UPDATE Jan 2010: Since this blog post first came out I’ve been contacted by HUNDREDS of people many of which commented below thanking me for approaching this topic the way I do. Simply replace the name of the latest “big launch” with whatever “shiny object”of the month everyone is trying to sell you and let your self control take over from there.
If you subscribe to other Internet Marketing newsletters besides mine you are about to get swamped with offers…look out! Grab your mouse and get ready to click the delete button 487 times on the SAME OFFER.
Internet superstar Brad Fallon and his hot off the presses “Arbitrage Conspiracy” is launching soon and it’s SUPER MEGA HOT sprinkled with AWESOME SAUCE.
I kid you not - this is THE BIG ONE!
I’m sure what I’m about to say will be misunderstood by some peers and even some readers of this newsletter, but I’m not sure I care too much about that because ultimately I do only what I believe is right. It’s not often that I get invited to the “big important guys only” club meetings anyway so I’m not taking too big of a risk here…
Bottom line:
I’m seriously NOT going to promote Brad’s new “Arbitrage Conspiracy” course or any of the other “mega launches” coming down the pike!
*Gasp*
…and I want your feedback and thoughts on the matter. Am I killing my career or making a smart call on this one?
Before I go further I need to clarify why I’m not going to promote the course.
Have I made this decision because…
o I think it’s a scam?
o I don’t like the guys behind it?
o I think the claims are over stated?
o I’m just trying to distinguish myself? (I’m sure I’ll be accused of that one)
o I don’t like the MEGA FAT commission check I could make? I mean come on, my mailing list consists of over 100,000 DOUBLE OPT IN subscribers - many of whom would likely be an easy sell on this one! I’ve proven I TOTALLY KICK BUTT when I promote something.
The answer to all the above questions is NO.
I don’t care if you believe me or not really. My “yes” means “yes” and my “no” means “no”. I’m one of “those” guys.
Actually, you may have noticed over the past several years that I’m not often on board nearly ANY of the BIG LAUNCHES and here’s why…
Most launches don’t pass “the test”.
Yep - that’s right, there are a couple very simple tests I use when deciding whether I’ll promote ANY product or idea.
Grab a pen and paper…this is really good stuff!
First, we have what I’ll call the “two month factor”.
In two months, IF this SUPER HOT, KILLER, GAME CHANGING idea is STILL KICKING BUTT and TAKING NAMES then I’ll check it out myself, test it, and perhaps promote it.
OBJECTION: “But Jim, but Jim, what if the opportunity is saturated by then? You’ve missed out right?”
Nope. The people that missed out will be those that are willing to settle for two months of possible success followed by a saturated opportunity that they have to walk away from so they can start a whole new tail chasing adventure looking for the next “shiny object” or “magic bullet”.
Meanwhile, those of us with a little discipline and patience will have set up whole new long term streams of income using only PROVEN strategies.
Is that making sense? You might have to read it twice, but it really does make sense.
OBJECTION: “But Jim, but Jim, what if they only let in a few people and you miss out?”
I’ve been around long enough to know two things. One - they always “re-open” the doors, and two, great ideas can’t be “hidden” behind a membership site. They get out. The masses will know the secrets soon enough. I’ve had 20 or so “copy-cats” write different versions of my ideas and sell them. I still win out though because I out market and out “care”, but that’s another article.
The next test is the, “would I tell my friend about it?” test.
Treat your subscribers like you treat your friends.
There aren’t many launches that pass that test. I wait for the “fall out” to see what results the “little people” are having first. That’s when I get excited.
o Does the server crash in the first week leading to massive refund requests?
o Does the customer support stink?
o Are there questionable legal issues that pop up?
o Is it really easy for the “little guy”, or do you need an army of help to get it done?
o Does the “guru” disappear to the Bahama’s with all the launch cash leaving his customers begging for refunds?
The answers to those questions become clear within a couple months.
Brad’s an awesome talented guy and a brilliant marketer. I’m sure he won’t care that little ‘ol Jim sat his launch out for now. I’ve just given him about $10,000 worth of free publicity without getting anything from him so he’ll probably send me a nice Christmas gift!
But, I fully plan to wait and see what the online world says in two months…
Be sure to leave me a comment below. Do you think I’m nuts? Is this just a publicity stunt? Do you appreciate my honesty? Speak up…I want your honest (brutal or kind) feedback.
Jim Cockrum
http://www.MySilentTeam.com
A collection of proven and time tested ideas
P.S. If you like the way I look out for you please email this blog post to an entrepreneurial friend and tell them to visit my site and get on my mailing list so they can get “the good stuff” too.
