Synpax said:
book and he made his millions making posts where people think he made the million READING it.
Funny you mentioned that.
About a year or two ago -- i was sitting on my sofa, eating my mint chocolate ice cream when i saw an infomercial on "obtain success today! Learn the secret to making lucrative dollars in today's highly-evolved and ever-changing business environment!" blah blah blah. A seminar was being held close to my house. "Free" of course.
So I decided what the hey -- head down there. I probalby have more education, self-discipline and experience than most of the people there -- so i wasn't too worried about geting "swayed" and dropping money recklessly.
so I go to the hotel. People sitting in chairs. Free drinks. Mainly older people: 35-60. Different races, cultures, etc. Some total guy smiley, anthony robbins, very persuasive and charming guy took over. Of course connected to the audience quick with their concerns (great ploy): "Okay, so i guess you're all here to here my little sales pitch to get your money, so you can get your prize and get out of here! haha. That's okay -- i was on that side once. I know how it is", blah blah.
I admit -- he was very entertaining and great at dressing up something w/o any hard facts or proof of anything. Every 10 minutes, he asks people to "for only $75 -- you can sign up for this plan and give it a shot.". So people kept going to the back and plunking down money. Then anotehr 10 minutes, *another* gimmic, i mean "business idea". This time only $120. "Think about it folks. A POWERFUL whole BUSINESS all on a platter for $120!! Can you beat that?". More sheep go to the back and plunk down credit cards.
Then the finale $1500 vacation retreat packages to sell to friends. More sheep to the back.
I bet from all the gimmicks they sold to the 200 people there -- they probably pulled in close to $10,000 for 1 hour of work. Not fucking bad. Job done. Next city. Repeat.
And you know what...?
I bet you probably 2 people actually made ANY money out of those gimmicks.
It was kinda sad, but what can you do. Example: Some 60 y/o retiree forking over $250 for a "website develpment package" -- where all he has to do is signup some client, go to this website with his account -- and this website will create a simple 5 page site (ie: a default plain vanilla crap site) for them. And options to create more at additional cost to the client. You and I know no business wants some geocities-type website for their business. Possibilty of getting at least his investment back? probably less than 50%. Possibility of *riches* (as eluded to) -- 0%.
Always ascertain the hidden agenda or motive of whoever is selling you some dream or idea or notion or gimmick. Here, we're all doing this for free -- cuz we all give advice, and get advice too. Which means EVERYONE benefits.
Basically I can learn MORE about the realities and specifics of the business world by reading this forum for one day -- then spending 19 hours at those business "sales-pitches" -- or as you described -- those expensive "book courses".