The Internet Marketing World Cup - What's the Score?

Posted on August 26, 2010 10:33 AM by Joel Comm

I received an email solicitation today to take part in an alleged competition that is due to take place starting in October.

It's called (brace yourself...)

"The Internet Marketing World Cup" (goooooooooalllll!)

It is likely you will be hearing more about this in the future so I thought it would be interesting to dissect it and share some thoughts.

Before I start let me make something clear.

I have nothing against those putting on The Internet Marketing World Cup.

I don't even know who is behind it.

The site looks nice and I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into the design.

And it appears that they have a sponsor in Clickbank.com, of which I am a big fan. I've been with Clickbank a LONG time. So I do want to give them a shout-out.

With that said...

The email appears to be canned and was sent to those who sell products via Clickbank. So the target market appears to be those who are already selling information products. Fair enough.

Hi Joel, 
 

(Hey, that's me...)
 


First of all, let me just say that WordPress themes looks really great!

Obviously referring to our Socrates Theme for Wordpress. Thank you. We think Soc Rocks as well. :-)

We found your product at Clickbank and that's why we think you'd be absolutely perfect for the Internet Marketing World Cup! 

So the creators are going through Clickbank and finding the contact emails for those who have products. It's called prospecting. I get it.

Let me tell you a little about what we're doing and why we think you're REALLY going to be interested in taking part. 

Not a fan of mass solicitation without my permission, but I'm listening.

The Internet Marketing World Cup (http://www.internetmarketingworldcup.com) is the first competition of its kind ever to be held... and our purpose is to discover the BEST and easiest to duplicate internet marketing systems that the world has ever seen. 

That's not entirely true.

Russell Brunson did a competition in 2006-2007 called "Online Marketer of the Year. Granted, it was not as involved as what these folks are doing, but they aren't the first to do it.

Of course, we're providing a proper incentive to our competitors and that comes in the form of $250,000 in cash prizes, with a cool $100,000 going to the 1st place winner!

Woot! Cash!

We're all used to selling a product, that's what internet marketing is all about and that's what we do, but what we're talking about here is YOU sharing your know how to the masses and proving that you know the secret to an explosive ROI. This is a chance to stand on the podium for $100,000 and Yaro, we think you're just the internet marketer who can make that happen. 

Lots to pick apart here.

1) First of all... HOLY RUN-ON SENTENCE, Batman!

2) Selling a product is NOT what Internet marketing is all about!

Selling your product is an end result, but marketing is much more than selling a product.

It's about bringing value to your prospects and customers.

It's about adopting technologies to spread the message.

It's about innovating and coming up with creative ways to bring your product to market.

Ideally, a sale takes place. But marketing is about much more than making the sale.

3) As you can see, the name in the middle of the paragraph is not Joel. It is Yaro. I only know of Yaro Starak, the Australian blogger, so I guess whoever was sending the bulk invites didn't take the time to fill in the blanks properly. No big deal, but I feel just a little less special. ;-)

4) This is the most important point I ALREADY share my know how with the masses! I've been using the Internet to share that know-how for over five years now. And I would assume that anyone with a product on Clickbank is sharing their know-how. If they aren't, then what are they selling?

The first step is to register to compete at http://www.internetmarketingworldcup.com.   If your application is chosen then you'll begin your race to the highest ROI in a little over a month from now. 

Ooooh! Choose me! Choose me!

(biting my nails...)

That's only the beginning though. What do you think about having your winning marketing system in our online store 365 days a year where you take a portion of the revenue from each and every sale that's made? 

Aha! The model is revealed. Do you see? It's clever. It's been done before many times in other ways, but it is still clever.
 


You see, the whole point of this competition is to bring internet marketing systems to the people who need them most AND to reward everyone that helps to make this vision a reality. This is all part of our plan to share our revenue and help the Internet Marketing community grow. 

BUZZ!

Wrong.

The whole point of the competition is for the creators to make money.

There's nothing wrong with that, but let's be honest?

Presenting it as "bringing internet marketing systems to the people who need them most" is ludicrous. We already DO that. Hello... our products are on Clickbank, among other venues. There are hundreds of books written to educate people. There are hundreds of courses. (And yes, there is a lot of garbage and bad information out there.)

To be fair, they do state that they want to "reward" those who make the vision a reality.

In other words...

If you will participate in promote our contest, we will get your list on our list. We can then make money off your list and give you a kickback via our affiliate program.

As far as the goal to "make the internet marketing community grow", what's the point of that?

What exactly IS the Internet marketing community? Is it the big "gurus" (gosh, I hate that word). Is it the smaller players? Does it include the scamming marketers?

The goal shouldn't be to get more people in this undefined community.

Rather, it should be to help people see that they have value they can bring to others. And by delivering that value through an ebook, a video course, a teleseminar or a coaching program, they can discover that people will be willing to pay them for their expertise and/or information. The Internet is a powerful channel for marketing and it should be used. But the goal is not just to get people selling stuff online. Anyone can sell stuff online. The question is, can you sell QUALITY stuff online and make a difference in someone else's life.

The competition is an entertaining idea. If the creators can pull it off, I can see where people might be interested in seeing behind-the-scenes screen captures of what they are doing.

But then again, there are honest marketers that are already doing that.

I guess there are some who teach strategies that no longer work.

I suppose there are some who keep their best strategies secret.

I don't. I share what I do and how I do it.

The truth is that only the straight-forward common-sense systems are the ones that can be duplicated.

Everything else is a fad or black hat.

We also want you to know about our R.E.A. program and you can read all about that right here: http://www.internetmarketingworldcup.com/morethancash.php   Basically, if you make it in to the top 20 at the end of this competition, we will personally put our weight behind you and help to push your business in to the stratosphere! You'll get coverage on our online radio show, our newsletter AND take a guest spot at our upcoming seminar!

And there's the rest of the plan unveiled.

Let me translate.

"If you promote our contest enough, we will promote you."

What we have here is a traditional "If you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" scenario.

Fair enough. This system of doing business is as old as the caveman. We've seen it done more times than we can count. If done ethically, I don't see a problem.

But I've read the rules of the competition.

Essentially you can not use any of your existing web sites, lists, joint venture partners, or anything else that would give you leverage.

You have to come up with strategies for making money online with Internet marketing.

You have to record your actions, capture screen shots and send detailed reports of what you are doing and how you are doing it.

You have to report your revenue and net profit from the actions you have taken.

Which leads me to repeat my earlier question...

Aren't we already doing this?!?!

Or do the promoters think that there is some deep, dark hidden secret to making money online that is not already out there?

Well, there ARE some deep, dark hidden secrets. But these methods are traditionally labeled BLACK HAT and are highly questionable. They are not repeatable methods that anyone can do. And you could potentially get in trouble for participating in those activities.

The basics of Internet marketing are straightforward and simple.

1) Define your passion, knowledge and abilities. Determine how who you are can bring value to others.

2) Determine the best method of delivering that value via the Internet. It could be via a content site monetized with advertising. It could be by creating your own information product, either physical or digital. It could be by presenting other people's products or services as an affiliate and earning a commission on sales. It might be a membership site. You might find it worthwhile to develop a coaching program that presents options for individual or group-based coaching.

3) Whichever you choose, you will need to educate yourself on building your website, leveraging the power of social media, basics of search engine optimization and how to build your own mailing list. If you aren't able to do it yourself, you'll either need to find a partner to help you or outsource it to those who are proficient.

4) Finally, you must persist and never stop. If you have a dream and goal, you must go for it. You will hit walls. Get up and try again. You will stumble over obstacles. Don't let them stop you. You will encounter naysayers. Disregard their negativity and persist in doing what you believe in.

There you have it, there's nothing to lose and everything to gain. We think it's high time that Internet Marketing met its true potential... and with competitors like you on board, we're going to rock the internet marketing universe!

Nothing to lose?

How about your time if you don't win? What about your credibility if your methods don't work? How about lost revenue that could have been earned developing your own business? What about your leads that you are handing over to the creators of the contest?

Does this have a reality TV feel to it?

It should. That's exactly what is taking place.

And I think there may be an audience for it.

Hey, I'm a fan of reality TV. I can honestly say that I DID produce the world's first competitive Internet reality show.

And while we did teach the contestants and viewers something about doing business online, I'll be the first to state that it was produced as entertainment. You have to make it fun to watch or people won't be interested. Why do you think the contestants had to eat worms in one episode? What does THAT have to do with doing business online?

Back to The Internet Marketing World Cup.

The World Cup features the best players around the world competing for a title.

I can't see big name marketers participating in this contest for a number of reasons I have already addressed.

And while there is a great deal of innovation out there in terms of doing business online, I honestly can't imagine anything coming out of this competition that isn't already made public via an existing product.

Well, one thing will come out of it.

The creators can build a significant list which they can then use to make more money.

God bless America :-)

Thanks for reading, Joel. We hope to hear from you soon!   All the best   The IMWC Team

Here's my P.S.

Note to the "Team".

It's always a good idea to use a name instead of signing on behalf of a faceless group. You have a much better chance of connecting with your prospects.

As it is, I don't know who you are and I don't feel any connection. (That's why you want an "About Us" page)

To the IMWC Team, I wish you the very best with your competition. I've taken risks many times. Sometimes they pay off and sometimes they don't. Who knows... this could be the start of something big for you.

I guess the IMWC is a lot like soccer. I don't get it. (nod to @dannickerson)

What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Feel free to let loose with comments.

-----------------------------

Update - September 16, 2010

I recently received an email from Avi Frister, one of the founders of The Internet Marketing World Cup.

He wished to bring clarity to the project. I told him to send me his thoughts and I would be happy to update my entry.

Rather than update this entry, I am posting Avi's letter to me in its entirity. Click here to read Avi's kind and thoughtful rebuttal.

12 Comments

Dan Nickerson

Joel, I'm going to register InternetMarketingSuperbowl.com. It will be an exclusive competition between you and me.

Please email your list and tell them all about me and my sites.. And I'll do the same.. After you win, I'll thank you profusely.

Dan

Greg

Joel, I thank you for the lesson within this lesson I thank you for doing it ohnestly and highlighting to social media newbies like myself the danger that lurks out there.

Thanks

P.S. Twitter power is a great read.

Greg

Eric Holmlund

I think you're on to something Dan. I'm gonna start the Internet Marketing World Series. Each participant will only have to email their list 7 times. Or better yet... the Internet Marketing Stanley Cup, and we can all grow beards :-)

Gregg Zban

Joel,

I don't see much risk in it from my point of view (haha) but yes, there seems to be quite a bit from your point of view. It's a good marketing ploy just wrapped in a different skin. But hey, I play guitar and there is only one E chord (just ask Metalicca) but many ways to present it. I think it is entertaining and that just make it work.

It is kind of like Dancing with the Stars (confession, only watch when my wife says"you gotta see this") - no one watches for perfection, they all watch for the "crash and burn".

Question is, how many "guru's" can they lure in with the $100k onlyto see who will "crash and burn".

I gotta say.... I just might watch.

Gregg

Mark Burch

Thank you Joel for the lesson in how to interpret emails such as this. Very enlightening to me as I begin my journey. Much appreciation.

Mark

Steve

Dan - per GoDaddy 5 minutes ago, that domain is available.... better buy quick before they raise the price to $25k, because it was mentioned on Joel's blog.

Joel - they (whoever "they" are) are just trying to hit the KaChing button.

Actually this is pitiful.

Ellen L

Yes, Joel, I think you have hit the nail on the head with your interpretation of this email and the "contest". I won't participate for a couple of reasons: first because I am a 'net marketing newbie and second because I see this as a ploy to get everyone's lists. Their support of me may mean absolutely nothing, depending upon who they are. Now, YOUR support of something I create would be quite valuable because you are both well known and known to run an honest business.

After receiving a bunch of "offers to help me" over the past two years, I now have developed a very thick, skeptical skin. I now tell all such persons that I welcome their help as long as I don't have to invest any money and they are willing to provide that help for a percentage of the profits we make together in my business for which they are providing this wonderful guidance. Funny, none of them are the least bit interested and usually hang up on me after telling me to get real. Since I have no money to invest, I think my solution is very real, particularly since so many of them are "guaranteed" to give me results. (I have visions of you rolling on the floor laughing, or cleaning your monitor screen if you were drinking coffee as you read the last paragraph) I am serious, however, and would gladly take half a loaf (50% of the profits) for the first year of an Internet business for good coaching which brought "guaranteed" results. Heck, I'd even go for two years or more to learn exactly how to make continuous residual income from one or more sites and to build a huge list along the way. My mama always taught me that half a loaf was always better than none, particularly when one was really hungry and aware that one likely couldn't eat the whole loaf without it getting stale anyway!
Peace ---"jemyl"

Mike Farley

Once again, Yaro... er, Joel, you've done a great job in dissecting the message. I truly appreciate your candor. I am so tired of "the pitch" instead of folks simply looking to honestly provide great information and service for a known fee. Oh, and as for the championship, maybe you could add InternetMarketingFinalFour.com to the list. :-)

Eric Hiatt

As long as we don't have to listen to that weird buzzing sound for 3 hours.

Dale L Anderson

Love the Signature; "The IMWC Team" right up there with:
The A Team
The Anderson Group
The Anderson Committee
Andy's Team
Say if I want to distance myself from from any possible
responsibility for my product or services this might work.
Plus maybe a judge won't hold me liable for any unfulfilled promises.

A warm fuzzy farewell from:
The More Transparency Now Team


Mohul

Yeah, I had heard about this so called Internet Marketing World Cup, and its so called stringent rules.. Initially, I was quite a bit excited.. However, reading your insights, I guess, the concept is to steal the leads.. Thanks for sharing!!

Omowali

Internet Marketing World Cup Dan? Interesting..this sounds a exciting. But in all reality as you mentioned, marketers have learn how to leverage themselves by taking advantage of social media. This I can appreciate. Thanks for sharing!

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Joel Comm is an entrepreneur, NY Times bestselling author, and new media innovator. An expert on harnessing the power of social media and mobile applications to expand your brand’s reach and engage in active relationship marketing, Joel is a sought-after public speaker who leaves his audience inspired, entertained, and armed with strategic tools to create a new media campaign that will explode their business.

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