Nobody wants to be a guru, but everybody wants to be a guru

57 replies
When someone says that they don't want to be a Guru and are happy just making $X amount per year, do you believe them?

You hear people say that they're happy making the income they make in one post and then the next post is about how they're working extra hard to grow their business.

I think that's the biggest load of crap perpetuated on this forum by so called honest marketers. The truth is, everyone would like to be a millionaire and if they had the chance to be a "GURU" they would jump on that ship like it's Noah's Ark.

I used to say I'd be happy when I got to $5,000 per month, then it was $10,000, and then $20,000. I can tell you from experience, once you reach these milestones you'll find that it's not enough. You'll start to see that you can make millions in this business and missing out on that opportunity would be crazy.

Folks, there is no limit on what you can make doing Internet Marketing, so why place a limit on yourself?

Shoot for the stars and if you fall, at least you'll land on a cloud.
#guru
  • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
    Well Ron, I guess this is just one area where we'll have to respectfully
    disagree.

    I am happy with what I make.

    I can't take it with me and since I am not a spender, what am I going to do
    with it.

    Yes, I work to grow my business. But actually, I work to keep it from going
    under.

    While I don't need to be rich, poverty is not an attractive thing either. If
    I have no money at all then I can't keep my health up.

    But do I need millions? Not at all and quite honestly, do not believe I
    would be any happier if I had them.

    But you're welcome to prove me wrong my donating me a few mil if you
    like.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132323].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author greendesert
      because Gurus can make easy and sleazy money. What worse than marketing trash to wannabe newbie IM and fleecing them.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132343].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author peteinoz
      Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

      Well Ron, I guess this is just one area where we'll have to respectfully
      disagree.

      I am happy with what I make.

      I can't take it with me and since I am not a spender, what am I going to do
      with it.

      Yes, I work to grow my business. But actually, I work to keep it from going
      under.

      While I don't need to be rich, poverty is not an attractive thing either. If
      I have no money at all then I can't keep my health up.

      But do I need millions? Not at all and quite honestly, do not believe I
      would be any happier if I had them.

      But you're welcome to prove me wrong my donating me a few mil if you
      like.

      Hey Steve,

      and I too, respectfully have to disagree with you too

      the people I know who have said, money doesn't make you happy are people who do not, or have had it.

      Simply put money = Freedom, nothing more nothing less. Not just for you, but for your family and many others.

      Steve, have you had a spare Mill? If not, then you most likely are not in a position to state what you would or would not feel like

      The OP started this thread, with an enlightening post.

      Your post took away from it, thus my post.

      Seriously.. would you prefer one or all of your products turn over 100k per year ? or 7 figures per year?

      Cheers

      Pete
      Signature
      HangoutMillionaire.com World Premeire Automated Video Marketing Software, Streams YouTube Live and Google Hangouts. Special Offer Link!
      Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/peterdrew
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132383].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by peteinoz View Post

        Hey Steve,

        and I too, respectfully have to disagree with you too

        the people I know who have said, money doesn't make you happy are people who do not, or have had it.

        Simply put money = Freedom, nothing more nothing less. Not just for you, but for your family and many others.

        Steve, have you had a spare Mill? If not, then you most likely are not in a position to state what you would or would not feel like

        The OP started this thread, with an enlightening post.

        Your post took away from it, thus my post.

        Seriously.. would you prefer one or all of your products turn over 100k per year ? or 7 figures per year?

        Cheers

        Pete

        Pete, you and I obviously have different priorities, and that's fine. I have
        nothing against people who want to have billions of dollars, but for you
        to say what I want or don't want is being a little presumptuous, don't
        you think?

        I mean, you don't know anything about my life, where I came from, what
        my values are or anything about me. So how do you know that I want
        money? You don't.

        As for those who do, God bless them. I hope they get it.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132437].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author peteinoz
          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

          Pete, you and I obviously have different priorities, and that's fine. I have
          nothing against people who want to have billions of dollars, but for you
          to say what I want or don't want is being a little presumptuous, don't
          you think?

          I mean, you don't know anything about my life, where I came from, what
          my values are or anything about me. So how do you know that I want
          money? You don't.

          As for those who do, God bless them. I hope they get it.
          hey steve,

          I didn't presume

          I asked two questions..

          you do not need to answer them obviously..


          re Jeff's post

          those are clearly two different stand points . e.g 100k few hours or 7 figures for a lot more hours..

          Who's saying you cannot have 7 figures and existing work load ?

          just because people earn a lot of money does not automatically mean they work harder than others who earn less thats for sure.. maybe theyve learned to work smarter

          Pete
          Signature
          HangoutMillionaire.com World Premeire Automated Video Marketing Software, Streams YouTube Live and Google Hangouts. Special Offer Link!
          Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/peterdrew
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132459].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
            Originally Posted by peteinoz View Post

            just because people earn a lot of money does not automatically mean they work harder than others who earn less thats for sure.. maybe theyve learned to work smarter
            I just wanted to repeat Petes words - some people may skim over them and not realise just how powerful that statement is.
            Signature

            nothing to see here.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132473].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Wild Boom
          Banned
          [DELETED]
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132779].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author OnlineMasterMind
            Now "guru" has a negative connotation to it? huh? Is "mastermind" bad too? haha

            Ya know...

            Dan Kennedy says... "A lot of people deliberately LOOK for opportunities to be offended..."

            This thread is CASE IN POINT.

            lol
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132952].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Christie Love
            I think that in the begining, a lot of people dream big. But... when they start to make money, at some point they begin to get comfortable. While I don't mind making a few million, I wouldn't consider myself a Guru if I achieved a certain financial mark. In essesnce, I would probably just see myself as a serious business woman who has "been there" and is now willing to share my knowlege.

            Money and the "Guru" status are in many ways, separate. The people who are labeled Gurus, I see as having a talented business mind. From experience, I know people who have tons of money and achieved their finacial gains by pure luck. Does this make them a "Guru"? I don't think so. Do you?

            Here's another thought. Why do Internet Marketers call head honchos, Gurus? I never heard Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey being called a Guru.
            Signature
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132960].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Devin T
              It all seems like a bunch of spam. I hit blog after blog about making money online..yada yada yada..bla bla bla.. If people want to be successful, they need to find a new way of attracting the average joe, someone like me who might be interested if approached the right way. Simply creating a blog and spamming all this IM bullsh** is not going to make you rich. Period.
              Signature
              Coolproducts.com - Community Suggested Products
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132984].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Daniel E Taylor
                Originally Posted by Devin T View Post

                It all seems like a bunch of spam. I hit blog after blog about making money online..yada yada yada..bla bla bla.. If people want to be successful, they need to find a new way of attracting the average joe, someone like me who might be interested if approached the right way. Simply creating a blog and spamming all this IM bullsh** is not going to make you rich. Period.
                and I'm willing to bet you aren't any near rich...
                Signature

                Self Actualization is one's true purpose. Everything
                else is an illusion.

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[133004].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Devin T
                  Originally Posted by Daniel E Taylor View Post

                  and I'm willing to bet you aren't any near rich...
                  I'm a college student. What do you think?
                  Signature
                  Coolproducts.com - Community Suggested Products
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[133100].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
                    Two points:

                    # 1 I still have no idea what a "guru" is supposed to be despite the name being used in every second post on this forum.


                    # 2 There's nothing wrong with making a lot of money but money in itself really should be the means to an end not the end in itself.

                    Put another way you should decide what kind of lifestyle you want then work out how much money you need to make to enjoy that lifestyle and the number of hours you want to work each week to make that money (and have the time you need for your lifestyle).

                    I've dealt with so many business owners and entrepreneurs over the years and the older they get the more they realize how stupid they were for never planning their business so it would serve their lifestyle.

                    Your business will consume you if you let it and you'll have no time to enjoy your family or the things you love.

                    If all you ever want is to be a full on 100% full time and nothing else business owner then that's great but most people are not looking for that when they get into internet marketing.

                    Go back to your original dreams when you started doing internet marketing.

                    What were they and how are you doing based on that?

                    What has changed?

                    If you're constantly seeking more and more income you may want to ask yourself if your material goals have genuine value or if you're just getting caught up in meaningless stuff.

                    There are no real limits to what you can do but it's wise to define for yourself the life you want and work towards that.

                    Kindest regards,
                    Andrew Cavanagh
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[135639].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
                      Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

                      # 1 I still have no idea what a "guru" is supposed to be despite the name being used in every second post on this forum.
                      It usually means someone well known in the industry. The assumption is usually that they must make a lot of money, and they often sell "how to make money online" products.

                      Were you kidding when you said that?
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[136662].message }}
                      • Profile picture of the author chris_surfrider
                        I have to second what Andrew Cavanagh is saying here, as well as several others.

                        The answer is that it doesn't matter, so long as you're not holding yourself back over some kind of mindset complex - as well as not criticizing others for their so-called gurudom.

                        Build your own business (mind your own business) and set things up in such a way that it matches your lifestyle aspirations and long-term financial planning.

                        Myself, I'd truly have to say that while I'm very motivated and a "big" mindset isn't an issue - I prefer a life of what I consider to be ultimate freedom without the "baggage" of a major adminstration.

                        This may cost me in overall volume potential (ie. 6 vs. 7 figures, or 7 vs. 8 figures), but remember that there is a difference between having money and having a rich life.

                        I can related to Ron's "ever-eluding" sliding scale of contentment.

                        It starts off with shooting for $5k a month, then $10k, then $30k, and then up and up it goes and it seems like you're always "halfway up the mountain", even when you're light-years beyond what you ORIGINALLY dreamed about.

                        (It's just that back then you weren't wise in the ways of things like TAX, lifestyle costs, etc.)

                        So it can be a vicious cycle if you're just going "as big as possible".

                        Sort of like that analogy in golf of aiming for the hole instead of the "green", sometimes we need to evaluate what we really desire, and then shoot for that, rather than "as high as possible".

                        For example, if you're in this business for more family time, the ability to travel, a totally flexible schedule and financial room for a few of your favorite toys, then you should focus on building passive revenue through models that are in-line with those kinds of earnings.

                        This includes things like building affiliate content sites, email courses, and maybe some highly-automated digital products.

                        If you're fascinated by the BUSINESS itself, and have an intense motivation to build an entire enterprise of things so you can cash out big or leverage it for a series of other projects (or more online ones) or whatever - and where business IS your lifestyle - then you're cheating yourself by not going all the way.

                        Some people really do thrive on that, to the expense of all else. If it makes you happy and fulfilled - go for it.

                        If that's the case, then you'll want to focus on building an actual brand, releasing a whole series of products, hiring employees to quickly leverage your ideas into action and handle administrative support, and so on.

                        It's more work and much more involvement - but it depends what you thrive on; what fulfills you.

                        So I guess what I'm really saying here is that guru, non-guru or whatever it is that we're talking about here - just make sure that in the end, you're actually working towards what you REALLY want.

                        If you're promoting something or using a strategy that's "just" for the money, but it robs of you of something that you really want (which is usually time) - then you need to re-evaluate what you're doing.

                        Later,

                        -Chris
                        Signature

                        Making 6 Figures From Affiliate Marketing is Easier Than You Think. Here's Proof:

                        http://www.TheLazyMarketer.com

                        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[136704].message }}
                        • Profile picture of the author Ram
                          There's a difference between wanting to make lots of money and wanting to be a celebrity. Celebrity is really what you mean here when you say "guru" since that is what IM gurus have in common with each other.
                          Chris nailed it.

                          In the "make money in IM" niche, "guru" just means celebrity. It doesn't have any real correlation to their bottom line.

                          That said, I wonder how many on this forum would be happier with a limited income and a lot of fame or an unlimited income and no fame?

                          For some fame is the key. They want to be admired and respected. For others, money. And for others, a bit of both.
                          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[136711].message }}
              • When the rubber meets the road , I could care less about being a online money making guru.
                My only thought is to make money any way I can.
                And I do it well selling, but I don't use my own websites to sell on.
                My web sites are for info only and my main selling area is E-bay and selling my music online and in stores across the country. So I have 2 businesses.
                I'll let everyone lese be the guru, but I am well versed in computer skills and knowelge. But one day soon I hope to turn off the online business and retire. I am 51 right now.
                Signature
                Rock,Blues Guitarist GW Williams - Free Internet Guitar information on new guitars,top brand strings,Guitar Lessons,tab,chords,lead guitar,hot licks,lead scales,guitar tips,and techniques all Free

                Online Christian Blog Living For God Online
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[133011].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
        Originally Posted by peteinoz View Post

        the people I know who have said, money doesn't make you happy are people who do not, or have had it.
        Just because someone said it, does not make it true.

        People have different values and beliefs about money. Yes, money equals more freedom ( people naturally want freedom) and more options.

        And, having a belief, also does not make something true. It's true to the believer, but in reality, it may not be true for everyone, or at all.

        Beliefs can be powerful.

        If it costs me 2k a month to live happily, worry free, with freedom, and im making 10k a month, then making 7 figures may not make someone happier at all. It could actually make them less happy depending on the situation.

        Just because one person has a belief, does not mean that belief is true for everyone.
        Signature

        "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
        "


        "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132670].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author peteinoz
          Originally Posted by MaskedMarketer View Post

          Just because one person has a belief, does not mean that belief is true for everyone.
          Yes you are correct, I was obviously stating a generalisation.

          In my personal experience of being on both sides of the income devide,

          I think its pretty fair to say, the majority of people who say, money does not make you happy are those who do not have it. ( I know I used to say it when I had none LOL )

          Not once have any of my friends who have a lot of money say this or need to make any justifications about money based on this phrase.

          Though yes I am sure there are people who do have money who have made this comment.

          Cheers

          Pete
          Signature
          HangoutMillionaire.com World Premeire Automated Video Marketing Software, Streams YouTube Live and Google Hangouts. Special Offer Link!
          Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/peterdrew
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132684].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author OnlineMasterMind
        Originally Posted by peteinoz View Post


        Simply put money = Freedom
        And that's why I love money yes... LOVE
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132958].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
    Why wouldn't one want to become a "guru"?

    If your selling products/information/services online, then why wouldn't you want to be a leader in your field? Don't you want to be the one with the expertise and knowledge in your field?

    Being a guru, doesn't mean your making millions. It just means you have expertise or knowledge in that niche. They key is knowing how to use your expertise and knowlege to make money with it.

    Not everyone cares about making a million dollars a year and sometimes, its not always all about money...
    Signature

    "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
    "


    "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132338].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
      Originally Posted by Jeff Hope View Post

      I don't think we should tie being a guru with one's income. I believe they are totally independent of each other.
      The OP might be confusing the 2, because you don't have to be a guru to make money and a guru can also be broke.
      Signature

      "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
      "


      "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132374].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Takuya Hikichi
      Ron,

      Interesting post Ron. You're bringing up two things here now - becoming a guru and making lots of money.

      Gurus lead the industry and come up with launch after launch. They're certainly interesting to watch but they often deal with unwanted fame (So and So Marketer SCAM? Google Adwords ad for example), criticism and accountability because the market expects them to be good or almost perfect in things they do.

      Then you have ones make great money, but not interested in becoming all that famous -- I believe them. In fact, I think many people prefer being on this list. But they are not Gurus.

      There are also "mini" Gurus -- they're gurus in small domains where nobody else has dominated. These are the smart ones. They give up majority of the market, yet because of that laser focused approach, they become respected brands.

      Subaru did this back in the mid 90's. When I was growing up in Japan, driving Subaru sedan meant, you quite weren't able to afford Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The brand suffered and even stayed "mediocre" as long as they chose to compete in that mainstream market.

      Then in the mid 90's, they GAVE UP that sedan market, and just focused on All Wheel Drive. Today nobody builds better AWD vehicles than Subaru.

      Subaru became the Guru in very small domain where nobody else dominated (AWD Market), while giving up majority of the mainstream market and focusing on their strengths.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132386].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132342].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Chris Monty
      Originally Posted by alexa_s View Post

      I believe them, but I also think they've confused status and income.
      I agree. Status does not always = income.

      Not all millionaires are gurus and not all gurus are millionaires.

      I think I would just be happy with enough money for my wife and I and our three daughters to relax comfortable and enjoy life.

      Getting there.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132646].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author naruq
        Excellent Post Ron! MY goal is to create as much Wealth as I can and use the Wealth in a responsible way.
        Signature

        Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132666].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author marcanthony
          Great post!

          Heavy lies the crown...

          I have a really strong neck, so I'm ready for it.

          And if I need more support, I will hire it.

          The "Guru" title is played out. We need to come up with a new name.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132709].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
    Guru has become a derogatory term and not something
    that I'd like to be labelled as. I much prefer to be seen
    as an expert and influencer in my chosen niche markets.

    John
    Signature
    John's Internet Marketing News, Views & Reviews: John Taylor Online
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132344].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
      Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

      Guru has become a derogatory term and not something
      that I'd like to be labelled as. I much prefer to be seen
      as an expert and influencer in my chosen niche markets.

      John
      Yeah, I agree the "guru" label is getting a bad rap. A guru is an expert though, so in reality if you're the expert, then you could be considered a guru...
      Signature

      "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
      "


      "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132348].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Roy Carter
        Wikipedia definition - A guru is a person who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom and authority in a certain area, and uses it to guide others. The word comes from Sanskrit Gu, darkness, and Ru, light (prakash); literally a preceptor who shows others knowledge (light) and destroys ignorance (darkness).

        In Western usage, the meaning of guru has been extended to cover anyone who acquires followers, though not necessarily in an established school of philosophy or religion. [1] In a further Western metaphorical extension, guru is used to refer to a person who has authority because of his or her perceived secular knowledge or skills.

        -----------------------

        Just for clarity

        Roy
        Signature
        "How To Hang Out On Various Exotic Islands Whilst Still Making Shed Loads Of Money...and stuff!" - Get your FREE ISSUE entitled...'A Quick, Easy $2,000 In Your Pocket By This Weekend!'
        >> ---> http://LettersFromASmallIsland.com/sq1.html <--- < <
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132379].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Phil Jacobson
          Yeah guru has a kind of used car sales person ring to it for me. To become an expert or an authority has a much better ring to it.

          Phil
          Signature

          Why Drink Coffee only?

          www.GreenTea-Japan.com
          (Warrior Discounts)

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132381].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
            Originally Posted by Phil Jacobson View Post

            Yeah guru has a kind of used car sales person ring to it for me. To become an expert or an authority has a much better ring to it.

            Phil
            It seems the problem with the word "guru" is everyone has a different association with the word. Obviously, you wouldn't want to use that type of label if it gets a bad rap (even if by definition you are a guru).

            And even though guru has nothing to do with a used car salesman, you associate that word with that type of experience, which is where one might see a "guru" as a bad thing.

            Why do you think you associate a used car salesman with a guru?

            A guru is nothing more than someone with expertise and knowledge in a given field (and may teach it to others), so by definition many of us here can be considered gurus in the niche your in.

            Are you making good money? Well, thats a totally separate question...
            Signature

            "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
            "


            "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132397].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
      Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

      Guru has become a derogatory term and not something
      that I'd like to be labelled as. I much prefer to be seen
      as an expert and influencer in my chosen niche markets.

      John
      I agree.

      Most people want more money (why wouldn't you) but not everyone wants to be a 'Guru' since it's often associated with people who make their money selling make money info to newbies.

      I make great money and have a nice life, but I also like helping people - I have no interest in being a 'Guru', but more money - yes please.

      Ron, maybe you would jump on the Guru ship - but some of us are just happy making good money and doing things our own way.

      It's a personal choice and we're all different.

      I'm sure there are people like you're talking about but we're not all like that.
      Signature

      nothing to see here.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132365].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
        Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

        I agree.

        Most people want more money (why wouldn't you) but not everyone wants to be a 'Guru' since it's often associated with people who make their money selling make money info to newbies.

        I make great money and have a nice life, but I also like helping people - I have no interest in being a 'Guru', but more money - yes please.

        Ron, maybe you would jump on the Guru ship - but some of us are just happy making good money and doing things our own way.

        It's a personal choice and we're all different.

        I'm sure there are people like you're talking about but we're not all like that.
        Andy, you and John are two of the top Gurus on this forum.

        Did I just insult you? No - that's a compliment and an expression of respect.

        You just said that you're "just happy making good money" and before that "more money - yes please."

        If being labeled a Guru means more money and a better opportunity to help people, would you turn it down?

        This post has less to do with the semantics and interpretation of the word "Guru" and more about people who claim that they don't desire greater success because they don't want to be a Guru. Either they are not being honest, or their mindset is limiting their opportunity.

        IMHO
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132416].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
          Originally Posted by Jeff Hope View Post

          Making lots of money and "guruship" (?), however, often come with a price that not everyone is willing to pay.

          While not everyone wants to be a guru, I'm positive that we all want to make more sales. For some people, at some point though, the things that we have to do to make those extra sales can start to take more of a toll on us than the extra money is worth.

          I've asked this before in a slightly different way:

          Would you be happier working a relatively unstressful 3-4 hours per day, say 4 days per week as an unknown, and earning a fairly safe & steady $100K per year.

          Or, if you had the opportunity to be a "guru" or "brand", and almost certainly make $1,000,000 per year or more, but it routinely involved 60-80 hour work weeks; constant business travel (away from family); meetings with bankers, lawyers, accountants; long phone conferences; interrupted weekends/vacations; supervision of managers/staff & employee issues; and similar tasks...

          Which would you choose?
          I'd choose to make a million dollars per year for like 3 years instead of working 3-4 hours per day for the next 30 years.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132452].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
            Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

            I'd choose to make a million dollars per year for like 3 years instead of working 3-4 hours per day for the next 30 years.
            And that is great Ron, if that's your choice. I say go for it.

            I, on the other hand, am happier working for the next 30 years because I
            enjoy what I do and don't want to stress myself out to make that million
            dollars a year for 3 years. As it is, I've drastically cut down my work hours.

            I'm not going to bring them back up again.

            The point is, that's the choice each of us has to make. There is no right
            or wrong here. It's what is best for YOU.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132461].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
              Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

              And that is great Ron, if that's your choice. I say go for it.

              I, on the other hand, am happier working for the next 30 years because I
              enjoy what I do and don't want to stress myself out to make that million
              dollars a year for 3 years. As it is, I've drastically cut down my work hours.

              I'm not going to bring them back up again.

              The point is, that's the choice each of us has to make. There is no right
              or wrong here. It's what is best for YOU.
              Just because you work 60 hours in Jeff's scenario, doesn't mean you don't enjoy what you do.

              You said that you've drastically cut down your hours. Apparently you've already worked lots of hours for years. If you could have made millions in that time, instead of over the next 30 years would you have chosen that alternative?
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132488].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
                Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

                Just because you work 60 hours in Jeff's scenario, doesn't mean you don't enjoy what you do.

                You said that you've drastically cut down your hours. Apparently you've already worked lots of hours for years. If you could have made millions in that time, instead of over the next 30 years would you have chosen that alternative?
                I'll answer that question honestly. I don't think I'd do anything different than
                I already have simply because money is not as important to me as it
                apparently is to 99% of the people here.

                In order to understand why, you'd have to know about my upbringing and
                my life past and present, and quite honestly, I don't think anybody really
                cares.

                Almost nobody believes me when I tell them money, other than being able
                to keep a roof over my head and eat, means nothing to me.

                Does this limit me in my thinking towards my business? Yes. Does it
                limit my potential for growth? Yes.

                Do I care? No.

                Believe it or not.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132498].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Tom B
                Banned
                Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

                Just because you work 60 hours in Jeff's scenario, doesn't mean you don't enjoy what you do.

                You said that you've drastically cut down your hours. Apparently you've already worked lots of hours for years. If you could have made millions in that time, instead of over the next 30 years would you have chosen that alternative?

                It is easier, for some people, to have this frame of mind to make up for not achieving more. I always liked the abundance way of thinking.


                Money isn't everything. It doesn't make your life better. It can make it more comfortable and get you what I consider the most important thing, more time. Time is a very limited resource and more valuable than money or anything else in this world.


                So why not shoot for the stars. You may be surprised at what you get when you don't limit yourself.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132502].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
          Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

          Andy, you and John are two of the top Gurus on this forum.

          Did I just insult you? No - that's a compliment and an expression of respect.

          You just said that you're "just happy making good money" and before that "more money - yes please."

          If being labeled a Guru means more money and a better opportunity to help people, would you turn it down?

          This post has less to do with the semantics and interpretation of the word "Guru" and more about people who claim that they don't desire greater success because they don't want to be a Guru. Either they are not being honest, or their mindset is limiting their opportunity.

          IMHO

          Are there people here claiming they don't desire greater success? I would imagine that most people would want more success - whatever that means to them. Surely being more successful is a reflection of moving forward positively in your life? so I agree that I'm not sure why anyone would say that they don't want that.

          Perhaps I just missed the person/people who've caused you to raise this as an issue.

          In my coaching experience, anyone who says that they don't want money has some self-imposed limiting belief where they've created a negative association with money. So while I know there are people who think like that - It's not my experience that it's a logical or sensible way to think. Ultimately money is nothing more than a way to remove financial barriers for yourself and others in your life -so it's definitely not 'bad' in its own right.

          Andy
          Signature

          nothing to see here.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132458].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Terry Hatfield
    If you were a guru you would have such a huge exposure . . . think of all the people you could help learn to make a living doing internet marketing.

    It is exciting just the possibility.

    Terry
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132388].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jhongren
      I think it is somehow link to human nature. Human beings would always want to aim for something higher, better...

      Let's say he is aiming for a normal Toyota car for his first car. When he got it and may be satisfied for the first 2 years, then he wanted a change . He wants a Lexus now.

      The cycle repeats after he got his Lexus.

      I feel it is how we humans develope ourselves into better beings. Aim for the stars...aim for somewhere beyond where you are at now.

      My 2 cents,
      John
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132413].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
    My business turnover in the financial year 1999/2000 was £1,000,183
    With the current exchange rate, that's a little short of $2m.

    I worked away from home quite a lot, but while I was at home I worked
    around 30 hours per week. Overall, I guess I was working about 44 hours
    per week on average.

    Of course, I didn't do that all on my own, I employed a few full time staff
    and I had a team of freelance specialists who I pulled into work on specific
    projects.

    Although I was recognised as an expert within my field, I certainly wasn't
    seen as a guru.

    I can tell you from experience that financial success and gurudom are not
    directly connected. You can earn lots of money without being a guru and I
    know a lot of people who are seen as gurus and yet they live from hand to
    mouth.

    When you run your own business, you have the power to make choices
    about how you spend your time, how you structure your workload and how
    you brand youself in the market place.

    The point is that it's up to you to make the choices that suit you and your
    individual circumstances.

    I've chosen to downsize from seven figures to six figures, I've chosen a
    different business model and my personal circumstances have changed
    considerably since 2000.

    John
    Signature
    John's Internet Marketing News, Views & Reviews: John Taylor Online
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132515].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CaptainLou
    Ron said "I'd choose to make a million dollars per year for like 3 years instead of working 3-4 hours per day for the next 30 years."

    Fascinating viewpoints by both Ron & Steven.

    Personally, my financial thermostat must have been pre-set to hit the wall at low six figures. I know I can grow my biz bigger, faster, etc., but can't seem to give up sleeping til noon when I want to, spending quality time with friends and family, Broadway shows, concerts, fine dining and lots of vacations while I'm still young enough to enjoy.

    No one in my family ever hit even this level of success or lifestyle quality.

    But lately, as I'm just over a year away from 50, I'm starting to shift away from Steven's attitude and more towards Ron's.

    I figure if I have just one or two killer years, I could net out as much as I've been able to save from the past 30 years. It's been said that the first million is the hardest, so shouldn't the ones after that be super easy and fast?

    If only I can figure out how to do that in 30 hrs. per week and not make myself sick from stress of more employees, risk, resposibilities, etc.

    Hmmm. I'm right there in the middle between greed and gratitude.

    Captain Lou (the Cruise "Guru"?)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132614].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
    This week I had the pleasure of spending an hour on the phone with Mark Joyner.

    For me, Mark's an undisputed IM guru. I have no clue how much he's earning these days.

    For me it's about innovation, knowledge, experience and the ability to inspire.

    Cheers,

    Neil
    Signature

    Easy email marketing automation without moving your lists.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132675].message }}
  • Ron: I think that what you're describing is just the natural process of setting goals. We set an objective for ourselves, meet it, and then set another objective. When we're still working on the first one, it seems like the absolute pinnacle of achievement. But once we're atop that peak, we see the higher ground we have yet to reach.

    But I make no illusions! I know that the heights are infinitely higher than what I know now and even though I'm just starting out, I know that I'll get the hang of Internet Marketing and that the life I will be leading in just a few years will be nothing at all like the life I'm living right now.

    And I can't wait!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132693].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel E Taylor
    Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

    When someone says that they don't want to be a Guru and are happy just making amount per year, do you believe them?

    You hear people say that they're happy making the income they make in one post and then the next post is about how they're working extra hard to grow their business.

    I think that's the biggest load of crap perpetuated on this forum by so called honest marketers. The truth is, everyone would like to be a millionaire and if they had the chance to be a "GURU" they would jump on that ship like it's Noah's Ark.

    I used to say I'd be happy when I got to $5,000 per month, then it was $10,000, and then $20,000. I can tell you from experience, once you reach these milestones you'll find that it's not enough. You'll start to see that you can make millions in this business and missing out on that opportunity would be crazy.

    Folks, there is no limit on what you can make doing Internet Marketing, so why place a limit on yourself?

    Shoot for the stars and if you fall, at least you'll land on a cloud.
    i agree with you.

    I see it all the time. But I know they just have to
    expand their mind.

    anyone who says they will be happy just making 5k a month online
    probably isn't making making jack shit.

    @All this nonsense about having to work 60-70 hours a week to
    make big money is nothing more than self limiting beliefs.

    i was at a park in lakewood chilling with a fine girl working
    on my business from my laptop courtesy of At & T wireless.

    You can make a million a month doing once you have the
    systems and outsourcing in place.

    I dont even see why someone would put in 60 hours a week
    on an online business unless they personally Wanted to.

    @the guy that says he wakes up at noon so he can't get
    to that pennacle. You need to wake your mind up and realize
    that doesn't have anything to do with it. I don't think I've
    gotten up before 10am in a long time.

    I use to get up at 3:30am to be at work at 5:00am. I
    now cherrrish my sleep.

    Daniel
    Signature

    Self Actualization is one's true purpose. Everything
    else is an illusion.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[132773].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Rowe
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[133093].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jasondinner
      My whole thing is I want to make as much money as possible
      while helping as many people as possible simultaneously.

      If, in the process, someone calls me a Guru, so be it.

      I'm not going to actively seek any accolades from anyone. Never have, never will.

      I could care less what ANYBODY calls me or thinks about me.

      Especially those that DON'T truly know me.

      I'll let my actions and the way I run my business speak for themself.

      I remember hearing this expression from a very successful man named Rex Renfrow.

      He said:

      "What you do speaks so loud, I can't hear what you're saying."

      Profound, ay?

      Jason
      Signature

      "Human thoughts have the tendency to transform themselves into their physical equivalent." Earl Nightingale

      Super Affiliates Hang Out Here

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[134512].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Chris Monty
        Originally Posted by jasondinner View Post

        while helping as many people as possible simultaneously.
        Well, that gets back to our friend Zig. You will always get what you want if you help enough people get what THEY want.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[134938].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
    There's a difference between wanting to make lots of money and wanting to be a celebrity. Celebrity is really what you mean here when you say "guru" since that is what IM gurus have in common with each other.

    Some people make lots of money quietly, and you haven't heard of them because they don't promote themselves.

    Some people love being famous, having their name dropped all over, speaking at lots of events... and some would rather be more private.

    Either of those is fine.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[133849].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lordgalex
    I don't wanna on a cloud..
    I'll be on the sky..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[134727].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fabian Tan
    What I have learned is that most of these moralizing people are just full of B.S. putting on a show. Don't fall for it

    Fabian
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[136421].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DKaelder
    good point Ron!
    I like what you say about shooting for the stars
    sounds good
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[136650].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Robo90
    You are absolutely right, but sometimes people have high expectations for themselves
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[136793].message }}

Trending Topics