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Since When Did Guru Become A Four-Letter Word?
By Alan | November 20, 2008
A: a teacher andespecially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concernb: one who is an acknowledged leader or chief proponentc: a person with knowledge or expertise.
What’s so bad about that? Sound good to me.
The problem isn’t with the word of course, it’s a handful of greedy Internet marketers who don’t really care
about their lists or to really pass on their knowledge but instead want to keep you in their co-dependent cycle for their crappy products.
Their customers get upset and now the word “guru” has been corrupted to have a negative connotation in the Internet marketing niche. And that is a shame. Being considered a guru should be a good thing for both parties involved (the guru and the student).
I’m not writing this to take a swipe at anyone or to “guru bash” (another new term bandied around online now) but to take back the word guru!
Are they shoddy characters online? Of course. Just as we have shoddy characters off-line and in just about any business. But most folks are good people and there are plenty of real gurus out there–those that fit the true definition of the word guru as it’s meant to be used:
A teacher, an expert, who wants to help others.
These folks might not make millions online but that should not matter. If someone is successful online and they want to help others, why put a dollar figure to it?
How do I define a real guru?
As I wrote above for me a real guru is someone who has an expertize in an area that I do not and they are willing to teach it. Be it list building, social marketing, etc.
No person is an island and we need help in this crazy business. Luckily there are real gurus out there helping us find our way.
Lets help each other out. Who do you consider a real guru? For me the two at the top of my list are Lynn Terry of ClickNewz and Self Starters Weekly Tips. Lynn was the first person to really help me online. Her “elite member” private forums is the best deal out there for a membership site. The other person is Lee McIntyre. Lee has had a positive impact of my business these past few months and mostly just from the great information he gives away for free.
Lynn and Lee share a common trait in that they ferociously take care of their list/subscribers. They’re both very successful full-time Internet marketers yet they truly want to help you succeed online not just add to their bottom line.
They don’t treat their lists as dollar signs to be flogged non-stop with useless crap and promotions. Now don’t misunderstand me–they do not run a charity for Internet marketers. They offer products for sale either their own or others and they make a good living at it. But their main objective is to take care of their list not just flog it to death with promotions. By ensuring they’re helping you first the sales follow.
That’s why I consider them real gurus. I’m sure both are cringing at the use of the “g-word” but what the hell. I’m taking it back!
Leave your comments below and let me know who you consider a real guru.
About the Author
Alan Petersen is a full-time Internet marketer. Sign up for his free newsletter to receive tips, news, and product reviews about Internet marketing:
Topics: Internet Marketing |
November 21st, 2008 at 10:46 am
So, does this mean it is alright to refer to you as the Guru of Gurus?
Nice post.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:35 am
Now that’s a heavy load to carry LOL! Thanks for your comment.
Alan
February 10th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Hi Alan: The one person I follow religiously, is Chris Ferrall, who has only been marketing on line for barely a year. He is a man who teaches before he sells, just like Lee, and isn’t afraid to say he made a mistake. He genuinely wants you to make it.
February 10th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Thanks Murray. Good to know of the good people out there in the IM niche.