How much should I disclose about myself? Should I even admit the really bad stuff?

12 replies
Hi,

I'm in the process of crafting my copy and autoresponder series.
My question is how much stuff I should reveal about myself. For example, should I reveal that I've been a heroin addict, a drug dealer, theif and that I've extortioned people for money?
That I've been retributed three times for sexual abuse/harassment?

Because my thinking is that, all this stuff makes people think that I'm a criminal and that I will scam them out of their money, which is as far from the truth as you can get.
But how much should you tell? If it doesn't sell, don't tell? If it does sell, tell it more?

I could of course also leave out all of this stuff and just talk about some other personal things like "I was insecure when I was a teen" etc. But first of all, who wasn't? Second of all, that story has been played on repeat so many times it's not even funny.

What do you think?
#admit #bad #disclose #stuff
  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Farthing
    You're not giving us much to go on here. What are you selling? Reveal anything that would help the sell. Don't reveal anything that would hurt it.
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  • Profile picture of the author shawnlebrun
    If anything about your past is directly connected to what you're selling... you may be able to use it to build credibility.

    Everyone loves a "come from behind" Rocky story... but it has to be tied directly to what you're offering.

    If not, there's an immediate disconnect.

    If you were hit with a speeding ticket but found a loophole to get off the charge... and now you're selling the advice to help others get out of the ticket... that's directly related.

    Look into Vincent James... if I remember right, he used a negative angle to create a hook with his copy.

    But you're treading a fine line... people do business with others who they know, like, and trust.

    Start talking about extortion or sexual issues... and you run the risk of alienating the reader because of the trust issue.

    Yes, revealing unflattering things about your past CAN work in certain instances and if done right... but again, there's got to be an immediate connection.
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    • Profile picture of the author svedski
      Originally Posted by shawnlebrun View Post

      If anything about your past is directly connected to what you're selling... you may be able to use it to build credibility.

      Everyone loves a "come from behind" Rocky story... but it has to be tied directly to what you're offering.

      If not, there's an immediate disconnect.

      If you were hit with a speeding ticket but found a loophole to get off the charge... and now you're selling the advice to help others get out of the ticket... that's directly related.

      Look into Vincent James... if I remember right, he used a negative angle to create a hook with his copy.

      But you're treading a fine line... people do business with others who they know, like, and trust.

      Start talking about extortion or sexual issues... and you run the risk of alienating the reader because of the trust issue.

      Yes, revealing unflattering things about your past CAN work in certain instances and if done right... but again, there's got to be an immediate connection.
      Good point. And knowing whether or not I'm going pass the line or not is what I'm trying to figure out. I'm in the dating niche, so some of these stories would probably help me sell in that niche. I realize I just need to think about it long and hard, and see what fits and what doesn't.

      Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
    Originally Posted by stolpioni View Post


    How much should I disclose about myself? Should I even admit the really bad stuff?


    Hi, I'm in the process of crafting my copy and autoresponder series.
    My question is how much stuff I should reveal about myself. For example, should I reveal that I've been a heroin addict, a drug dealer, theif and that I've extortioned people for money?
    That I've been retributed three times for sexual abuse/harassment?

    Because my thinking is that, all this stuff makes people think that I'm a criminal and that I will scam them out of their money, which is as far from the truth as you can get.
    But how much should you tell? If it doesn't sell, don't tell? If it does sell, tell it more?

    I could of course also leave out all of this stuff and just talk about some other personal things like "I was insecure when I was a teen" etc. But first of all, who wasn't? Second of all, that story has been played on repeat so many times it's not even funny.

    What do you think?
    What do I think? I think you just did.

    Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author urban renewal
    When it comes to creating a bond with people, try to have the following 4 elements:

    1. A mission in life
    2. A "super power"
    3. A fatal flaw
    3. A common enemy

    These are the four qualities of pretty much every super hero, and they translate pretty well to the online world in creating engagement.

    Now, of course you don't have to take these things literally.

    If you were selling a dating product, it could be:

    1. Mission: I want to help as many shy guys like us hook up with the hottest girls
    2. Super Power: I have a knack for always deconstructing anything and creating the quickest path to success
    3. Fatal Flaw: But, I think you should know that I'm not a flawless person, I actually used to be a drug addict. It was probably my way of coping with how depressed I was with my life back then.
    4. Common Enemy: I want to help you because, I remember how dissatisfied and frustrated I was with everything back then, and I feel that too many shy guys like us have been held back from what we truly want when it comes to dating by our limiting beliefs and our fear of being rejected (probably a pattern that started in high school).

    Hope this helps.
    Signature

    -Clayton

    http://www.ClaytonTerao.com

    I'm a conversion consultant who helps you make more money online with your business.

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    • Profile picture of the author svedski
      Originally Posted by urban renewal View Post

      When it comes to creating a bond with people, try to have the following 4 elements:

      1. A mission in life
      2. A "super power"
      3. A fatal flaw
      3. A common enemy

      These are the four qualities of pretty much every super hero, and they translate pretty well to the online world in creating engagement.

      Now, of course you don't have to take these things literally.

      If you were selling a dating product, it could be:

      1. Mission: I want to help as many shy guys like us hook up with the hottest girls
      2. Super Power: I have a knack for always deconstructing anything and creating the quickest path to success
      3. Fatal Flaw: But, I think you should know that I'm not a flawless person, I actually used to be a drug addict. It was probably my way of coping with how depressed I was with my life back then.
      4. Common Enemy: I want to help you because, I remember how dissatisfied and frustrated I was with everything back then, and I feel that too many shy guys like us have been held back from what we truly want when it comes to dating by our limiting beliefs and our fear of being rejected (probably a pattern that started in high school).

      Hope this helps.
      Yeah it sure did thank you!
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    I say anything that will build credibility for yourself and your
    product without compromising your privacy. Of course
    "your" privacy standard will be different to that of another
    marketer so no one esle can judge that really.

    -Ray Edwards
    Signature
    The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
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  • Profile picture of the author Curtis2011
    Tell them whatever will increase your sales.
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  • Profile picture of the author directmaildude
    For example, should I reveal that I've been a heroin addict, a drug dealer, theif and that I've extortioned people for money?
    That I've been retributed three times for sexual abuse/harassment?

    Because my thinking is that, all this stuff makes people think that I'm a criminal
    Correct, people will in fact think you are a criminal... because you committed crimes.

    and that I will scam them out of their money, which is as far from the truth as you can get.
    Why is that "as far from the truth as you can get."

    You were willing to extort money and sexually abuse people... but scamming is where you draw the line?

    Honestly? You're destined for greatness in internet marketing. You'll fit right in.
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  • Profile picture of the author Don Grace
    I do it all the time because stories sell. But like a few said it has to be relevant to what you're selling. Sure, it's been done by many in IM (if that's your market)... but everyone's story is unique.

    Also, it's like a "Damaging admission" in writing copy. It makes you more human and real instead of a "fancy pants" pompous ass trying to make a sale.

    Just keep it real, be yourself, and be honest.
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  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    Originally Posted by stolpioni View Post

    Hi,

    I'm in the process of crafting my copy and autoresponder series.
    My question is how much stuff I should reveal about myself. For example, should I reveal that I've been a heroin addict, a drug dealer, theif and that I've extortioned people for money?
    That I've been retributed three times for sexual abuse/harassment?

    Because my thinking is that, all this stuff makes people think that I'm a criminal and that I will scam them out of their money, which is as far from the truth as you can get.
    But how much should you tell? If it doesn't sell, don't tell? If it does sell, tell it more?

    I could of course also leave out all of this stuff and just talk about some other personal things like "I was insecure when I was a teen" etc. But first of all, who wasn't? Second of all, that story has been played on repeat so many times it's not even funny.

    What do you think?
    Are you posting this from prison?
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeremey
      You are in the dating niche.

      I would not use the "sexual abuse" angle as your USP.

      Why do you have to go into specifics?

      People don't need to know that you abused heroin – and extortion & sex abuse goes far beyond the idea of a "damaging admission" for a dating product.

      I could be wrong though.

      Can you share with us a little bit about how your heroin addiction/extortion/sex abuse experiences helped you get with the ladies?

      I'm not being facetious ... but if there's a way to tie that directly to your success in dating then that would certainly be something to talk about. If you just want to relate that your life sucked, you did drugs, and stole money from people, but now you're better ... that's not going to work well for you.
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