Posts Tagged ‘honesty’

As most of you know, I am an enthusiastic Twitter fan. Well, I recently engaged in conversation with another marketer, John Reese (you may have heard of him) on Twitter, when he posted the following:

“Instant Lesson: Negative-Attitude Marketing (i.e. bashing others) builds more of a following of other miserable people not good customers.”

I read the post twice, then was compelled to post a reply.

“Instant Lesson: Brutally Honest Marketing (i.e. exposing liars & thieves) builds a following of extraordinarily grateful people/customers.”

I figured that I had made my point, but then John replied.

“Anytime spent “exposing liars” or worry about what others are doing is time taken away from PROVIDING VALUE to customers.”

Needless to say, I was stunned. Here is the rest of our short conversation:

Lisa: “When others are ripping off my customers, I AM providing value. What’s a waste is having to undo their damage… and so damn often, its sick.”

(cont.)… “Solidify in their mind that you are looking out for them, showing the potholes to avoid and they become extremely loyal = massive returns.”

John: “but greater returns come from spending ALL your energy in providing the proper value instead of critiquing competitors”

Lisa: “Well, John, I’ve been doing this for a lot of years. Give incredible value AND direction/advice. Probably why I have ZERO unsubscribe rate.”

John: “well then that’s great. Keep up the good work. My primary point is that negativity is ultimately a zero sum gain.”

Lisa: “I spend no time seeking out degenerates, but when I learn about them or experience them, I am morally obligated to my clients…”

(cont.)… “to steer them in the RIGHT direction. And that is not necessarily MY direction. That is what my clients appreciate.”

(cont.)… “Negativity does NOT equal Brutal Honesty. I was simply making the distinction with my original post.”

So what do YOU think?

My personal view is this…

When I was a “newbie”, I earned the money I made by selling products and services, period. I was a consumer in this industry, still learning all the ins and outs of internet marketing, much like most of my clients. I looked out for my bottom line – no more, no less.

When I took on the responsibility of being a mentor/coach/teacher to others, I took on the responsibility of looking out for their bottom line as well. This includes recommendations for products, services and sites that I’ve personally created, tested and/or used, and giving them the benefit of my experiences and expertise.

So when someone comes along who blatantly lies about his products, services and/or income claims, steals, cheats, lies… whatever – I feel that I have an ethical and moral obligation to let my clients know.

These people, especially those who are new to internet marketing, need a guide who isn’t focused on their wallet. They need to be able to trust me, and because I provide information that truly helps them through the minefield of internet marketing, they do.

Agree or disagree?