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What do you tell family and friends when they say IM is a scam?

by Dorian Anthony
180 replies
I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
#family #friends #scam
  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Dorian,

    You can't tell them anything that will change their minds.

    You have to show them that money can be made online by actually doing it yourself.

    If IM were a scam, then eBay, Amazon, all the social networking sites, etc would not be in business long.

    Don't be influenced by the nay-sayers . . . just go out and prove them wrong.

    You can do it, but you gotta believe!

    The best to you,

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author sunoy14
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

      Dorian,

      You can't tell them anything that will change their minds.

      You have to show them that money can be made online by actually doing it yourself.

      If IM were a scam, then eBay, Amazon, all the social networking sites, etc would not be in business long.

      Don't be influenced by the nay-sayers . . . just go out and prove them wrong.

      You can do it, but you gotta believe!

      The best to you,

      Steve
      Well said. Don't waste time trying to make them agree. Just show it to them. They will never listen unless you show them. My parents and friends too never listen. And I failed at one of my earlier online ventures too. Actually I lost my web data by deleting a folder by mistake (I'm going to put it back up though). Since they saw my failure, they are more convinced that online business is a scam and they think that I'm brainwashed. Lol
      I just keep quite most of the times now and continue with my work. But sometimes I still cannot control my urge to try and prove to them

      Wish I earn a million tomorrow so that I can shut their big mouth
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  • Profile picture of the author jamescanz
    What do I tell them?

    Absolutely nothing, for it's not my problem

    Ironically enough...

    You'll see how fast their perspective changes when you start making a ton more than them.
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    • Profile picture of the author Randy McLean
      Keep it to yourself and use their negative comments as fuel to work relentlessly.

      Once you make a commission (or multiple commissions), show them.

      That's why it's also important to hang around with like minded people - like here on the WF. It keeps things real and positive.
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      • Profile picture of the author Cali16
        Ask them if they've ever searched online to find a dentist, mechanic, lawyer, locksmith, etc. If they did, then they were taking advantage of Internet marketing.

        Or, ask them if they've ever purchased anything online (e.g. from Amazon, eBay, etc.) and if they were happy with their purchase...

        And then get on with your day. Other people's opinions are just that - their opinions. It's up to you how much you allow them to influence you.
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  • Profile picture of the author positivenegative
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post


    What do you tell family and friends when they say IM is a scam?

    I tell them it can't be, then I show them this WSO for $6 that guarantees $1,000 a day for 20 minutes work. Or the banner ad that guarantees $300k in your first 6 months for $29, with no website. Or the JV that will make you $25k a month while you lie on a beach. Or the . . . . .
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  • Profile picture of the author makerstool
    Ask them if advertisements on TV are a scam too.
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  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    They tell me I'm being suckered.
    Maybe. Maybe not. The success rate is a lot lower than anyone on this forum would ever want to admit. On the other hand, the upside is greater than any opportunity most will otherwise have available to them.

    You can get them off your back by telling them it's just a hobby that you do and maybe someday it'll turn into more than that. And really, that should be your own mindset. Not just something that you say.


    If, however, you are defining "IM" as the sale of info products about how to make money online that teach more people how to sell info on how to make money online to still more people......etc..... Then I would say your family is smarter than you are and maybe you should listen to them.
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    • Profile picture of the author p44107
      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

      You can get them off your back by telling them it's just a hobby that you do and maybe someday it'll turn into more than that. And really, that should be your own mindset. Not just something that you say.

      If, however, you are defining "IM" as the sale of info products about how to make money online that teach more people how to sell info on how to make money online to still more people......etc..... Then I would say your family is smarter than you are and maybe you should listen to them.
      Both of these are great points. Thanks.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Guess this is a popular thread...
        For the same reason so many post "my friends/family don't believe me"...

        IMers LOVE to talk about internet marketing, the internet lifestyle, the joy of not having a job, working in their undies...etc.

        Many like to talk about it much more than they like to work at it
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        • Profile picture of the author discrat
          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

          For the same reason so many post "my friends/family don't believe me"...

          IMers LOVE to talk about internet marketing, the internet lifestyle, the joy of not having a job, working in their undies...etc.

          Many like to talk about it much more than they like to work at it
          But Kay, it's the Dream. Have you not heard the great Martin Luther King's speech " I have a Dream.." ?

          Well, many IMers have directly stolen it from this great man and applied 'the Dream' to the IM lifestyle

          Don't you know right at this minute as I am talking, Iam sitting here in my Lazyboy watching a replay of the Dallas Cowboys game on my 120 inch diamond laden big screen TV and sipping on some Dom Perignon while making money all day on my Computer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    You shouldn't try to 'justify' yourself to them.

    I personally do not tell anyone especially family and friends what I do. That is my business not theirs. Don't even try to prove to them that it isn't a scam by making lots of money for yourself. Make lots of money for yourself and still keep your business a secret (from them).

    Most of them still won't understand what it is you really do even if you show up one day driving a Mercedes.

    And some of them will still think IM is a scam.

    Trying to prove yourself is just wasting your 'creative' energy.

    Sometimes the people closest to us can be the biggest dream 'Stealers' around.

    You are now a marketer and it's time NOT to discuss your business with civilians. When you are around your family, talk about family stuff and leave business to business building time and colleges.

    Tell us about your success here because we will support you and share in your enthusiasm.

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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by Rory Singh View Post

      You are now a marketer and it's time NOT to discuss your business with civilians.
      ha ha. ok Rory. I'll try.
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  • Profile picture of the author Curtis2011
    Well most IM promises of making money are scams, so they aren't far off from the truth.

    They aren't going to believe otherwise until you are making money yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author elmo033057
    Social Security...Scam!

    Insurance businesses that got the government to force us into buying their worthless policies...Scam!

    Skin commercials that use software to take every blemish off of Charlene Thereon's face and then tells you it'll do the same for you...Scam!

    Going to a $2,500 marketing seminar to hear Joe Blow speak when you could have bought his in-depth books for .59 cents...Scam!

    LifeLock...Scam!

    Computer and software that needs to be updated every 5 minutes...Scam!

    Comcast and Time Warner merging so they can turn the Internet into a utility company...Scam!

    I recently had a Rotor Rooter guy come over and quote me a $2500 package that INSURED that my pipes wouldn't blow up after he got done. (NO LIE) SCAM!

    As Monty Python said: Scam, Scam, Scam, with Scam...Scam and Scam on Scam...Wait....That was SPAM!

    Spam....Now THERE'S a scam!!!!!!

    Everythings a scam...So, dive right into the American Dream!

    God Bless!

    ELMO
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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by elmo033057 View Post

      Social Security...Scam!

      Insurance businesses that got the government to force us into buying their worthless policies...Scam!

      Skin commercials that use software to take every blemish off of Charlene Thereon's face and then tells you it'll do the same for you...Scam!

      Going to a $2,500 marketing seminar to hear Joe Blow speak when you could have bought his in-depth books for .59 cents...Scam!

      LifeLock...Scam!

      Computer and software that needs to be updated every 5 minutes...Scam!

      Comcast and Time Warner merging so they can turn the Internet into a utility company...Scam!

      I recently had a Rotor Rooter guy come over and quote me a $2500 package that INSURED that my pipes wouldn't blow up after he got done. (NO LIE) SCAM!

      As Monty Python said: Scam, Scam, Scam, with Scam...Scam and Scam on Scam...Wait....That was SPAM!

      Spam....Now THERE'S a scam!!!!!!

      Everythings a scam...So, dive right into the American Dream!

      God Bless!

      ELMO
      Nice Elmo. You crack me up man.
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    • Profile picture of the author rodonet
      Originally Posted by elmo033057 View Post

      Social Security...Scam!

      Insurance businesses that got the government to force us into buying their worthless policies...Scam!

      Skin commercials that use software to take every blemish off of Charlene Thereon's face and then tells you it'll do the same for you...Scam!

      Going to a $2,500 marketing seminar to hear Joe Blow speak when you could have bought his in-depth books for .59 cents...Scam!

      LifeLock...Scam!

      Computer and software that needs to be updated every 5 minutes...Scam!

      Comcast and Time Warner merging so they can turn the Internet into a utility company...Scam!

      I recently had a Rotor Rooter guy come over and quote me a $2500 package that INSURED that my pipes wouldn't blow up after he got done. (NO LIE) SCAM!
      You forgot to mention the oldest scam: religion. Also: astrology. Also: government.
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Lessard
    I do high end specialized marketing via my consultancy and my venture group. Without exception the biggest deals are done during holidays. One of the big reasons this happens is because successful people that have specialized are now on "family time" and to be very honest they run away from many of the extended family gatherings because for the most part they really have nothing in common with uncle bob or most of their family. They just don't get them.

    I have been online full time for 16 years. My kids get it because they have been raised around it and they are all now amazing at thinking out of the box.

    I don't bother trying to convince anyone of anything anymore. Instead I educate the ones that reach out and are interested and have an open mind.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marx Vergel Melencio
      OP,

      Originally Posted by Peter Lessard View Post

      I don't bother trying to convince anyone of anything anymore. Instead I educate the ones that reach out and are interested and have an open mind.
      That's good advice right there ...

      I'd say just focus on building your business. Get rid of such distractions. Network with open-minded people who could work with you on mutually beneficial arrangements -- Let me tell you my story:

      When I was gunned down in 2003 and left totally blind, permanently -- Nobody aside from my wife and daughter listened to me and believed my plans. They were also the ONLY ones at that time who kept my eye on the prize, motivated me to go above and beyond what was needed to be done; and

      It was just my wife and daughter who inspired me to execute my plans and build, from scratch, literally with my eyes closed -- A now 9-year old Certified Microsoft Partner global ICT consulting company with multi-lingual call center operations, a multimedia marketing department, a software and Web technology development department and a VA leasing department; and

      The rest of my family and friends only started to support me (I think success is relative since I noticed that the more success you have, the more relatives start to surround you) after our national government, through our presidential consultant on business and entrepreneurship, awarded me as the 2008 Most Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Philippines, and more so after I was invited as a guest speaker and key panelist at the 2014 3rd Filipino Technopreneurship Summit alongside the principals, CEOs and owners of the top 25 largest and fastest growing ICT companies in the country, including the biggest telco and mobile service provider here in the Philippines and a Silicon Valley pioneer who invented the GPU in the mid 1980s and now principal of 5 US-based corporations (Tallwood Capital Venture is one of them), and most especially after I became one of the founding board members of DigiBridge Foundation alongside KMart Australia CEO, former Asea Brown Boveri Asia Pacific CEO and principal / MD of Lee Fung Group in HK...

      I now know that my job is not to worry about them naysayers, but rather try to do things so great and imaginable that them naysayers'd be too awed to speak...
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      • Profile picture of the author wiifm
        Family and Friends are about as low on the Prospect Thermometer as you can get, so I just tell them I play around on the Internet all day to keep from being bored. They have no clue what I really do and I plan to keep it that way.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
        Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

        OP,



        That's good advice right there ...

        I'd say just focus on building your business. Get rid of such distractions. Network with open-minded people who could work with you on mutually beneficial arrangements -- Let me tell you my story:

        When I was gunned down in 2003 and left totally blind, permanently -- Nobody aside from my wife and daughter listened to me and believed my plans. They were also the ONLY ones at that time who kept my eye on the prize, motivated me to go above and beyond what was needed to be done; and

        It was just my wife and daughter who inspired me to execute my plans and build, from scratch, literally with my eyes closed -- A now 9-year old Certified Microsoft Partner global ICT consulting company with multi-lingual call center operations, a multimedia marketing department, a software and Web technology development department and a VA leasing department; and

        The rest of my family and friends only started to support me (I think success is relative since I noticed that the more success you have, the more relatives start to surround you) after our national government, through our presidential consultant on business and entrepreneurship, awarded me as the 2008 Most Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Philippines, and more so after I was invited as a guest speaker and key panelist at the 2014 3rd Filipino Technopreneurship Summit alongside the principals, CEOs and owners of the top 25 largest and fastest growing ICT companies in the country, including the biggest telco and mobile service provider here in the Philippines and a Silicon Valley pioneer who invented the GPU in the mid 1980s and now principal of 5 US-based corporations (Tallwood Capital Venture is one of them), and most especially after I became one of the founding board members of DigiBridge Foundation alongside KMart Australia CEO, former Asea Brown Boveri Asia Pacific CEO and principal / MD of Lee Fung Group in HK...

        I now know that my job is not to worry about them naysayers, but rather try to do things so great and imaginable that them naysayers'd be too awed to speak...
        What a story Marx! I commend you for your courage and appreciate your support. Your story if proof that persistence pays. Thanks buddy.
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      • Profile picture of the author vikash_kumar
        Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

        OP,



        That's good advice right there ...

        I'd say just focus on building your business. Get rid of such distractions. Network with open-minded people who could work with you on mutually beneficial arrangements -- Let me tell you my story:

        When I was gunned down in 2003 and left totally blind, permanently -- Nobody aside from my wife and daughter listened to me and believed my plans. They were also the ONLY ones at that time who kept my eye on the prize, motivated me to go above and beyond what was needed to be done; and

        It was just my wife and daughter who inspired me to execute my plans and build, from scratch, literally with my eyes closed -- A now 9-year old Certified Microsoft Partner global ICT consulting company with multi-lingual call center operations, a multimedia marketing department, a software and Web technology development department and a VA leasing department; and

        The rest of my family and friends only started to support me (I think success is relative since I noticed that the more success you have, the more relatives start to surround you) after our national government, through our presidential consultant on business and entrepreneurship, awarded me as the 2008 Most Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Philippines, and more so after I was invited as a guest speaker and key panelist at the 2014 3rd Filipino Technopreneurship Summit alongside the principals, CEOs and owners of the top 25 largest and fastest growing ICT companies in the country, including the biggest telco and mobile service provider here in the Philippines and a Silicon Valley pioneer who invented the GPU in the mid 1980s and now principal of 5 US-based corporations (Tallwood Capital Venture is one of them), and most especially after I became one of the founding board members of DigiBridge Foundation alongside KMart Australia CEO, former Asea Brown Boveri Asia Pacific CEO and principal / MD of Lee Fung Group in HK...

        I now know that my job is not to worry about them naysayers, but rather try to do things so great and imaginable that them naysayers'd be too awed to speak...
        Great! Inspiring story...

        I would agree with all comments... However, its not as simple at the start to be motivated about yourself and believe that you will be a successful online entrepreneur one day.

        So, As far as you believe that it is going to be a successful kind of thing...You won't bother what other's are saying....If you have asked this question...That means...You don't believe on IM success as yet by yourself.

        Many of us are earning our living online and so can you. There is nothing special...Its a career like other careers and you need to master certain things before you will earn a decent amount of income online.

        Be consistent and Always learn and master one project at a time at the start of your journey.

        Wish you best!
        Vikash
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      • Profile picture of the author discrat
        Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

        OP,



        That's good advice right there ...

        I'd say just focus on building your business. Get rid of such distractions. Network with open-minded people who could work with you on mutually beneficial arrangements — Let me tell you my story:

        When I was gunned down in 2003 and left totally blind, permanently — Nobody aside from my wife and daughter listened to me and believed my plans. They were also the ONLY ones at that time who kept my eye on the prize, motivated me to go above and beyond what was needed to be done; and

        It was just my wife and daughter who inspired me to execute my plans and build, from scratch, literally with my eyes closed — A now 9-year old Certified Microsoft Partner global ICT consulting company with multi-lingual call center operations, a multimedia marketing department, a software and Web technology development department and a VA leasing department; and

        The rest of my family and friends only started to support me (I think success is relative since I noticed that the more success you have, the more relatives start to surround you) after our national government, through our presidential consultant on business and entrepreneurship, awarded me as the 2008 Most Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Philippines, and more so after I was invited as a guest speaker and key panelist at the 2014 3rd Filipino Technopreneurship Summit alongside the principals, CEOs and owners of the top 25 largest and fastest growing ICT companies in the country, including the biggest telco and mobile service provider here in the Philippines and a Silicon Valley pioneer who invented the GPU in the mid 1980s and now principal of 5 US-based corporations (Tallwood Capital Venture is one of them), and most especially after I became one of the founding board members of DigiBridge Foundation alongside KMart Australia CEO, former Asea Brown Boveri Asia Pacific CEO and principal / MD of Lee Fung Group in HK...

        I now know that my job is not to worry about them naysayers, but rather try to do things so great and imaginable that them naysayers'd be too awed to speak...
        Hey Marx,
        That is just plain amwesome, my friend.

        For any of us who may start to feel sorry for ourselves and down and out because things may not be going our way
        well
        ... just look at Marx and see that NOTHING is impossible if you really want it bad enough.
        Very inspiring man.

        Makes me want to keep getting better and better



        - Robert Andrew
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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by Peter Lessard View Post

      I do high end specialized marketing via my consultancy and my venture group. Without exception the biggest deals are done during holidays. One of the big reasons this happens is because successful people that have specialized are now on "family time" and to be very honest they run away from many of the extended family gatherings because for the most part they really have nothing in common with uncle bob or most of their family. They just don't get them.
      Great point made here Peter. I can relate.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveSki
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Watch me.....

    But they do have a point... IM is a method of marketing your business. So instead of telling them you market your products and services online, just tell them what need or demand in today's marketplace that you fill.

    They can understand I provide/sell product/service/solution for people who have X problem.

    That they can understand but they have no experience with using the internet to market a business, product or service... so don't go there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Geeked Labs
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    This is easy. You simply state things in a logical plain & obvious way. Don't say you're an internet marketer. That's like saying you're a business person.

    Instead say I sell XYZ products with these specific websites.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    There are few families who would support you in a non-traditional
    job. You can't blame them. It is what they have been taught. You
    go to school, get an education and then get a job. That''s the secure
    life. I mean, who hired you on the Internet? You don't have to punch
    a clock? How are you going to get paid? Will they mail you the
    money? Paypal? What's that?

    These are all legitimate questions in their mind. The less they understand
    it the more "scam" it seems.

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author infear_takao87
    In my situation, just not telling them what I'm doing whenever I sit in front of my laptop..
    When they asked.. I just say "I have an urgent job to be done today"

    Not letting them a single chance to ask about SCAM
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  • Profile picture of the author greenowl123
    The best way to convince anybody of anything is by showing them proof.

    If I say I can bench press 260 pounds for 5 reps, some people will not believe me until I show them...

    It is the same thing with IM.

    My wife did not believe that anyone could make money online when I got started back in 2008. Well, to be more precise, she thought that only large companies with big money for advertising could make money online.

    After the first few checks came in the mail from ClickBank, Amazon, etc. she became a believer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
    Besides proof (in results and making it work not necessarily in bragging) I would say this if you are worried about their reaction and you want to stay on the up and up:

    Do not ever sell or promote anything in any way that would convince them that now YOU are a scammer. Keep your nose clean. Be ethical, moral, and legal to the max. Don't ever get into a grey area. Sell and promote stuff that THEY may be interested in one day. Don't lie and don't overuse hype while still making your offers compelling.

    Because if you do get on that slippery slope, many families and "normal" people still won't be able to accept what you do because they see you as a scamming scumbag. Kind of like there are no (hardly none at least) proud moms that their sons are making a living making and selling meth.

    Mark

    PS Even if you don't do it for your families sake, I hope you do the above anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    When they tell you that the only people making money are the people who are scamming you... tell them one day you will be the scammer. Watch the look on their faces... they will actually have a deep thought in agreement from what you just said LOL.

    P.S. Next time someone asks you what you do online, or what kind of business you have... just say you're a marketing consultant. Then show them your business card and website.
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  • Profile picture of the author teeowl
    Just make money and show them your earnings... period!
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Trujillo
    ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those that have never been successful of it.

    ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those who decided to throw in the towel in life.

    ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to the average joe because he'll never be great.

    ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those that are afraid of obtaining freedom.

    ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those who know little to nothing about it.

    HOWEVER.... Internet Marketing is NOT a scam to those who desire freedom, and don't lack discipline!

    If you can deliver products and services offline, what makes anybody think it can't be done online?!
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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by Matthew J Trujillo View Post

      ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those that have never been successful of it.

      ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those who decided to throw in the towel in life.

      ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to the average joe because he'll never be great.

      ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those that are afraid of obtaining freedom.

      ==> INTERNET MARKETING is a scam only to those who know little to nothing about it.

      HOWEVER.... Internet Marketing is NOT a scam to those who desire freedom, and don't lack discipline!

      If you can deliver products and services offline, what makes anybody think it can't be done online?!
      Well said, Matthew. I appreciate your support man.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Dorian,

    The best thing you can do is to just not talk about it with them anymore. They are not going to support you anyway so there is no point in ever saying anything. Even if they ask you, just ignore them and tell them that you don't want to talk to them about it.

    Also, make sure to listen to audio everyday and read motivational books. This will get your mindset only stronger when things get hard and tough and people in your circle of influence laugh at you for doing this.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by talfighel View Post

      Dorian,

      Also, make sure to listen to audio everyday and read motivational books. This will get your mindset only stronger when things get hard and tough and people in your circle of influence laugh at you for doing this.
      So true. I try to listen to Tony Robbins before bed at night so I program my subconscious for success.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Karp
    I say that I'm providing meaningful value to the world by helping people build their businesses online.

    But if other people don't get it, it doesn't matter. They can think what they want. It won't change how I feel about what I do and why I do it.
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    Author of The Content Marketing Guidebook

    Traffic Gen Tutorial: Learn 21 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website (for free).

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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Ignorance is bliss
    I'm actually very fortunate , half of my family is very supportive and don't think that what I do is unethical or scam like. The other half think that it's fake because it's not a brick and mortar business.

    At the end of the day, I try to agree to disagree with them. If I'm making my money ethically and supporting my family that's all that matters.
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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Stay away from info products and it will be very hard for them to call you a scammer.

      As you know Clickbank has quite a poor reputation, so does the WSO section that's filled with fake promises.

      Hard to call you a scammer when you sell let's say musical instruments through Amazon and get a commission for that or focus on lead generation for real services like roofers.

      But yeah if you're bragging at birtday parties that you can make millions with IM and don't have a dollar to show for it no wonder they think you're lured into it.

      Some people are just ignorant though, went to a barber a year ago and she asked me what I did, told her SEO and she asked what that is, so I said I rank sites in Google and get paid for that and her response was: Oh so you're a scammer.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
        Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

        Stay away from info products and it will be very hard for them to call you a scammer.

        As you know Clickbank has quite a poor reputation, so does the WSO section that's filled with fake promises.
        Why do you think info products equate to scams?? I've purchased several products on Clickbank and have found the information in them to be very useful. I do see what you mean about the fake promises that run rampent on WSO section. That's why I never make income claims.
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        • Profile picture of the author nik0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

          Why do you think info products equate to scams?? I've purchased several products on Clickbank and have found the information in them to be very useful. I do see what you mean about the fake promises that run rampent on WSO section. That's why I never make income claims.
          No wonder your relevants accuse you of being active in a scam niche, you don't even realize it yourself.
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          • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
            Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

            That's why I never make income claims.
            Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

            No wonder your relevants accuse you of being active in a scam niche, you don't even realize it yourself.
            It's amazing how many people on this forum are involved with "internet marketing" (their definition of it) and don't consider themselves scammers. I would guess it's because they didn't consider themselves victims when they bought into it themselves. Therefore, the people they in turn sell it to aren't victims either.
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            • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
              Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

              It's amazing how many people on this forum are involved with "internet marketing" (their definition of it) and don't consider themselves scammers. I would guess it's because they didn't consider themselves victims when they bought into it themselves. Therefore, the people they in turn sell it to aren't victims either.
              Yes, yes, all IM products teaching others how to sell info products online are a scam. Same sad old beat of the drum from your predicably sad and angry posts.

              You forgot to get angry at a guru in this post.

              Not all IMers (in this definition) or their products are scams and not all are legitimate either. It isn't a whole segment that is a scam, that is a massive misconception and overgeneralization of that particular market. If you believe your own BS, then you're either being willfully ignorant or so biased that you simply can't see the reality of the current market.

              There are quite a few markets that engage in the practice of selling how-to information that have both fraudulent and legitimate vendors in the mix some easy examples being real estate, stocks, forex, fitness, etc..., it doesn't make all of them a scam nor does it make all of them legitimate.
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              • Profile picture of the author salegurus
                Originally Posted by James Campbell View Post

                Yes, yes, all IM products teaching others how to sell info products online are a scam. Same sad old beat of the drum from your predicably sad and angry posts.
                Every time he makes a post you are quick to follow with your retort...
                If his posts bother you that much why not block him so you don't see his posts and get yourself all worked up about it?
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                ― George Carlin
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                • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
                  Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

                  Every time he makes a post you are quick to follow with your retort...
                  If his posts bother you that much why not block him so you don't see his posts and get yourself all worked up about it?
                  I'm not the only one they bother. I just happen to be one of the only ones to call him out on his BS consistently.

                  He is giving a false view of a whole segment of an industry and frankly gives misguided advice about that industry. Part of being a good "citizen" of this community is not letting crap like that fly so as to help prevent newcomers from stepping in it.
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                  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
                    Originally Posted by James Campbell View Post

                    He is giving a false view of a whole segment of an industry and frankly gives misguided advice about that industry.
                    Yet not once have you (or anyone!) ever zeroed in on one of my claims and laid out why I am wrong. When I talk about the fake guru programs, there simply is no argument to be made against me.

                    Originally Posted by James Campbell View Post

                    Part of being a good "citizen" of this community is not letting crap like that fly so as to help prevent newcomers from stepping in it.
                    I have never said anything that would turn a newbie away from the industry unless they were destined for failure anyway. While "you people" (the course sellers) are hard at work trying to glue rose colored glasses onto your potential buyers, I'm providing a view of reality that you would rather not be seen here because it screws with your hustle.
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                    • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
                      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

                      Yet not once have you (or anyone!) ever zeroed in on one of my claims and laid out why I am wrong. When I talk about the fake guru programs, there simply is no argument to be made against me.
                      I clearly outlined why you are wrong. You have yet to give any valid examples as to why you are "right" about an ENTIRE industry based on only some bad apples in the industry. Your argument is based on a personal bias and an overgeneralization. Your logic is extremely flawed.

                      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot

                      I have never said anything that would turn a newbie away from the industry unless they were destined for failure anyway. While "you people" (the course sellers) are hard at work trying to glue rose colored glasses onto your potential buyers, I'm providing a view of reality that you would rather not be seen here because it screws with your hustle.
                      You have likely turned away a newbie or two who was interested in jumping down this rabbit hole of online entrepreneurship, without you EVER having ANY idea whether they are going to succeed or fail.

                      I am a vendor yes. I am not currently a vendor of any MMO/IM/Biz-Op products. Occasionally an affilaite for various training products (paid traffic courses in particular) and sometimes a useful tool or wordpress plugin, but that is my extent in that space currently.

                      None of the people here are my potential "buyers" so your false logic has failed you again. I have no signature here, I have no active WSO threads with buy buttons, I have no IM offers, I offer no coaching program at this time. My only skin in this game is making sure poor one-sided arguments like yours don't go unchecked, as unforunately even poor arguments are sometimes listened to.

                      None of what you're doing "screws with my hustle" in any sort of way. It does however paint a "doom and gloom" picture of a whole industry that frankly is a completely inaccurrate picture.

                      Most ultra-successful IMers (those in the selling information products that help you to learn how to effectively sell online, learn the various skills that aid in building an online business and offer various tools that aid in building an online business) are selling legitimate how-to courses on all sorts of topics, such as:
                      persuasive copywriting
                      proper market viability research techniques
                      paid traffic how-to (facebook ppc, google adwords, media buying, etc...)
                      email list building and marketing
                      branding and customer relationship building
                      wordpress plugins to make any of the above easier and/or faster and/or more effective
                      data analysis, testing and adjusting

                      There are quite a few other topics, all of which are completely legit, apply to far more than the IM/MMO/BizOpp markets and all of which help you start, build and grow an online business.

                      You're angry/butthurt/clearly lost your shirt chasing the "dream" of fast money at some point, that is my guess, but I'd be happy if I was incorrect. You've had or seen some people have poor experiences with some unscrupulous markters and have no ignorantly lumped ALL online marketers and vendors into that same pile. Now you spit your ignorant views for unsuspecting newbies to be scared away before they even attempt to build something life changing.

                      I have in no way said that all marketers are great or ethical. In fact, I have made a point of saying that SCAMMERS EXIST within the market (and every other market). You on the other hand won't acknowledge that good do exist with the bad, which makes your argument weak, unrealistic and frankly ignorant.

                      Those who teach sound marketing principles and techniques to market your online business (whether in the IM/MMO/BizOpp sector or not) are not doing anything unethcial, fraudulent or engaging in a scam in any way. No matter how your own twisted personal biases would like believe they are.

                      That is reality. Sadly it appears you don't live in it.
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                      • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
                        Originally Posted by James Campbell View Post

                        Most ultra-successful IMers (those in the selling information products that help you to learn how to effectively sell online, learn the various skills that aid in building an online business and offer various tools that aid in building an online business) are selling legitimate how-to courses on all sorts of topics,
                        This is where you are very wrong. The "ultra-successful" sellers of MMO info products are almost exclusively scammers. They have no ethical boundaries in what they allow themselves to say to close a sale, so they have taken near ownership of an MMO info product market full of buyers who don't know any better yet.

                        Originally Posted by James Campbell View Post

                        such as:
                        persuasive copywriting
                        proper market viability research techniques
                        paid traffic how-to (facebook ppc, google adwords, media buying, etc...)
                        email list building and marketing
                        branding and customer relationship building
                        wordpress plugins to make any of the above easier and/or faster and/or more effective
                        data analysis, testing and adjusting
                        One thing you'll notice that I tell newbies in search of various forms of advice is to track down a verifiable authority figure and ask them if they are interested in providing consulting services.

                        If I want to learn how to be an Amazon affiliate and I see an MMO info offer by a self proclaimed "super affiliate," what are the odds that the seller can back that claim up? What's going to happen if I ask them for the addresses to their "money sites" to prove that I'm not just buying into empty hype written by a pretender? Are they going to provide that information or dance around the request? Do they even have anything to provide?

                        One of the things that the MMO info industry really needs to move towards is course creators properly identifying themselves and their professional history. Product buyers need to demand this rather than settling for "testimonials."
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                        • Profile picture of the author discrat
                          Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

                          If I want to learn how to be an Amazon affiliate and I see an MMO info offer by a self proclaimed "super affiliate," what are the odds that the seller can back that claim up? What's going to happen if I ask them for the addresses to their "money sites" to prove that I'm not just buying into empty hype written by a pretender? Are they going to provide that information or dance around the request? Do they even have anything to provide?

                          One of the things that the MMO info industry really needs to move towards is course creators properly identifying themselves and their professional history. Product buyers need to demand this rather than settling for "testimonials."

                          I hear you on that. It is quite a problem. Especially, when the Vendor who is selling his " make money as an Amazon Affiliate" Course and his only "money Site" is the amazon Site he sells his
                          " make money as an with Amazon Affiliate" Course at.

                          But I will have to mention the flip side to this.

                          There are many instances such as when a relatively newbie who becomes an Affiliate off a high quality
                          " make money as an Amazon Affiliate" Course and states this fact to ALL his prospects and then takes a slice of commission for his work in bringing the Prospect and Vendor together, acting as a middleman of sorts. And making money that way.
                          .. imo there is nothing fundamentally unsound with this business model as it has been practiced in Corporate America and Offline businesses for many, many decades now. Just as long as the newbie affiliate is transparent about everything he says and does, including no income claims etc..etc..



                          - Robert Andrew
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              • Profile picture of the author nik0
                Banned
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                • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
                  Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                  Lol hear him, why he has to get angry?

                  I bet you belong to that category that doesn't label their selves as victims.

                  Maybe too make it easier for you we should see the difference between scamming and being active in a scammy niche.

                  All the top MMO vendors are active in a scammy niche, likely you're an affiliate of one or more of them.

                  Or don't they use headlines like:

                  This Is How I Made 7 Figures And I'm Gonna Teach You Exactly How

                  or perhaps:

                  http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...handed-me.html

                  So who on earth are you to have an opinion about this mr MMO fraud himself.
                  I appreciate you insinuating that I'm some sort of fraud. That is really kind of you, especially considering you've never had any professional interaction with me.

                  You also clearly have no idea that most of my online business activities are outside of IM/MMO/BizOpp, though I do find that whole "niche" interesting and valuable to people if you're being taught legitimate information that can be used both within that niche AND in other niches.

                  Who am I to have an opinion about this?

                  I am someone who had done their due diligence before purchasing products and have successfully applied the marketing techniques I've learned from various IM/MMO products/courses/trainings to multiple different niches.

                  I'm in no way angry, though I think you may be referring to the dubdubdud poster.

                  The niche as a whole is not "scammy", there are corners where that is not true obviously. However, as a whole it is not "scammy" at least no more so than stock investing, real estate investing, weight loss, etc... all of which are legitimate niches with "scammy" corners.

                  Thanks for calling me a fraud, appreciate it. It just shows you literally have NO IDEA who I am, what my business holdings are or what I do.

                  Your argument against me is weak at best and slanderous at worst.
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                • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
                  Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                  Lol hear him, why he has to get angry?

                  I bet you belong to that category that doesn't label their selves as victims.

                  Maybe too make it easier for you we should see the difference between scamming and being active in a scammy niche.....
                  Also while we're at it. You appear to be in the SEO niche, which is rife with fraudulent activity and "scammy" vendors. However, I'd venture to guess you don't believe SEO services, "ranking" services, selling how-to SEO information, etc... is "scammy".

                  Why would you believe that? Well, because it is true. SEO as a niche itself isn't "scammy" but there sure as hell are LOADS of "scammy" vendors and corners of that community.

                  Ask paypal exactly what they think about SEO services being sold... you won't like their answer.
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            • Profile picture of the author Cali16
              Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

              It's amazing how many people on this forum are involved with "internet marketing" (their definition of it) and don't consider themselves scammers. I would guess it's because they didn't consider themselves victims when they bought into it themselves. Therefore, the people they in turn sell it to aren't victims either.
              People on this forum are involved with Internet marketing because, duh, that's the focus of this forum. So it kind of makes sense that everyone here is interested in or actively involved with "Internet marketing", doesn't it?

              Mom and pop businesses to huge corporations utilize the Internet to market their goods and services - not sure how that somehow makes everyone involved in "IM" a scammer....

              Not everyone involved in "IM" is peddling dubious MMO products, which seems to be what you're insinuating.
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  • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
    Is IM a scam? No.

    But a lot of people getting into IM are getting scammed.
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    :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Knightsofusa
    I have friends and family and I've been telling them about IM and I get the same treatment from them. They either think I am being scammed or trying to recruit them so that they would get scam.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Here's a different perspective:

      Internet marketing is only interesting to those who do it.

      If you don't want to listen to friends and family opinions of IM - stop talking about it to them. Unless they are supporting you financially - why tell them about it at all?

      You'll find people more receptive when they see you earning a good income online and living a nice lifestyle.
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      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world will change forever for that one dog.

      I wish offended people would react like fainting goats and quietly tip over.
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  • Profile picture of the author ProfitFromMyDomain
    Who cares, they don't know what they're talking about. Let them explore it themselves. Theirs a reason why success coaches tell you to keep your goals to yourself.
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    I would have invented Google and Microsoft if I was born earlier.

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  • Profile picture of the author Miguelito203
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Personally, I wouldn't worry about what they say. Lots of people will talk crap when you first tell them -- until that first check or deposit comes in, Then, when they see you making money, they will ask you for some and/or tell you to set things up for them (a.k.a. do all the work until the profits start coming in) and claim they will take over -- even though they didn't believe you from the start and were too unmotivated to learn about the business to begin with.

    Joey
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Just take them out to dinner, or buy them a new car... my mom thought it was a scam even after I had been doing for 10 yrs.. I got tired of the nagging and paid off her house... no more nagging!
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    Success is an ACT not an idea
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  • Profile picture of the author Andre Slater
    It's a waste of time...

    Hard for majority of people to even understand that people are making money online. They think the internet was created for FB.

    The problem is that when most people think of a business they think of a building, supplies, employees, a product to sell.

    It's really sad people don't know that we are living in the information age and not in the industrial age.

    It's almost like if you had a video camera and you were abducted by aliens and you filmed everything from the craft to sitting right next to an alien and pressing on his face, and you showed the video to the public...

    Majority of people wouldn't still believe you, even if they took you to their planet and you filmed 100 hours of footage of their planet and everyone on it people still wouldn't believe it...

    Same goes with family and friends don't worry about them just do your thing
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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by Andre Slater View Post


      It's really sad people don't know that we are living in the information age and not in the industrial age.
      So true Andre. Ignorance is bliss for some people. :-)
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      • Profile picture of the author Devilfish168

        what I like goggle adsense is " the trust there "

        every one know what is google...

        when you show them the money earn from adsense ..

        but I don't like adsense is ..." hard to earn in fact..." next...rules are strict...
        afraid been ban ..and that it.....

        they will hmm is true can earn some money from internet.

        the weird part If you show other IM companies payment
        they will say ...Really pay??? even it pay..how long ..it take ? and who knows next day close down....
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  • Profile picture of the author Elvis Michael
    I tell them that im a content writer or that I operate a successful website about XYZ topic (travel tips, financial advice, you name it).

    For whatever reason, that sounds a lot more acceptable to people.

    Just keep it short and simple, OP.
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  • Profile picture of the author sharpturn
    Most of us don't have the fairytale "perfect" family and friends that you see in the movies or TV shows where everyone is soooooo supportive, understanding and close....regardless of what is going on around them.

    In reality it is more like an up and down relationship...good days, bad days, etc.

    So...whether a family member or friend is supportive or not is not that important. Whether they think this whole IM thing is a scam is not important. What is important is how YOU feel.

    If you believe in yourself, if you worked your butt off day in and day out, if you built your online business from nothing.....all by yourself....if you kept persevering even when others were trying to put you down......if you continued to push through the hardest of times....if you are able to support yourself and your family......then who gives a *!"@$! what other people think!

    If they want to get up at 5am every morning, get crushed on a packed commuter train, get abused by a nasty boss........hate every minute of it......yet continue to do it each and every week.......well, that is their choice.

    I choose to be different, I choose to create my own path to my version of freedom.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by sharpturn View Post

      Most of us don't have the fairytale "perfect" family and friends that you see in the movies or TV shows where everyone is soooooo supportive, understanding and close....regardless of what is going on around them.

      In reality it is more like an up and down relationship...good days, bad days, etc.

      So...whether a family member or friend is supportive or not is not that important. Whether they think this whole IM thing is a scam is not important. What is important is how YOU feel.

      If you believe in yourself, if you worked your butt off day in and day out, if you built your online business from nothing.....all by yourself....if you kept persevering even when others were trying to put you down......if you continued to push through the hardest of times....if you are able to support yourself and your family......then who gives a *!"@$! what other people think!

      If they want to get up at 5am every morning, get crushed on a packed commuter train, get abused by a nasty boss........hate every minute of it......yet continue to do it each and every week.......well, that is their choice.

      I choose to be different, I choose to create my own path to my version of freedom.
      Great comment Andy, I can tell it comes from the heart. It rings true for me. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author LizzieThomson
    Sadly there is a lot of mistrust when it comes to Internet Marketing, it is however a huge industry. Yes there are scam artists out there, but this is the case with any industry. If it was nothing but smoke and mirrors, then how would Google survive and the millions of online companies that rely on high rankings and presence within the search engines?
    I'm unsure if your referring to affiliate marketing as internet marketing, digital marketing and SEO is a completely different industry. Without professional internet marketing / digital marketing and SEO companies - many businesses would not have the online presence, customers or conversions they do.
    Nothing worth anything is easy, what I will say is internet marketing is an amazing industry to learn and begin to grow your knowledge. It takes time and hard work, but is one of the most exciting and evolving industries there is.
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  • Profile picture of the author skybridgedomains
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    If you make money from IM and it is legal. How can it be a scam? Google and Facebook is kind of like an IM. People don't say they are a scam.
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  • Profile picture of the author camohit
    nobody earns profit without selling. all other streams like IT, Finance etc are secondary in nature. now to promote the product advertisement is required where the seller takes the product to prospective buyer. however in marketin you build the brand name of ur product such that the prospective buyers come to u. now the more the brand is widespread the more the sale hence profits. marketing on internet gives the potential to build the brand name all over the world and not just get limited geographically. its true some companies have scammed in the pursuit of earning fast money but then those organisations or associations are fraud and not the whole internet marketing concept. If u believe ur product is true and genuine then whatever others say u keep on market and give ur best efforts. there are both kind of people positive and negative. if u are persistent in ur efforts and believe in urself u will find success. all the best
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    • Profile picture of the author skybridgedomains
      Originally Posted by camohit View Post

      nobody earns profit without selling. all other streams like IT, Finance etc are secondary in nature. now to promote the product advertisement is required where the seller takes the product to prospective buyer. however in marketin you build the brand name of ur product such that the prospective buyers come to u. now the more the brand is widespread the more the sale hence profits. marketing on internet gives the potential to build the brand name all over the world and not just get limited geographically. its true some companies have scammed in the pursuit of earning fast money but then those organisations or associations are fraud and not the whole internet marketing concept. If u believe ur product is true and genuine then whatever others say u keep on market and give ur best efforts. there are both kind of people positive and negative. if u are persistent in ur efforts and believe in urself u will find success. all the best
      Very true.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lightlysalted
    Just reply "is medicine a scam? Is real estate selling a scam? No. There are some people who use tge system to scam but that doesn't mean the system itself is dubious. IM is not inherently a scam, it's what you do with it that makes it a force for good or evil. My advice is use the force my padawan learner.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      You do not need to tell them anything. Plain and simple as that



      - Robert Andrew
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    • Profile picture of the author hipeopo02
      It's a "scam" to most people.

      It's not a scam to people who make a living from it like myself.
      Signature
      A crappy product or service by people that disappear from the forum for a long period of time to make it look like they were working on something so when they come back you will want to click on their crappy product or service link

      CLICK HERE! LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author allenmartin
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Hi Dorian Anthony,

    i've been in the same situation like you a couple years ago...

    So i know how you feel - it's bad!!!!

    Here is what i did and this technique brought me in a Action Mode
    to get straight forward to achieve my goal:

    - Create a List of goals you want to achieve in XY Months
    This could be something like:"...i want to make $5K per Month" or something similar

    - Create a daily routine what you need to do to achieve this goal in the time period
    This could be a plan about your activities you need to take every day to achieve your goal:
    Something like...develop my knowledge, drive traffic to my site etc.
    You need to focus on your activities daily - there is a cool tool called Focus Booster - it's free and i will be good for productivity

    - Tell your Family that you are going to need XY Months (don't tell them your exact goal - because they can't believe you - so they will destroy you belief)

    - Make sure that your family don't call your online business a scam, if you don't make your goal happen - that's what i told my family , then i will quit with this business FOREVER!

    And it worked!!!!!


    Try it out - FEAR is 10x powerful than pleasure!!!!!


    Have a nice day
    Allen
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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by allenmartin View Post


      You need to focus on your activities daily - there is a cool tool called Focus Booster - it's free and i will be good for productivity
      I'll have to take a look at Focus Booster. Never heard of it. Thanks for the tip Allen ) Cheers!
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      • Profile picture of the author allenmartin
        Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

        I'll have to take a look at Focus Booster. Never heard of it. Thanks for the tip Allen ) Cheers!


        You're welcome!

        You could also hit the "thank you" button next to the posting if you find a post useful.


        Have a nice day
        Allen
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        • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
          Originally Posted by allenmartin View Post

          You're welcome!

          You could also hit the "thank you" button next to the posting if you find a post useful.
          I know Allen, thanks for the tip. Sometimes I like to leave personal feedback on a particular post.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Trujillo
    This is EXACTLY why I love the Warrior Forum because even though there are some terrible marketers everywhere who do actually scam people and give the IM Industry a bad name, there are still a lot of GOOD marketers on here that do give some really good help. I also have learned from many skilled marketers from here as well and I have built some solid relationships here on here as well. Long before I was a member here I used to come here for sources of information. At the end of the day, we are all here for the same goal, and that is to make money online. Some marketers are more skilled and experienced than others and some are completely brand new still searching for answers. Over here you can freely discuss IM without ever being looked at crazy.
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  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    I would tell them to use the search function - this question seems to come up once a week....
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author smoor2012
    I would not bother talking to friends and family about internet marketing. If you believe in it, even if you are struggling, then you keep working at the industry on your own.

    I have been to the events and talked to the people making excellent money and enjoying the freedom it gives. I have full confidence in network marketing and internet marketing in general. I am still in the game because of that.

    You won't change the minds of friends and family. Even when you become a huge success, most of them will believe that they can't be successful in it. That is sad, but true.

    I find that I am better off to work on my dreams on my own and not even talk to those that I know will be negative.

    You have to move on. You simply don't bring the subject up when you are with them.

    You stay focused on what is possible with network marketing and internet marketing. Notice I said what is possible and not what is probable.

    Focus on what is possible and work toward that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Pdomain
    Banned
    Say them that sex.com was sold for $13M and it is featured in top news paper, magazine, news websites etc...
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  • Profile picture of the author panditmarketing
    In my experience, you can't tell them anything to make them think otherwise. I think unless you know about internet marketing, it does appear a scam, especially since there's loads of crap being peddled at the moment online.

    I think this can demotivate you, if that's a word and maybe even make you doubt what you're doing sometimes. You've just got to ignore them and stay focused on your goals. That's not easy, I totally understand. My wife is dead against what I'm doing, and keeps saying that what I'm doing is within my fake world!

    The only way you can prove to them that it is real, is when you start getting the results that you want. Just keep driving towards those goals and done't give up. Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author NeedBucksNow
    90% of the products that you see online for internet marketing are scams, so they kind of have a point. That being said, the other 10% are real ways to make money & can be used to make $1000's a month if used in the right way. The 1st things you need to get are a website, autoresponder & a good product to sell or good niche for Amazon
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  • Profile picture of the author reapr
    The best way is not to say anything at first. Once you make a few decent checks or commissions you show them your best. It hushes the critics. However you may lose a friend or two because the ones that made fun of you may have a bruised ego.
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  • Profile picture of the author TymBolla
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    There are a lot of people who your family doesn't know and who have different professions that they didn't even heard of. Are those thousands of professions or millions of people doing them getting scammed?
    Signature

    Tym

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  • Profile picture of the author monere
    internet = net of computers.
    Is internet scam? NO, it's real

    marketing = method of promoting products
    Is marketing scam? NO, it's real

    Therefore, internet marketing (online business) IS real. The same business is being done by google, amazon, walmart, and millions others. your parents would better get their facts straight or keep their mouth shut.

    And to be honest, there are other, less legitimate ways of making money, even offline: banking is one of them, banks shouldn't even exist in a normal society, banks are the closest thing to scam that comes to mind.

    But I'm starting to digress... I hope you got the point

    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Signature

    Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value - Albert Einstein

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    • Profile picture of the author Dorian Anthony
      Originally Posted by monere View Post

      internet = net of computers.

      And to be honest, there are other, less legitimate ways of making money, even offline: banking is one of them, banks shouldn't even exist in a normal society, banks are the closest thing to scam that comes to mind.
      Ha ha. Great point Monere.
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      • Profile picture of the author monere
        Thanks

        I do hope however you got a confidence boost from all these posts, cause I, for one, surely did lol

        Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

        Ha ha. Great point Monere.
        Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author AmanD
    Just thank them for their opinion, and then ignore them.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasondinner
    Let the money you make do all the talking, then all the people who called it a scam will be showing up where you live asking you to teach them what you do.
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  • Profile picture of the author sirtiman
    Just tell them that they are stupid. It's 2015 if just thinking mmo is scam well they are like living in a cave.
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    • Profile picture of the author kilgore
      Originally Posted by Cali16 View Post

      Not everyone involved in IM is peddling dubious MMO products, which seems to be what you're insinuating.
      This is absolutely true. But sadly, even people here seem to equate Internet Marketing with "peddling dubious MMO products". To wit:
      Originally Posted by NeedBucksNow View Post

      90% of the products that you see online for internet marketing are scams, so they kind of have a point.
      But as you rightly pointed out, internet marketing is much more than MMO. Whether it's used for a mom and pop restaurant using Groupon (remember Groupon?) to get people to visit their restaurant or a multinational online-only retailer selling sweaters, most real internet marketing is far from a scam. The difference, however, is that those examples are real businesses. Yes, they do marketing on the internet, but there's much, much more than they do than just internet marketing. And my guess is that every single person who actually makes decent money online does too.

      But that's why I never say I'm an "Internet Marketer". Marketing is only part of what I do. Granted it's an important part of the business, but it's hardly a comprehensive picture of everything that it takes to run a successful online business -- not by a long shot.

      When people ask what I do, I tell them I run the site, XXXXXXXX.com, and nobody has ever suggested what I do is a scam. People know what a website is and they understand that websites are useful and often profitable. In short, I just tell people what I really do instead of boiling it down to a meaningless phrase like "Internet Marketing".
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      • Profile picture of the author nik0
        Banned
        Originally Posted by kilgore View Post

        This is absolutely true. But sadly, even people here seem to equate Internet Marketing with "peddling dubious MMO products". To wit:
        I prefer to see things in perspective so OP should rename the thread to:

        ....when they say MMO is a scam

        As it's clear he/she's active in that scammy sub niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author Les Harvey
    Even if you become really successful, a lot of people will still not understand, and still think its a scam. You will always be trying to prove your self with some people.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      You will always be trying to prove your self with some people.
      Or you grow up and realize this is your life and you don't have to prove anything to anyone.
      Signature
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      I wish offended people would react like fainting goats and quietly tip over.
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  • Profile picture of the author iansinfo
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Dorian best not to get into a screaming match with your so called friends/relatives. The reason they tell you all these things is because they arent doing it and if you make a success of it then in their eyes you are better than them and they wouldn't like that. Because you were SUCCESSFUL in doing something that they see as being different. Just go for it
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  • Profile picture of the author jeffs89
    Tell them you sell other peoples products for a % commission. How is that a scam? It's a sales job basically.
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  • Profile picture of the author arindamb
    Its not easy to explain what sugar tastes like to someone who's never tasted it. Some for IM. All that matters to me is whether or not I personally am involved in the Scam game. That part is not so difficult to make others understand too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Theo Doray
    Who cares what other people think. Just work hard and don't try to scam people.
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    • Profile picture of the author salegurus
      Originally Posted by allenmartin View Post


      You could also hit the "thank you" button next to the posting if you find a post useful.

      Allen
      Allen
      Asking for people to thank you is not proper Forum etiquette....
      Signature
      Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

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      • Profile picture of the author allenmartin
        Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

        Allen
        Asking for people to thank you is not proper Forum etiquette....

        Ahhh common...are you kidding me?
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        • Profile picture of the author monere
          I actually agree with salegurus. Fishing for compliments is not proper etiquette, not only forum etiquette, but life etiquette as well.



          Originally Posted by allenmartin View Post

          Ahhh common...are you kidding me?
          Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author HDRider
    Don't worry about what other people think. Let them see the money when it starts coming in. Seeing is believing.

    Once they see you making decent money with the luxury of working from home most of them will want you to teach them how they can do it. All of the sudden they will want to make extra money or quit the job they hate.

    I have been doing this full time for over 15 years and most if not all of my friends and family want to learn internet marketing. I didn't care what they thought when I started I just did it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trey Morgan
    Well, there is no point in arguing with them. Just show them proof that it isn't a scam. Hustle hard and start making some money, and then show them how much money you're making without working a 9-5 and they will have no choice but to be impressed.

    My mother used to joke about me spending too much time on the computer with nothing to show for it.

    Now, she borrows the money I make from my online business.
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  • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
    Banks are a scam.
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  • Profile picture of the author dlanzetta
    Haha.. I know exactly what you mean... I try and focus on marketing real products that provide value to the user and explain to nosy relatives that the internet is just a tool to get the word out. One of several tools in my toolbox. They usually get it.
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  • Profile picture of the author creed1994
    Why waste your time explaining when you can rather invest the time somewhere else? Trust me, it is not that we need to explain a couple of people, everybody is bound to ask you the same question. Generally, I shrug it off saying I do freelancing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Thesecret2marketing
    Now let's be honest here, everything that people don't understand will be feared and rejected in the minds of those individuals.

    Unlike most of us who understand that making money online and supporting your lifestyle via internet marketing is real - there are still millions if not billions of people out there who will consistently tell you that internet marketing is not real.

    I say give those people no attention and put your focus and energy into other things - such as networking with people online, and building up your action threshold.

    The reality is that people won't believe online marketing is real until they start seeing results people like yourself and others are achieving.

    So take more action, get more results, make more money, and show them that it's real with an improved or completely changed lifestyle.

    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    I chuckle and grin.
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    All The Real Marketers Are Gone. There's Nothing Left But Weak, Sniveling Wanna-Bees!
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  • Profile picture of the author carlo_sim
    Prices are scam
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Here's how I've come to handle it...

    "Here's how I see it." (Explains my thoughts without forcing them to defend theirs.)

    "This is a business with some scammers in it. A lot of scammers in some parts of it. Kind of like the stock market, the real estate market and the religion market.

    There are also a lot of honest people providing honest value for an honest dollar. Just like in those other businesses I mentioned.

    I just try my best to be the second and avoid the first..."

    If they want to argue, just don't. You can't win.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
    In addition to family and friends, there's apparently plenty of people on this IM forum that will tell you IM is a scam as well.

    Do what I do....

    Don't tell them anything. Feel sorry for them that they don't have the knowledge, brainpower, skills, or proper attitude/mindset needed to make money online.

    Then, when that 3 seconds is over....

    Get back to work.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Jeesh,
      Another Thread with the typical Trolls and Flamers left and right.

      Does WF ever change ?

      The fact is there are as many if not more scammers in the Weight Loss Niche, Speak Spanish niche, how to wear the same panties for a year niche as the MMO niche.

      Evilness pervades every aspect and every corner of Human Life in this dark and dreadful World we live in. !!
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    • Profile picture of the author craig410
      Just ignore them and get on with it and make the money and with the income from IM take them out for dinner, during dinner tell them where the money is coming from to pay for it, then they won't be just eating dinner they'll also have to eat humble pie.
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  • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
    Loving this "ignore user" feature

    For all of you tired of the negativity, guru bashing, overgeneralization of entire segments of some niches, please feel free to follow these steps to permanently ignore the trolls:

    1. Go to their profile
    2. Click on the menu link "User Lists"
    3. Choose "Add to Ignore List"

    It has done wonders to clean up this thread and make it readable, I'm guessing it will help for dozens of other threads also.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Trujillo
    I really like how some people freely throw around the term scam online. How is it that some people can achieve success while others can't? Here's your answer : Their Mindset! Millionaires and Entrepreneurs have a completely different mindset than your average Joe Schmoe. Entrepreneurs do whatever they need to do to achieve success as long as it is ethical and provides to a crowd looking for answers. Most people don't have an entrepreneurial mindset, and they will never know what it's like to have a vision or a dream, or want to attain something more. You want to know the richest place in the world? The graveyard! There you will find people who gave up on the dreams and there ideas and people who never got to live the lifestyle they truly desired! If you want that, stay that way!

    You want to know what I think a scam is?

    ==> A SCAM is working a full time job barely having enough to survive!

    ==> A SCAM is sucking up to your boss and having zero power over your future!

    ==> A SCAM is working til you are 65+ just to hopefully collect retirement!

    ==> A SCAM is living a life with no freedom or peace of mind!

    ==> A SCAM is going to college , getting in debt, and getting no where with your education!

    ==> A SCAM is getting in debt like everybody else, and living an unfulfilling life!


    I can easily call things a scam too because it didn't create me overnight success! Or I can take time to build a long lasting business. I can easily point the finger and say something doesn't work all because I never took action! I can easily be like everybody else who isn't successful and hate on the next successful man. But NO I refuse to be like that! I refuse to be average , and barely have enough to scrape by! I refuse to work at a dead end corporate job. I refuse to live a life with no freedom. Just because everyone else doesn't have it, doesn't mean you aren't capable of achieving it! If you are truly determined and you provide value above all else online you'll do no one wrong!
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  • Profile picture of the author besters
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Hi Dorian,

    We're in the digital age - and have been for some time - and before the digital age arrived, people the world over made money in the offline world, so why would people not continue to make money in the online world?

    I can see why they're skeptical, almost everyone I know doesn't understand/appreciate IM either...

    A colleague of mine commented once: "Yeah, make money online... by teaching other people how to make money online. Yeah right!"

    I understand your frustration - it really does become overwhelming at times, how people can be so skeptical. Yet at the same time, I can see where they're coming from. It drives me mad!
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    Nick
    Nick Bestwick
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  • Profile picture of the author Andre Slater
    Guess this is a popular thread...

    Here is my thing with the word scam...

    Really marketers use it to promote it because it's eye catchy.

    IM is no more of a scam then books you buy from the bookstore, movies you buy from best buy, music albums you buy.

    There is no guarantee that you will get anything out of the book that the author tells you, you may not like the movie you just paid 15 bucks for and you may hate the CD that you paid 20 bucks for...

    I don't see you going around calling those scams... It's only scams when peoples hearts get broken because they didn't make any money boo hoo... crying.....

    Is it a scam to meet a potential mate and spend years with them for them to cheat on you or break your heart? Is that a scam?

    Is it a scam that you work at a job and maybe get fired the first week?

    See, If your going to use the word scam use it for everything not just IM

    and the last I checked a scam meant someone trying to get you without anything in return...

    Like if you go buy a Playstation from an electronic store and all of the boxes contains nothing but bricks and when you went to the police they shut down operations and moved. That might be a scam..

    Too me a job is a scam
    Too me being broke is a scam
    Too me living a mediocre life is a scam
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  • Profile picture of the author IrisMKH
    Calling legit but disadvantageous ventures or someone's poor choices a scam is just as unfair as calling all Internet Marketing a scam. Let's rather call it "a missed opportunity"?

    Sure, a minimum wage job squeezes the life out of you in return for pennies.
    But a job scam would be "Hey, pay me and I'll give you the chance to work here. You'll become rich!"... like pyramid schemes, you know?

    Anyhow, when people don't understand what you do, better put that energy in your business rather than explaining it to deaf ears. And you could call your business by a different name like others are doing!

    I plan to call myself a writer/artist.

    - Iris
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  • Profile picture of the author SuperRyan
    DO NOT TELL anyone who's not interested in IM!!

    If you want to fail and feel miserable then tell them...

    Otherwise, you know what you have to do...

    SHUT UP and start making money.

    Ryan
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  • Profile picture of the author JedGeorge
    Smile and tell them your taking your business global.
    Also get around people that are doing the same. It will help you with your mindset.
    Plenty of motivations stuff you can listen too that will help which deals directly with this kind of resistance. PM me if you want to know where to find... free btw.
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  • Profile picture of the author hometutor
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    How this this affect the person you truly are? It doesn't. Have faith in yourself. Let your self-confidence emanate from you so strongly they see it.

    Rick
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  • Profile picture of the author Stephen Collins
    Never take advice from someone who has never had success in what you are trying to achieve. If a family member or friend gives you advise think how much have they made in internet marketing? Who should you listen to an internet millionaire or someone who has just worked out how to copy and paste?
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  • Profile picture of the author Phil Wilkinson
    Internet marketing is just marketing....
    Some marketers market in the brick-and-mortar world, some market online,
    and some do both.
    There are crooked people, and honest people....anywhere.
    To say that IM is a scam is like saying that every business is a scam.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sweersz
      I wouldn't argue. Let them all think it's a scam because you wouldn't want to breed more competition, right? Who cares what people think? Making money is your own business.
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  • Profile picture of the author ghost209
    don't listen to them and just focus on taking continued action.
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  • Profile picture of the author tristatemedia
    do not worry: stay at it....failure is no option.........you will be a success because you failed a 1000 times.
    then let them eat those words
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  • Profile picture of the author onlinecommerce
    All types of Marketing can get pretty scammy in general, on the internet or through any other type of media, physical products, info products, services etc....

    When using the word scammy I am meaning what people feel is a scam, such as deceiving, even though it is not necessarily illegal. People tend to get pretty opinionated and will call anything a scam that is not within their beliefs.

    Marketing is all about hyping stuff up, exaggerating it, "selective education", playing on peoples emotions etc. all to make the product appear the best and get them to buy!!! You are trying to convince the person they need your products and/or its better then the competition. You cannot compete in the market if you just gave the plain boring facts. You need to appear the best. If this wasn't true competition would not exist and the best product would be the only one that exists in the market.

    Where is the line drawn of what is considered a technical scam?? A very grey area but it should come down to what the law is. If you are operating within the law its not a scam. There are tons of other practices that are frowned upon that are apparently legal..

    Although there are a high number of IM products out there that probably do break some laws whether intentional or not. I looked at some of the new ClickBank health products and saw FDA violations in a high number of them. On the other hand tons of physical products also have FDA violations to for claims made.

    Why are there soo many scammers out there? There is very little deterrent, you really do not get in trouble unless you hit critical mass and have thousands of complaints coming into the regulatory bodies.

    So yes a lot of IM is filled with scams but so is the rest of the world. Its not really that different. Best Buy sells Monster HDMI cables for $79 where someone else sells a garbage ebook for $79. Why would the average person just consider selling the ebook a scam? because its not worth $79? well those HDMI cables are only worth $5 and the savy tech shopper would consider paying $79 a scam also.. Both used marketing to get someone to buy them.

    To answer OPs original question why not ask them what specifically about marketing over the internet is a scam? Whats illegal about it? How are the scams found online different then the scams that happen elsewhere??

    Every type of marketing practice used is probably considered a "scam" by someone somewhere.

    Marketing is just a big scam!!!! oh no!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lucian Lada
    I haven't read the whole thread (who has?), but here are my thoughts on this matter:

    I treat them based on how intelligent, open-minded and objective I believe they are. So if I'm dealing with a fairly simple-minded, know-it-all-but-can't-figure-out-how-to-make-ends-meet or a feminist, then I either ignore them or say something like, "some are scammers, others are not" and don't continue with the conversation.

    On the other hand, if the person seems to be, as I said, above the average when it comes to intelligence and such - so no Bieber or Nicky Minaj fans - then I'll explain to them more. They usually understand and are even surprised that there is such a way of making money.
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  • Profile picture of the author ninosem
    When I started my journey some years ago, my friends doubted me,
    my wife doubted me, my soon doubted me and pretty much all around me doubted me...

    When I as young as 16 years old I was dreaming to have a sailboat.

    You need to embrace your craziness, you need to embrace your child
    like ability to dream big and you need to love your crazy thoughts that
    fuel you to build a better lifestyle for yourself and your family.

    Dreamers and crazy people are CEO's, own billion dollar corporations
    and they're the reason the normal people have jobs.

    Do you think people told Steve Job's he's crazy for thinking up the iPod,
    the iPhone and iPad.

    Did you know everyone laughed in Henry Ford's face when he told people

    I want to create a 8 cylinder engine?

    They told him it couldn't be done!!!!

    If your friends and everyone around you doubt you then it might be best to not openly share your ideas with them until you're successful.

    But…don't let it discourage you. Most of these people are just trying to "protect you" and they think "normal job" is best for you.

    Don't let this discourage you from getting what you want out of life!
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Worner
      Originally Posted by ninosem View Post


      Do you think people told Steve Job's he's crazy for thinking up the iPod,
      the iPhone and iPad.
      Steve Jobs did not create the first mp3 player, nor did he create the smart phone or the tablet device.

      -Chris
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      • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
        Originally Posted by Chris Worner View Post

        Steve Jobs did not create the first mp3 player, nor did he create the smart phone or the tablet device.

        -Chris
        He sure didn't

        What he did create though was a real market and desire for those items in the general buying population. Which is even more important from a business perspective at least in my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Lenney
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    I ask them how I paid for my Caribbean Cruise, or my HoneyMoon to South East Asia with a few days work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lemonzer
    I'll say "Wake up. U're Still On 1990"
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  • Profile picture of the author Cygnet Infotech
    Well, IM is now the inseparable part of marketing. Tell them what products/advertisement they see on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media is what they call SCAM!!
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  • Profile picture of the author miklanderson2
    What do I say when my family and friends call IM a scam? I don't say a whole lot, unless they press the issue and then I offer to take my biggest paycheck to date and put it up against theirs in a winner takes all bet. That usually ends the conversation...

    To be honest with you, most of my family and friends have been very supportive and there are a handful who have asked me to help them start making money online.
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  • Profile picture of the author IMDealBox
    Man... those are ignorant people...no offense....how can MARKETING be scam?

    It's not more of a scam than the way Burger King presents the menus or the way theaters make you want to buy popcorn and soda!

    Show them WIKI definition of SCAM
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    • Profile picture of the author Dovakiin
      Banned
      Originally Posted by IMDealBox View Post

      Man... those are ignorant people...no offense....how can MARKETING be scam?

      It's not more of a scam than the way Burger King presents the menus or the way theaters make you want to buy popcorn and soda!

      Show them WIKI definition of SCAM
      From Wiki...

      A scam or confidence trick is an attempt to defraud a person or group by gaining their confidence.
      Marketing is always on a fine line between deception and persuasion. Burger King shows you false images of juicy hamburgers to sell them...but the actual burger will NEVER look as sexy as the ones on TV.

      In other words...your argument is invalid.
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  • Profile picture of the author mazzuca
    My opinion is stop wasting time to say them something... Invest the time on your skill and show them how millions people are making money through IM.

    Best
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    • Profile picture of the author PBScott
      I didn't read the above comments. However most internet marketing is a scam these days.

      Best way to overcome their objections is to get rich. Then people listen to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paleruby
    Once I showed my wife money could be made in IM she became my hardest worker (after myself). Now we bounce ideas off each other and help each other improve business.
    Do either one of us care what our families think?
    Nope.

    Paleruby
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  • Profile picture of the author acc12
    I find it's easier to agree with them and say it's a scam. Same when they ask if I'm a pedophile. I just agree and tell them I am one. Confuses the heck out of them.
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    • Profile picture of the author sunoy14
      Originally Posted by acc12 View Post

      I find it's easier to agree with them and say it's a scam. Same when they ask if I'm a pedophile. I just agree and tell them I am one. Confuses the heck out of them.
      Same here. When someone asks me if I'm gay, I say "yes I'm gay". It quitens them. They just want some response to pass their time
      No response = No time pass for them. Ha ha ha ha
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      • Profile picture of the author Jen Eick
        Originally Posted by sunoy14 View Post

        Same here. When someone asks me if I'm gay, I say "yes I'm gay". It quitens them. They just want some response to pass their time
        No response = No time pass for them. Ha ha ha ha
        Ha! My advice was going to be similar. Just respond, "You're right, you're absolutely right," and nod, with a smile on your face. Not sarcastically, do it in complete seriousness. Then say nothing else. There's not much they can do in response. After all, how can they keep arguing when you just agreed with them? Shuts them down real quick.

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  • Profile picture of the author ChristinaSmith695
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author sunoy14
      Originally Posted by ChristinaSmith695 View Post

      I ask them how there 9 to 5 is going lol
      They really do hate their 9 to 5 job. LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author eac113
    If they are paying all your bills and will for the rest of your life and if they are already living the lifestyle and have the income you want then I would definitely listen to them

    If not,,,,,,,,,,,,I would follow your own dream...

    Best of success to you
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  • Profile picture of the author cabenb
    I'd tell them that 99% of all IM is a scam. Simple truth. Just look around and see all the over hyped non performing products out there. Just explain them how to get to the 1%
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  • Profile picture of the author MPeters39
    Difficult, as the odds one out there seem to be into IM. Often people who suffer from lack of income at some time resort to IM. Those with stable jobs may never get time to figure out what IM holds for them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ginene
    I don't say anything anymore. I've even brought in my checks to work and they still say I was lucky or they wouldn't cash the check. They say why would google give you a check. It was only for $150 something. Lol why would it be a scam? So now I don't say anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author Roy777
    Id say, To some people it's a scam regardless of the evidence that it's not.
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  • Profile picture of the author pkbach
    You can't tell them anything that will change their minds. All you have to do focus on your goals and show them as lot of people believe it when they see it your job is if you can see it in your mind and feel it in your heart and work hard at your dream you will eventually create results
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  • Profile picture of the author stackman
    The original post here hit home with me because I was also told by uninformed friends and relatives that trying to make money on the Internet was useless and a waste of time.

    That was some years ago, and some 4 million dollars ago. It didn't happen overnight but I was able to quit my normal job and have never worked a normal job since. The original web site is still going strong, although it has been updated and redesigned a couple of times.

    So it's not a scam but it takes a bit of luck, a lot of work, a willingness to learn new things you never thought you could learn, taking a few risks -- and patience.

    Actually, I still have a hard time explaining to people what I do and how it makes money. By simply saying that I sell advertising on my web site, they seem to "get it."
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    • Profile picture of the author Profit Traveler
      Just have William Shatner create a commercial for you. Every body believes Captain Kirk.

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  • Profile picture of the author absolutelee
    I don't have this problem. IM is my profession and has been for several years. I work at home. I work full time. I have all the bells and whistles. No one's ever questioned me about this. Best not to pay attention to what you think other people are thinking. Best to just get to work and build a business.
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  • Profile picture of the author blillard
    I don't tell them anything because there is no convincing them. Instead I rather show them the lifestyle and watch look on their faces at holiday events when they ask what I do and I them I do online scams lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author ShawnBrown
    Stop worrying about what anyone else says. Put your head down and work your a** off! Your results will show anyone doubting you that it is not a scam.
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    Don't tell them anything. Just say you're in "marketing", or that you "work with computers". It's the truth after all. They're not likely to think any of that's a scam.

    Don't waste your time trying to convince the ignorant - they'll always have you on the back foot.
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  • Profile picture of the author barbling
    I don't tell them anything either.

    I pass down my skills to my kids and yep.

    Support my family this way as well.

    Never waste time with naysayers.
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  • Profile picture of the author sunoy14
    Great things can never exist without great criticisms. Ha
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  • Profile picture of the author dbrwn
    When people say that IM is a scam, they don't know what they're talking about because if IM were a scam, then why is it that sites like Amazon, Ebay, Craigslist, Barns&Noble and others not mentioned here are making countless millions online? Sure not everybody makes money online because this business isn't easy to do. You have to work at it and you have to build up your clientell and your reputation to make the money. Like others have said on here, it doesn't happen overnight.

    It takes very hard work, determination, the willingness to succeed, the ability to learn and then apply what you have learned into the business. It is a lot of wrince and repeating.

    Some people make a few dollars here and there, while others go onto make hundreds of millions online. So no, IM isn't a scam. However, that isn't to say that there aren't any scammy online marketers out there who are only interested in making themselves rich will trying to drain your wallet dry, but not everybody is like that. There are some really honest online business people out there.
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    • Profile picture of the author reln
      My mother in-law also used to think that its "B.S." (in her words). Then I got a job working for a super affiliate in the online gaming niche as a media buyer / Adwords account manager. The company had over 100 employees: 50 SEO gurus, 8 Adwords account reps, 6 media buyers, 3 Facebook account managers and lots of graphic designers. The company made millions of dollars per year.

      She no longer thought it was B.S.
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  • Profile picture of the author tomerep
    Shrug it off, that really happens. If at some point you think you're way too vocal about what you do, maybe you should just keep some of your personal stuffs private.

    Sometimes, there is no better way to handle other people opinion other than ignoring them. As long as you know your thing, go and make some more money man!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mav91890
    The best way? Work your ass off until you prove them wrong!
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  • Profile picture of the author QueenMelanie
    you don't need to tell those people anything, they are the ignorant ones who are missing out and probably working 9-5's that they can't stand!
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  • Profile picture of the author LodestarVince
    Mine knows it's clearly making me money somehow.
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    We are Lodestar

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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Dorian I tell them to go to hell....lol j/k!

    Get super clear on why you're doing IM. Fall in love with the freedom of it. Once you are hungrier to be free than you fear these uncomfortable situations your attention and energy will be devoted to the folks who love IM and also, to folks who wish to learn from you and you'll leave all critics behind. Friends, fam and the like.

    Keep your head up!

    Ryan
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      Dorian I tell them to go to hell....lol j/k!

      Get super clear on why you're doing IM. Fall in love with the freedom of it. Once you are hungrier to be free than you fear these uncomfortable situations your attention and energy will be devoted to the folks who love IM and also, to folks who wish to learn from you and you'll leave all critics behind. Friends, fam and the like.

      Keep your head up!

      Ryan

      Whats blogging from Paradise like ? Looks pretty fun


      - Robert Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
    Life is a f'in' scam. You get charged when you come into the world. You have to pay to leave. And you get gouged every step of the way in between.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      When you really think about it, most people who are online only see the dark side of Internet marketing. They see the scammy ads for products that claim to bring you wealth with no work whatsoever. They don't get marketed to by serious businesses because the general public is not the target audience.

      So cut them some slack ... it's not really their fault that all they are seeing is the get rich quick ads spamming the public.

      If they were to look for legitimate business creation opportunities they could find them.

      It's best to just let your friends and family think what they want ... then you go out and prove them wrong through your own success online.

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by PerformanceMan View Post

        Life is a f'in' scam. You get charged when you come into the world. You have to pay to leave. And you get gouged every step of the way in between.
        Not only that, but when you come into the world and when you leave it, someone else usually gets left paying the tab.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zanesta
    I don't tell them anything, I prove it with results.
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  • Profile picture of the author AngelaWest85
    Use that to fuel the fire and if you become super successful online then those same people will be running to you wanting to learn or wanting money.I had friends and family do the same thing but as soon as the money roled in they were the first ones wanting to get into IM and borrow money lol so never give up
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Really? Coming from a guy who...
      So - you joined the the WF less than 2 weeks ago - have made one rude and condescending post after another... Now - you want to argue with what people posted over 2 months ago?

      Something tells me this isn't the first time you've joined the Warrior Forum.
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      • Profile picture of the author discrat
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post


        Something tells me this isn't the first time you've joined the Warrior Forum.
        Yes I agree. He sounds eerily similar to a very long time Troll/Member here who I think is currently Banned, at least under one username I know of
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  • Profile picture of the author SchoolofKA
    Originally Posted by Dorian Anthony View Post

    I've been told by relatives on two different occasions that IM is a scam. They claim that since they don't know anyone besides me that's involved in it, it's not real. They tell me I'm being suckered. I don't know what to tell them...it's frustrating!! What do you tell family/friends when they say you can't make money online?
    Don't tell them anything. But take all the money you are making and treat them to a steak dinner at their favorite restaurant ; )
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    Most of it is. Books on how to make millions on kindle, and the book does not sell even one copy per year. I just saw this picture of an old lady with a Google check for $10,000, but Google stopped sending out checks years ago. They do direct deposit now. Most of what I see is in the get rich click arena. Yeah, it is pure crap. How to make money creating an app. Problem is, most people lose money. What we see is a zero sum game. Unless you are very lucky, it is game over.
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  • Profile picture of the author faisalmaximus
    I will show them real proof of income, and will tell them to come out of their small world, think bigger and see what is happening in real world.
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  • Profile picture of the author wasa1
    You can not explain this to anyone, you just have to produce the evidence.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Mallory
    I have a lucrative mlm business that I run and people tell me it's a scam ALL THE TIME. I just politely tell them "well this business is obviously not for you then" and I leave it at that. That usually leaves them begging for more information or they just walk away. Bottom line is, if someone tells me its a scam, I don't want/need that in my business. 90% of people come around once they see how successful I've been. Success is always the best revenge. If people tell you it's a scam or a waste of time then just move on.
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  • Profile picture of the author bestAd
    You have no point to prove to anyone. The only thing that matters is you making your money legally
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    tell em it is a scam.

    Then work hard, and make SHUT UP money.

    which will shut them up, when you showed them how much crust you made online, while they laughted at you. LOL.
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