“hoping we will be fixed or saved.”

An increasing number of people are doing a lot of outrageously expensive “me too” masterminds. (So-and-so charges $10K or $100K and I should too!) You see the same buzzwords repeatedly in the copy. Today’s fashionable word is “authenticity.” Last year, it was “mindset.”

The Web site copy for the Gazillion Dollar program then capitalizes on fear of something nebulous.

Last year, you might have read the copy and thought: “Do I have the right mindset. Gee I’m not sure? If I did, I’d be making $7 Million BILLION dollars, right? Oh crap, what do I do?”

This year: “Am I being authentic? I’m not sure. I’m not really telling EVERYTHING on Twitter. Am I being transparent enough? If people know that I yelled at my cat for clawing the sofa 10 minutes ago, will that get me more clients?”

Like everyone else, I have invested in my business. I know what I need to do and I’m doing it. As Frank Herbert said, “Fear is the mind-killer.” I’m SO done being manipulated by online sales copy that uses fear, uncertainty, and doubt as a motivator. I’ve unsubscribed from countless newsletters that offered nothing, except endless oppotunities to separate me from my money.

The only thing that can move your business forward is you. No program can do it for you.

I love your straightforward honest approach. You sales page for your retreat isn’t laced with fear-mongering. It’s so refreshing and nourishing. In fact, it’s the type of writing retreat I’d love to attend or put on myself! Kudos to you for showing the way toward a kinder, gentler form of marketing

@Glenn, I like what the service you offer. I’d love to know more to tell friends and clients. Paying someone to help them find and organize a mastermind is brilliant. I’m certainly not against mastermind groups, I call mine a Brain Trust. I’m not even against paying $100,000 to be in one, just that feeling of needing something, that certain something, to be successful.

@Mare, ouch on Michael’s coaching program cost. I love that he is making 7 calls, including me, free and his weekly tips are certainly great. I spent about 12,000 for my coaching training (with flights, etc.) 9 years ago. It was a year long training. I went back and forth with being involved with Michael’s program NOT because the value won’t be great but because of the price tag. I think the greater question, well one of many, we are trying to answer is what is our work worth and how can we help the most people? It’s why I keep the Comfort Cafe so cheap – no matter how many people tell me to raise the price. Ditto with my retreats. And try to give free content. I hope you’ll keep giving me feedback to help me stay true to my mission and serve the most people!

@Annie, come to the Writer’s Retreat this year. Its half the price! and so fantastic… a great great deal.

love love love you all – love your minds and hearts and that we are connected!