riding shotgun with a guru like frank kern, what would you do?

33 replies
long story short, my parents happen to be related to someone who is related to a big guru in IM, now i am an intermediate in IM (i make a few hundred bucks a month, have a small list) but would love to start building bigger lists and maybe do bigger product launches in the future. my parents managed to get me on a "work placement" in december 2010 with this guru to help with a big product launch
( and yes it is someone the majority of you guys will know) ..

i know im pretty lucky

if you got the chance to ride shotgun for a couple of months with a big time guru (eban, frank, etc) to help out on a massive launch, what would you do?

would you write a blog about it?
would you try create a product after it?
would you sit tight and learn as much as possible?
#frank kern #guru #riding #shotgun
  • Profile picture of the author digidoodles
    I'd write about it... and publish it after the fact.

    In addition, I'd also sit tight and learn as much as possible.

    And, I'd try to create a product afterwards, IF it's of value (like what I learned... blah blah blah.)

    All of the above.

    Warmly,

    Brandi
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by rachelbaby1985 View Post

    if you got the chance to ride shotgun for a couple of months with a big time guru (eban, frank, etc) to help out on a massive launch, what would you do?

    would you write a blog about it?
    would you try create a product after it?
    would you sit tight and learn as much as possible?
    All three. I'd record as much video and audio as I could about it, write a bunch of blog posts, and put it all down in a book.

    Then I'd drop all that stuff on the market AFTER the launch. Sort of a project post-mortem.
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    "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    I would keep my mouth closed and my eyes and ears open. I would learn principles and methods to apply to my own ideas and copy nothing.
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

      I would keep my mouth closed and my eyes and ears open. I would learn principles and methods to apply to my own ideas and copy nothing.
      Exactly what I'd do
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  • Profile picture of the author candoit2
    Originally Posted by rachelbaby1985 View Post

    long story short, my parents happen to be related to someone who is related to a big guru in IM, now i am an intermediate in IM (i make a few hundred bucks a month, have a small list) but would love to start building bigger lists and maybe do bigger product launches in the future. my parents managed to get me on a "work placement" in december 2010 with this guru to help with a big product launch
    ( and yes it is someone the majority of you guys will know) ..

    i know im pretty lucky

    if you got the chance to ride shotgun for a couple of months with a big time guru (eban, frank, etc) to help out on a massive launch, what would you do?

    would you write a blog about it?
    would you try create a product after it?
    would you sit tight and learn as much as possible?
    I would be asking the Guru what I should be doing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    I would be in his/her office getting them coffee, shining shoes, polishing the car, anything it took to spend time and find out what they do and how they think.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jarrett
      Banned
      I would make a song about it =)
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric Graudins
    Originally Posted by rachelbaby1985 View Post

    would you write a blog about it?
    would you try create a product after it?
    would you sit tight and learn as much as possible?
    Anyone working at that level would probably require you to sign a non disclosure agreement on their operations, and if so the third option would be the only one open to you.

    cheers,
    Eric G.
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    • Profile picture of the author Adam G. Katz
      Leave your wallet at home.
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      • Profile picture of the author butters
        Just be prepared to work... Don't think about writing a blog or creating a product. Do as he says and exactly how he says it, he will know what is best for you, most probably so just do when he says.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jani
      Originally Posted by Eric Graudins View Post

      Anyone working at that level would probably require you to sign a non disclosure agreement on their operations, and if so the third option would be the only one open to you.

      cheers,
      Eric G.
      Hey Eric---

      I've seen your name before and wanted to ask -- are you Latvian?

      I've heard the name Graudins before here in New York.

      Thanks,
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
        I would steal all their ideas and launch it myself 3 days before they did
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        • Profile picture of the author Zeus66
          Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

          I would steal all their ideas and launch it myself 3 days before they did
          Hey, it works in the WSO section here so why not?
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        • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
          Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

          I would steal all their ideas and launch it myself 3 days before they did
          And then the guru would completely slaughter you in the marketplace, before turning around and releasing the brand new product "Why Jeremy's Launch Sucked and Mine Didn't (Even Though They Were Fundamentally the Same Damn Product)"
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          "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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          • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
            Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

            And then the guru would completely slaughter you in the marketplace, before turning around and releasing the brand new product "Why Jeremy's Launch Sucked and Mine Didn't (Even Though They Were Fundamentally the Same Damn Product)"

            I'm wondering if they would JV with me on the follow up product "Why Jeremys launch sucked and mine didn't" - After all, it only seems fair.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
    I would get your affiliate link, like yesterday and start building your list now. While you are helping out on the side, you should be selling the crap out of it from the other side (obviously not stealing his leads, or community members). That's how you'll really get paid.
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  • Profile picture of the author DigiCypher
    I'd be doing exactly what he says to regarding the launch. Otherwise, I would be asking questions and gaining as much knowledge from the guy as humanly possible
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  • Profile picture of the author RibasIrable
    I would model his thinking first, then I would take notes on everything he does and model after that. Or better.. improve it.
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  • Profile picture of the author DogScout
    chances are he'll have you killed soon anyway, so why think about it. Enjoy what time you have left.
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  • Profile picture of the author Toby Lewis
    I can relate to your situation VERY well. Keep your mouth shut.

    Be as useful as you can and try and score a job. You will learn more off these guys in a day than you will learn on the warrior forum in a year. Talk to and meet as many people in the industry as you can, it's all about WHO you know not WHAT you know.
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    • Profile picture of the author David-JP
      Ask the guru if you can blog about the experience while doing it and share some nuggets about how they operate or what you're learning along the way (not the product itself), behind the scenes videos, quick interviews.

      If you can do video, maybe do a mocumentory, like trailer park boys

      Use the blog to build your list, and then when the gurus launch goes live, promote it to your list.
      As JaMo suggested- if you do this well, you can also make some cash.

      Main thing- ask the guru if its cool!

      David
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Dulisse
    I would learn and listen, add tremendous value to the guru and to his/her team. If you are looking at leeching from your experience, you'll probably make a couple bucks, but you won't be much of an influence. Again, perhaps a could journal read, but not much more than that. The product launch formula is already out.
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  • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
    Would a smart marketer work hard for the guru and do everything expected but still leverage everything at the same time ?

    I would .... but never claimed to be a smart marketer either .
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  • Profile picture of the author sodette1
    Uhm... personally I would change the question and ask "How can I be of value to the guru" instead of trying to figure out how to leverage the situation to "Get" something out of the guru for myself.

    Going in with that mindset is likely to get you more of the results you are really wanting than the other way around.

    Unless your "Uncle IM" is Jeremy K. - then, of course, I'd get inside, copy all of his lists and proprietary info (he likely stole it from someone else anyway), swipe his upcoming product and tag my name on it like a PLR and do exactly like he says.. beat him to the punch then ask if he wants to partner on his rebuttle launch to kick my "arse" online for a good show.

    Jeremy... all love mate.

    Steve Odette
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  • Profile picture of the author JeffH
    I would learn as much as I possibly can - not many people have an opportunity for an education like this.

    There's plenty of time to make money later.

    Jeff
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay White
    Been there, done that. Several times. Several gurus.

    An eye-opening experience, to say the least. You find out how things REALLY work in this business when you're invited into the inner sanctum. And not all of it will be pleasing to the eye (let's just leave it at that).

    My advice? Ears open, mouth closed. Learn as much as you can and make a good impression. If you can "wow" them with your services, you'll be asked back--especially if the launch was successful.

    And best of all, if you shine, they'll tell all their friends about you.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    As George said, keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
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  • Profile picture of the author MisterMunch
    I would focus on being the best employee ever.

    You should forget about using the Guru and family members trust to your advantage. That is just bad. See how they do their stuff and take notes, but do not plan on selling it.

    Be a great guy with creative ideas and buy them beer and you might be part of their team on their next project.
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  • Profile picture of the author GlengarryLeads
    If I was riding shotgun with Frank Kern, I'd call up Tony Robbins
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  • Profile picture of the author Kenster
    I would work my butt off to make sure HIS launch goes as well as possible. Like work extra extra extra hard. I think the most value will come from his/her wanting to return the favor in the future, be it an introduction, whatever.

    I have the belief that the really big guys don't know that much more than you or I. They aren't doing anything crazy different than us...they have contacts, lists, credibility.

    So yeah work your booty off and then when you create a list, the guru will endorse it.
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  • Profile picture of the author AllyW
    Mostly I agree with everyone else -- learn as much as you can from this experience and do the best job you can for the guru. That said, I see absolutely no reason you can't keep a daily diary or notes about the experience for use later. After the launch is done, I'd see if I could come up with a product based on your experience, then I'd show it to the guru to get his okay that you're not revealing anything proprietary, and I'd ask him if he'd like to JV. Worst he can say is no, and he might say yes if it's a good enough product and it tickles his ego. If you go about it this way then everything you have done is ethical and aboveboard and you're not abusing the help that has been given to you. Never, ever burn your bridges.
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  • Profile picture of the author Popstar
    Try to get to know this guru personally.

    And while you're at it, think of products or services you could offer to his list that he doesn't already have... maybe even ask him what he wishes he could send to his list, but doesn't have time to do himself right now.

    Then show you can deliver and try to get a jv that makes both of you money.

    Selling his secrets won't gain you much... especially if you have no list.

    The key here is to leverage your experience and your access... if you can.
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