Resisting The Guru Brainwash

How is it that, despite our best intentions, we find ourselves once again falling into the Internet Marketing Gurus clutches?

What’s their secret? How do they get us to click their links? Know your enemy! Discover some killer copywriting tips and techniques.

So, in no particular order, here are some of the copywriting, psychological tips and tricks that the gurus ( the successful ones that is) will use in their sales pitches and sales copy.

Recognising those mind tricks next time you hear from a guru will help give you immunity to his pitches

This post will be ongoing as I add new sales tactics - feel free to do the same via a comment on the post.

So, do any of the following guru techniques look/sound/feel familiar? I bet they do…

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Have you found yourself being reminded that ‘most’ people trying to earn some money on the web flit from course to course, e-book to membership site? How that most are dreamers believing in the Get Rich Quick fix. The pitch goes on to explain how that the ‘majority’ are plain stupid in the way they try and earn money online. What a bunch of losers!

What’s going on here? The fact is that all of us have fallen into that trap and would love to get more focused so this resonates. But! We don’t like being considered losers right?

Next come the ‘release’. “Of course that’s not you because you’ve been smart enough to sign up to my auto-responder”. Phew! Relief! I’m not like ‘them’ I’m smart ‘cos this guys says I am not like those ‘other people’ - the people who’ll never be successful.

Next you might be asked to “..imagine that” for example:

“Imagine that every day you remained focused and followed a foolproof plan that brings money into you bank account like clockwork. Imagine making so much money that you can tell your boss where to shove it. Just think how it would feel to buy that new car with cash!” etc. etc.

Sure it’s great to fantasise about those things and believe they are possible. So we’re agreeing that we are smart and we like the idea of the money too. Suddenly we’re receptive, we like what he’s saying maybe even starting to trust him.

At this stage the guru might throw in a few testimonials.

Maybe he’ll go on to tell me that I’m already, just by reading his mail, in the top 1% knowing more than the 99% of losers. Proof? The free training video/audio/report he’s just given me is full of cutting edge material that makes his case. If I’ve watched/listened or read it I’m in the top 1%!

Wow! This is great. The information I got was pretty cool and has given me some ideas but what is he holding back? All the really good stuff I bet. I can’t wait for his next mail.

And on we go..

Wait! Space is limited! There is only room for 100/250/500 - first come first served. Click here to get informed before everybody else.(Hey that’s nice of him to offer that, but then I am ’special’ after all!)

Good News! He’s now decided to throw in a previously unadvertised bonus ( and it’s a cool one)

But wait there’s more!

What about….. (watch this space!)

Part #2 - Phrases to treat with suspicion…

• I’m not in it for the money
• I want to help you ( ‘cuz I was like you once)
• I want to give something back
• I’m re-opening the membership for another 24 hours ( server meltdown!)

Have you heard any good ones recently?

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