The Hotel was busy, business types, holidaymakers, and a few young couples away for a party weekend on the beach…
We were ushered into the auditorium, loud “motivating” music playing, taken to our seats, and the lights were dimmed…
The temperature was around 17 degrees in the room, and as the music faded, the spotlights on the stage illuminated…
Then a flash of white light, a puff of a smoke machine, and “Bob” appeared on stage to rapturous applause, cheering, and a standing ovation from the faithful…
We prepared to be inspired, moved, and amazed…
Bob showed us his house, his Lamborghini, his family on a private jet…
He had a watch that was worth more than my car, he worked two days a week and we could do the same if we were prepared to commit, work hard, and take responsibility for our results…
Oh yes, we had found a real Cult…
OK, so we went in with our eyes open, wallets closed and cynicism level turned up high and we weren’t disappointed…
We left at the first interval, much to the annoyance of the disciples – I mean team – that were guarding the doors…
Cults and the Personal Development Industry…
The Business of Personal Development has morphed from the simple ideas of Emile Coue – Every day in every way I’m getting better – through the bizarre Think and Grow Rich and The Secret and other Chopraesque musings, through to a manipulative global business model…
The global business model masquerades as a scheme for people to get rich working from home as part of a network selling “stuff”…
That “stuff” could be pills and potions, creams, advice, motivation, or clothing and fitness shakes…
We did research on a number of MLM companies, Franchises, Gangs and Cults. We interviewed members and attended events – we met with Bikers, Book Sellers, Potion Sellers, and Service Sellers.
They are all unique, in their own way…
But they all have something in common…
A set of “Rules” that must be adhered to remain part of the gang…
These “Rules” have been crafted over the centuries from the Romans through to Genghis Khan all the way to Gangs, Religious Cults, and Business Groups…
So here’s an overview of some of the Rules and Control Principles to watch out for if you are concerned you may be working for a Cult…
- Follow the System – there will be a complex system of methods, patterns, and processes that have to be followed. They will include scripts, models, and procedures that if followed will deliver predictable results…
- Rules of Engagement – probably there will be a list of rules designed to focus attention on the responsibility of the participant to achieve success rather than the organisation. Things like 100% participation, showing up at conferences, becoming a better person in order to achieve better results…
- Responsibility – for success will be squarely focussed on the participant. It is up to them to work, learn, change and develop into wealthy people. This means investing in more training, books, and mantras – if they fail to become wealthy, it’s down to them and not the “system”…
- Complexity – the systems will be so broad that compliance with 100% of them is impossible – they are designed this way, If someone is unsuccessful, it’s because they didn’t follow the “system” and for the 10% that do make some money – just imagine what could happen if you used the whole system…
- Levels – there will be levels of participation. Cults have labels and banners for their most successful and loyal members. If you see awards, badges, and accolades being handed out to superstar participants for no real reason – then watch out. If you see awards for “participants helping other participants…” – run for the hills…
- Leadership – there will be a charismatic, wealthy leader at the core of the organisation. They are so wealthy they don’t need to work but they will still show up at events to sell stuff to others so they don’t have to work themselves if they follow the system…
- Criticism – is outlawed and will be dealt with as disloyalty to the cause, the system, and the entire network. Disciples will be ostracised for complaining or commenting because after all, everything is their responsibility…
The other trait we found was that of inconsistency…
There were the top 10% of people in the organisation that did well, although they made some income from supporting those that were struggling too…
The majority struggled to make any money, and yet they always blamed themselves, their ability, their activity, or commitment – see Rule #3 above…
If you want to be successful, there are of course a set of principles that will help you – but if you find yourself in a smoke-filled room with “Bob” showing pictures of coastlines and the Billionaire Mindset – it may be time to get your coat…
Have a great week – and be careful out there…
If you’d a copy of one of my eBooks to help you with this – drop me an email at davidholland@resultsrulesok.com and I’ll get it over to you as a Thank You for reading this article…
To arrange your FREE Strategy Session with me to look at your business, your results, and your goals – you can book a time in my schedule – Speak with David
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