Who Do YOU Trust?
A couple days ago I blogged about the lack of integrity amongst some Internet marketers. The post attracted thousands of readers and many comments were posted.
Clearly, this topic is one on many people’s minds. It almost feels like picking at scabs because there is a great deal of wounding in this area.
While I appreciate the kind words people shared, this issue is NOT about me. This is about an industry that has been overrun by manipulation and greed. And it’s about educating ourselves and others so everyone understands how to legitimately pursue the business of making money online.
Throughout the comments, there were a couple recurring issues I want to address.
First, people are asking me to “name names.”
Sorry, that’s not what I do. I’m not here to point the finger at any individual marketers. It’s not my style. As I have already pointed out, I have made mistakes of my own. I’m not here to cast stones at others.
What I am doing is pointing out what I believe are inappropriate ways to market products online. In doing so, others become equipped to recognize these tactics when they see them. Knowledge is power.
The second request is that I start some sort of service to help people discern which are the good products and which are to be avoided.
While I do review and promote other people’s products or services from time to time, it’s a rare occasion. It’s also rare that I will speak out on a specific product or service. Again, it’s not my style.
I do not believe that I am the right person to start such a service. Perhaps someone else feels called to do it. I’ve got enough on my plate right now.
I’m surprised it hasn’t happened already.
What I found interesting is that with all the comments posted on my blog, I don’t think I saw one name mentioned as being trustworthy. For the record, no one slammed any individual marketers either.
While I do not condone pointing out the scoundrels on my blog, I have no problem praising those who have brought value to others through their products or services.
Rather than focus on the negative, I would very much like to turn attention to those who are to be commended for their contribution to your life.
In your comments below, I invite you to share the names of marketers and/or products that have made a significant positive impact for you or your business.
I moderate all comments before they are posted, so please don’t use this to bash other marketers. However, if someone posts and someone else has a different opinion of that person or product, I may let that discussion take place. It’s essential that all criticism is done in a civil manner.
I would really encourage the tone of your comments to be positive and uplifting.
Because you are one of my readers, there may be the temptation to praise me here. Please don’t. I know you are a reader and I appreciate that. If you want to leave feedback for me personally, use this testimonial form. The comments on this post are reserved for you to praise OTHER marketers and products that you believe are worthy of recognition.
The thing about authenticity is that if you get to know what it looks like it becomes much easier to spot. That’s why bank tellers are trained with real currency. When a counterfeit comes around, it’s easier to recognize. It’s my hope that in becoming intimate with best practices for marketing online, you will be able to spot a counterfeit easily.
So, with that said… Who do you trust? What products or services have made a difference in your life?
Please leave your comments below and let’s have your own positive experiences point the way for others.
Star Power On My Stage
1. I appreciate Mark Joyner and his Simpleology…keep a straight line between 2 goals.
2. Derek Gehl and Internet Marketing Center based in Vancouver BC. Built my two websites..got all the bells and whistles and ongoing help.
3. Peter Mingils, president of Network Leads and President of Association of Network Marketing Professionals. Nobody works harder or offers a more ethical lead generation system.
I am a professional networker and wouldn’t touch Ann Sieg, Mike Dillard and Mike Klinger with a 10 foot pole…their branding doesn’t duplicate with average families.
PS. I also bought books from Joel and appreciate this opportunity to share. Thanks.
Over the years I’ve subscribed to many lists and newsletters.
Now though, there are very few left that I bother to read.
A lot of lists turn into spamathons and end up just not being read.
Trust not only needs to be earned but maintained.
More marketers should keep that in mind.
Kind Regards,
Shane
M.H. Wright, you are very observant. Sort of shot myself in the foot, didn’t I. I wanted so much to find a way to pull my comment, but….
I proofread my writing all the time. But I
missed “intended” because I had been at the
computer for way too many hours. Shame on me!
No excuses from me, though. I am as hard on myself as I am on marketers who cannot write. And
I only trust marketers who take the time to write and spell well when they are asking me to spend my money. Marketers from other countries get a free pass from me with spelling and syntax usage.
Joel, I did not mention it yesterday, but of equal importance on the “trust” issue for me is the inclusion of a business address and phone number from a marketer who purports to be in business.
Brick and mortar businesses do it. The yellow pages of the phone book are so reassuring to me when evaluating where to go for services and products. I also notice that honest online marketers have nothing to hide regarding providing contact info.
Joel, I did appreciate your article very much.
M.H. Wright …thanks for the gentle rebuke.
Cordially….Guy
Every thing I get from Joel Comm is worthy of reading. I have his books and after trusting his methods. Joel is one of the only marketers that has proven ways of social networking.
Good question, Joel.
I won’t name names… easy enough to see in whom I trust by the products I promote, and YES, I will do negative reviews as well. I think it’s important to let my readers know what not to buy.
I would however like to thank all those who added my name to your list of marketers with integrity.
Your support is SO appreciated.
I truly believe that being complete honest with your readers is the ultimate key to success in this business… even when you’re wrong. ESPECIALLY when you’re wrong. 🙂
It’s a tactic that has worked well for me for 14 years and I wouldn’t change a thing!
Thanks again and Hugs on ya all,
Ros
Excellent blog Joel. As someone who has had a passive interest in IM for 10 years, I’m surprised by the number of big name gurus not mentioned and also that no UK based marketers have been mentioned.
My “big name good guys” list includes…
Joel Comm
Eric Holmlund
Mark Joyner
Howie Schwartz
Michael Rasmussen
Michael Cheney [great products though not a fan of his affiliate promotions].
He’s not a big name yet, but I have a lot of time for Ben Shaffer.
I recently came across http://saltydroid.info. Wow, the language is “colorful” and it makes a lot of controversial comments about many big name gurus that I’m sure would surprise many readers, especially comments about an IM “syndicate”. SaltyDroid hides behind annonimity so don’t necessarily take the comments at face value. Do your own research. Nevertheless it is interesting.
Bottom line it comes down to integrity and honesty. If you buy a product but it doesn’t provide you with value, ask for a refund. A “good guy” marketeer will refund without question.
Fantastic idea. It’s frustrating to watch others give the industry a bad name and see how this affects others views of the industry also.
Two folks that seem really solid to me are Ewen Chulia and Roy Higdon
A service sorting the good guys from the bad guys sounds great though- something everyone could use.
I read John Chow’s blog a few days ago. Got lot of affiliate links. I am wondering if he is a good internet marketer.Could you help me to identify?
Also I think your adsense book is really helpful, your twitter power is amazing.
Hi Lisa,
I just randomly came across this comment whilst searching on Neil’s name in connection with Perry Marshall (someone we always recommend for the best advice on using Adwords) and was taken back by your kind comments.
It is much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Andy
I’m looking at this for several years now. When Mark Joyner quit the business, I bought his $997 kit. Anybody else? Joyner is back. Scam?
Innumerable teams of people invite us to buy an information product for $37 or so which will allow us to sell the same or similar product for $37 and thereby earn $100,000 and more a year.
None of these ‘systems’ tell us how to set up a business or to handle all this money. Scam?
Be careful. It’s a jungle out there.
who do you trust… great article, I enjoyed it.
Hi I wanted to let you know I loved reading your blog.
Dear Joel,
To be honest, I would like to vote for Neil Patel.
Hats off to the guy! He have designed some excellent marketing strategies and he is an expert in landing pages and conversions.
Thanks,
Punit