"It's the Masons, WE control everything!!"

That's a joke son, we really don't control anything...

I'd be interested in any comments that some of the seasoned vets have on this too. While I do believe that some of the more advanced marketers do work a kind of "auto pilot" plan purely because of who they are what their reputation I don't believe that it's possible to do it right off the bat. Please feel free to prove me wrong though because while I am not opposed to work I'd be interested in doing less of it if it's possible and use that time savings to replicate an autopilot program many times over!!

People who make a lot of money tend to feel very awkward around people who don't.

So they avoid those people. And the more money they make, the more people they have to avoid, until it starts to look like they're sneaking around with some kind of secret society.

But really, they're just trying to avoid those awkward moments.

There are secret IM societies. Really! Money won't get you in. A big house won't get you in. A great looking wife or girlfriend won't get you in. Even a fifth of Jack Daniels won't do the trick.

But grow a list of 100,000 hungry subscribers and you can walk in the front door, kick your feet up on the coffee table, clip your dirty toe nails if you wish, pass gas, cuss like a sailor and spit on the floor. You will be welcome.

You know what they say about how you smile when you feel good, and how you can actually change your mood by invoking certain facial expressions...kind of like in reverse?

So lately I've been sneaking around acting all aloof and being secretive and stuff for a few days. I've even been feeling as awkward as possible. But my bank teller just stared blankly when I mentioned that now there should be a LOT more zeroes after my last visit.

That theory's full of horse doo-key.

Sounds like you and I go to the same bar!

i agree, i think its used a little too much in the IM world. but can work on other niches.

It's a lot less devious than you think. Like attracts like. Doctors make friends with other doctors, lawyers hang out with lawyers, and so on.

Part of this is because you wind up getting to know all the same people, going to the same conventions, etc.. This is the biggest reason it seems like there's an "underground." Those big marketers who cross-promote each other have all had plenty of chances to hang out, talk shop and see if so-and-so is legit.

Some top marketers even admit that they won't promote a product unless they've had the chance to hang out with its creator. This is less about being a jerk and more about protecting their reputation. If they promote every item that comes down the pike, they'll burn the lists they've spent years and thousands of dollars to build. By only promoting people they know, like and trust, they're also protecting their own bottom line.

The money element is also definitely a factor. Here too, like attracts like. Successful people are typically motivated and hardworking. Part of what attracts us to other people are similarities in lifestyle and behavior. If buying a new car is a huge expense for you, you're not likely to hang out with someone who has an airplane hangar full of vintage Lamborghinis.

When you use the Internet to make your living, you already have enough people in your "real life" group of friends and family who don't understand what you do. So syncing up with others who not only do the same thing but also do it on the same level just makes sense.

I do think that the best of the best do meet up and try to float around ideas, but... I don't think there is a secret club, it might just be a sales tactic to get you to buy there e-book, or what have you

I'm sure they exist. These are the guru's. There are people who work in a group and withhold info so that it remains secret.

There are certainly mastermind groups where marketers of similar stature and success network with each other and share ideas. And many of those do promote each other's products.

But it's not about excluding others. It's about promoting products from people you trust because you know them - and maybe provided some feedback on their latest offer in a mastermind session.

It seems that too many people want to think there are all these nefarious organizations designed for evil purposes. I've been around this business full time since 2002 and have been to dozens of seminars and know hundreds of internet marketers including most of the very top A level guys and I never see the alleged evil intentions.

I see sincere guys (and a few women) who are trying their hardest to make great products and have successful customers.

Are they trying to make huge amounts of money? Absolutely. But many of these people are also putting out tremendous free content as well.

What about these groups being "secret"?

Well, I'm in a few mastermind groups, and I know of a few others I am not in, and the reality is that you can't have a successful mastermind if there are too many people in it. Smaller groups work better. It's just the way it works.

One great way to meet others and form a mastermind group is by attending live events.

Personally, I think Yanik's Underground Online seminar is the best. I have been every year (spoke at the second one). Lots of great content by people who are not pro speakers. In fact many don't even have anything to sell. I didn't, and Yanik never pressured me to sell anything. They are just sharing content for the pure purpose of helping others.

Non affiliate link: Underground 007

Masterminding raises your game. Make the effort to join or create a mastermind group and I bet you will find your business grow.

Jeff Mulligan

lol I love the thought of the OP title. Somewhere where super rich affiliates meet underground, and play poker with cigars in their mouths, prop betting on their affiliate accounts whilst hitting F5 every few minutes