportunists give them credit for. Real value will stay the distance 🙂
Ali – you showed me how to really succeed online back in 2005! I increased my income and have been able to share my message of “Life Purpose” via scientific hand analysis worldwide. You are stating truth here. I suggest people do their homework, do background checks and talk to many clients of any company to find out the full picture. Every business owner has made mistakes – so no one has a perfect track record – and yet, it’s vital to stay in integrity with one’s core offerings and target audience. You are speaking to a large elephant (and elephants are typically large). Thank you for saying it with tact and clarity. You changed my life forever. Can’t wait to see you soon and delve deeper into expressing my purpose through my business – thanks to your spot on and clear guidance. Keep these articles coming!
Nail on the head Ali. I saw this coming 4-5 years ago and it’s why I took a sabbatical and wrote my book Breaking The Spell. I almost left the industry because I couldn’t stand all the posturing and lack of integrity but instead chose to just work quietly with my clients. Thanks for writing about this. With all the people you reach maybe it will make a difference.
BRAVO ALI!! I see it more and more every day and it’s painful to watch. As with most other bubbles, there will be many people left holding the bag. Unfortunately, the “bag holders” will be the innocent people who invested into their dreams…but bought from the WRONG person/people!
There are many good people with “greatness” to share with the world but after getting burnt enough times by the hucksters, lose faith and decide to throw in the towel. Sadly these types of charlatans are causing more damage than they know.
I am just getting started and already see the challenges you point out. It seems like there are so many people who are selling a product designed to capitalize on your fears and not provide any real value. I don’t yet qualify for your program but do appreciate you bringing the topic out in the open.
OMG thank goodness I am not the only one writing/ranting about this! I just wrote an article about ‘not feeding the sharks’ about this very subject. I’ve been a successful entrepreneur for many years after 5 years ‘paying my dues’ in sales & marketing jobs. I’ve built several successful businesses including two 6-figure ones. I know my stuff. I teach ecourse creation because I have a huge background in teaching including studying education at masters level and teaching at academic institutes.
My own students have often swiped my years of hardwork to pass off as their own. One recently had an ‘almost’ 7 figure launch and yet they have zero backstory in business at all (apart from a low grade, low paying shonky MLM). Yet suddenly they are making serious amounts of money from a program they seemed to have built overnight, out of thin air.
I’m sick and tired of seeing this copycat newbies springing up, swiping the hardwork of the real experts then using those scammy funnels to make tons of money from people’s gullibility.
I’ve since stopped all my online programs and am now focussing on working 1 to 1 with my own UK market (instead of being in the bullpit of global online businesses).
I am actually highly skilled at passive income product creation but I daren’t even use those words anymore as I feel that my brand will be tainted.
I am a member of the B School community and I’ve never been so plagiarised as I have since I went in there. The infamous ‘start before you’re ready’ paradigm is taken (by some members) to mean ‘start before you know anything, just swipe work from experts and repackage”
(no offense to Marie Forleo at all, it’s the Facebook group members that are the issue)
Real expertise takes time and effort. There is no ‘overnight success’ there are no ‘instant experts’ only scammers, snake oil salesmen and copycats.
Yes. This really resonated with me. I have more than a decade’s worth of experience in corporate public relations and have been in business for three years teaching entrepreneurs to position themselves as experts (real experts, not BS experts) and get their names out there through the art of the pitch, which I PERFECTED as editorial director of a PR firm. It gets my goat when I see communications “experts,” “writers,” and “brand strategists” popping up with absolutely no educational or practical experience. (Let alone an understanding of the mortgage crisis! I love that analogy. It makes perfect, albeit scary, sense.) I am looking forward to being the cream that rises to the top. Thank you for the encouragement.