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My Personal Struggle (How I Lost Hope For a Bit . . . And What I THINK I Should Do About It)

open road
[Please read this: I'm considering making a drastic change to Project Mojave. But it's going to cost me . . . and I need your feedback. So if I’m going to do this, then I want to make sure this is something that's really needed (and not just a figment of my imagination). More details at the bottom of the article.]

Let’s get one thing straight. Even if you like me and this blog . . .

You Probably Think This Entire Online Marketing Industry is Bullshit

Or, at least, a part of you does.

You’re probably skeptical as fuck about online marketers. You’ve probably bought shit from a blogger you trusted and it didn’t work. You might have read the Four Hour Work Week, but now it just seems like a myth.

And you probably don’t personally know (like, in real life) anyone who makes enough automated income online to support themselves.

Not one single person.

You’ve probably never seen, with your own eyes, one of these automated businesses.

If you’re like most of us, you probably — at one point or another — have been sold a dream and then left hanging. You’ve probably bought a $97 ebook that was, in fact, a watered down version of someone else’s $2,000 product.

You’ve probably seen remarkable marketing used to sell unremarkable products (that’s because most marketers need something to sell, so they create it themselves). In other words, the product’s marketing is usually a heck of a lot more remarkable than the product itself.

Marketers (at one point or another) have probably captured your imagination with the idea of freedom . . . then took your money and let you go. (Whether or not they were well meaning).

You probably want more time with your friends, spouse, and children — and people (even well-intention people) have exploited that to line their pockets.

And that’s unbelievably fucked up.

And it makes me sad.

I wish the “online business education” industry (my industry) were different.

But right now, unfortunately, the industry isn’t different (there, of course, are some real exceptions).

How I Almost Lost All Hope

Project Mojave grew out of my mission statement . . . and was created to deal with the practical — down in the trenches & nitty-gritty aspects — of creating a purpose-driven “freedom business.”

Project Mojave was created after it became clear that . . . (1) too many people get up in the morning dreading their upcoming work day, (2) most people will retire from jobs that they dislike (as much as the ones they have now), and (3) too many people’s jobs are the #1 life-sucking force in their lives.

Over time, however, I — like you — started to become VERY disillusioned with “my industry.”

I saw people (even friends) who started out with the BEST of intentions doing things that didn’t seem quite right, because they needed the money. And I started to get exhausted with the flood of auto responder emails from marketers selling “get-rich-quick” programs.

When You’re In An Industry Filled with Shysters . . .

When you’re in an industry filled with shysters (and an industry that excels at taking well-meaning people and slowly convincing them to adjust their ethics), you have to take a good look at yourself and wonder AM *I* LIKE THAT?

I’ve poured my soul into Project Mojave, I busted my ass non-stop for 5 months and (with a clear conscience) I gave everything I could . . . and guess what: it produced a slew of success stories. (I’ll be showing you these success stories later on, so you don’t have to take my word for it).

But when you’re in an industry that’s all-too-often filled with sketch, you have to take a good look at yourself, and do whatever necessary to avoid “guilt by (industry-)association.”

And I did . . . but in my mind, there were two things missing from my business.

The First Thing

The first thing missing was an outlet for giving back.

So, from now on, for every month someone’s enrolled in one of our sites, we’re going to pay for a month of education for a former slave in Africa . . . including books, and room and board. (When YOU get freedom education, THEY get freedom education). We’re also starting a non-profit called “Marketers for Human Rights” (you’ll also hear more about that soon).

Giving back this way is a joy, but the second thing is a pain in the ass. Here’s . . .

The Second Thing

Sigh.

I’ve been planning on doing something with the next version of Project Mojave. It’s called . . .

“Guerilla Style” Reality-Based Teaching

In the upcoming round of Project Mojave, I’m considering building a Freedom Business *alongside* YOU. So as you’re building a freedom business, I will be to.

In fact, I want to select someone’s business idea . . .

. . . and turn it into an AUTOMATED business.  In my “spare time.”

I Want to Select a Project Mojave Member’s Business Idea and Turn it into a $3k-$5k per MONTH AUTOMATED Business . . . (we’ll hold a contest to see who’s business idea gets selected)

We won’t ONLY be *teaching* Project Mojave members how to build a Freedom Business.

We’ll be showing them as well. (While I’m building a Freedom Business, you will be also).

Why I Think Reality-Based Teaching Will Help . . . And Raise the Bar for Teaching (AND Honesty)

Most products about internet business building are taught by someone telling you how to build a business, but not showing you.

It’s tell not show (and what we need is show AND tell).

Usually . . .

  • There’s someone talking about how to do something without concrete examples
  • OR they’re showing you examples of past success and telling you (not showing you) generally how they did it.
  • Or, they’re showing you one small piece of internet marketing (like link building, or PPC, or whatever) without showing you how to actually turn that skill into money . . . AND they’re doing it without showing you.

And because the human brain learns best when it directly observes how to do something . . . the way internet marketing is taught on the internet RIGHT NOW is totally wrong and goes against what we know about learning and human psychology.

Also, reality-based teaching is a great way to encourage honesty in this market: if someone can actually show you how to do what they’re teaching (and show that it’s actually creating money), then there’s a good chance they’re not full of shit.

Finally, I think one of the main reasons why purpose-driven freedom businesses fail, is that people don’t actually believe they can be created . . . because they’ve never actually seen it done. Reality-based teaching would help with that.

I Need Your Feedback

The Project Mojave curriculum already contains 45 videos, over 2 thousand forum posts, 38 hours of audio, etc.

It’s the most comprehensive collection of information on how to build a freedom business. Period.

For the sake of MY lifestyle, I would LOVE package that up, and sell it over and over again. (Although I am excited about do guerilla-style and “reality-based” education).

In fact, NOT redoing the Project Mojave curriculum would probably be MUCH better for my business . . . because it would give me more time to MARKET my products (i.e. when all your time isn’t spent making content, it frees up time to actually SELL it).

So HERE’S The Question

I’m willing to redo the Project Mojave curriculum if you think it will help. But I also want to make this is as driven by your input as possible.

If YOU think it would *significantly* help if I selected a Project Mojave Member’s Business Idea and turned it into a $3k-$5k per MONTH AUTOMATED Business . . . AND showed you how did it, then I’ll re-do the Project Mojave curriculum.

I’ll re-create it. Even though it will be a slight pain in the ass (again, don’t hear me wrong: I’m still excited about the possibility of doing this).

I’m not asking if you think it would be a “cool thing” or a “good idea.” I’m asking if you REALLY think this type of in-the-trenches guerrilla style could actually create real success.

So . . .

This is What I’m Going to Do

If you think I should redo the Project Mojave curriculum, then email Helen (my assistant) at avenue81@gmail.com or leave a comment below . . . BEFORE 11PM tomorrow.

I need your feedback on this before Project Mojave launches.

If you and enough other people think this is a good idea, then the Project Mojave curriculum will change.  We’ll build freedom businesses together, and you’ll by watching me create a REAL business.

If it turns out that Project Mojave “reality edition” isn’t needed or necessary, then no problem. I’m really happy with what we have in place right now (and I think you will be too).

Thanks for considering this, and for your thoughts.

Elevate,

Clay

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  • shaktiorati
    I don't know you and have no idea how I landed here. But this is the first site I've been to that I actually "signed up" for. I think you are my soul mate.....About your project: Anything you expand on here would be fabulous so long as: it retains your current content and: your energy, voice and authenticity.

    I'm big on freedom (of consciousness actually) - but I would love to see what a "freedom business plan" looks like - on paper and, in action. I'm a great sounding board and would be happy to send you feedback (& meanwhile I'll be vetting through your site here... :))))

    All holographic minds are inspired. WE are the music makers - and we are the dreamers of the dream. ***(Credit for the quote to: Willy Wonka) -- Anyway, I applaud you (and your site members - which now includes myself btw....) for championing ideas into action. I hope to be a part of it.

    XO
  • Hi

    This post sums up many of the doubts I have about the 'internet marketer' world; esp. the one about not seeing any of the people's success stories in real life. All we have is people writing in books or talking in video clips online about their successes. No real proof there. Even bank statements can be faked. So how *does* one prove your success?

    I guess that leads us to your suggestion: the learn-by-example way of building a business. If that doesn't work; well, then we know you are full of it :D. Or just suffered bad execution. Who knows.

    Don't know why you have to ask people whether you should do it or not, you have basically given all the right reasons why it would be a good idea to do it. So please do it. I'm not even a member of PM, but it makes sense to me to do this.

    Thanks for another honest and no-BS post.

    Keep on being one of the exceptions to the 'industry standard'!

    PS: Once I actually have a business idea I'll join PM and get you to launch my business for me ;)
  • Clay
    @Andre . . . thanks for the note. I should mention that Project Mojave goes into a lot of detail (i.e. a months worth of detail) about how to select a market). So you don't need to know what your market is before entering Project Mojave. Anyway, I'm grateful for your thoughts.
  • suzyfein
    I am excited about the idea of seeing a business built from scratch. I have a business idea that I've been wanting to start for a long time...maybe this will help inspire me to launch it.
  • Another vote for show *and* tell.

    I've archived all the current content (i.e. theory/leads on where to dig for a potential "gold"), but seeing someone actually strike gold is just as important (be it a Project Mojave Member that gets selected, or a former slave in Africa getting education).
  • Victoria
    Man, Clay...I didn't think it was possible to make PM even better, but the guerilla style-up will make this a legendary marketer training program. Can't wait to experience show AND tell. Thanks.
  • Vivienne
    Yes! Please do the reality version! I am one of those who is wary of online marketers and marketing tactics. If I'm going to sell online, it has to be a great product that really, really helps people.

    And your idea to give to African former slaves is wonderful! Kudos!
  • Clay,
    I love the idea of seeing a business built! While I enjoy reading about the process so that I can dream about doing it, there's nothing like a live example to go along with it.

    Matthew
  • Johnny B. Truant
    I'm pretty excited to be part of this. Just sayin'.
  • Amy
    Clay and friends...

    I'm a web designer who is interested in the areas of digital marketing and media. My interest is helping design gorgeous and yet, super functional websites for small businesses. I believe that much of the PM journey would be helpful and interesting to those affiliated with freedom businesses rather than the business owners themselves.

    Like Tracy and others mentioned above, I am not a current PM member or participant. But I like what I hear. I like the idea and eventual reality of online business that is ethical and strong and good. People who are willing to share information and ideas and strategies without being scared that there isn't enough. There IS enough and more for those who are willing to put in the time and energy and not just lip service. I think back to my days as an undergrad right before the rise of the Web. That's 20 years folks, and look how far we've come. We don't have to know where this will all be in another 20. We have to be willing to make it what we want, because if people like us don't --- no one else will.

    Good luck Clay, and the others in PM. I'd love to tag along.
  • Burl
    First of all, making continuous improvements to your mission work is important. You don't get to automate your mission and call it good! :-) That's why it's called "work." So for that reason alone, my answer is a resounding "yes."

    Second, giving back - different but related question - is awesome. Builds credibility and keeps things in perspective...especially ethical things.

    As for what I think it will do for your cash flow...hard to quantify, obviously, but I think it's a brilliant marketing effort. A reality version will show that the freedom business "story" is truly real - I see that as a wonderful differentiator. Let everyone see for themselves that real people with real ideas and no previous clue can do this.
  • Neil
    Clay,
    Good idea...the part that struck me in particular was about giving education in kind to someone else for free, even though they are in another country. Not for self gratification or dollars..just to remind ourselves to be thankful. Lifting each other up and sharing is a powerful thing. I'll take less for me to help someone else as I've learned how little I really need. If done on a local level with only a "pay it forward" caveat think of the sense of community it would build. Then the community could help one of their own..or more. Everyone benefits. Think "Extreme Home Makeover" as an example. They just did one 15 miles from where I live.Yeah I know it's a really profitable show for the producers but the galvanizing effect on a community is amazing. I'm willing to give away a part of my own success just to keep it going. I know it could work here (web) too. Congratulations... it's bold and humbling to ask for help and even more so to accept it when offered. Keep it up.
  • Clay,

    Do it. Relaunch the thing - and make it real-time and interactive. I don't know of anyone who's done it before. You should.

    Charlotte
  • Richard Spackman
    Clay,

    Sounds like a fantastic idea - put your money where your mouth is and SHOW that its real.

    I think the two main benefits would be this - BELIEF and MOTIVATION. If I see you following through and applying the 'theory' then that will in turn MOTIVATE me to follow though and apply what I have been learning as well. And if I see that what you are doing is working, this will strengthen my BELIEF that if I continue to take action I will be successful too (and as a result motivate me even more).

    I was p*ssed to miss out on PM last time. I've been exposed to a lot of internet marketing materials over the lastyear or so, but I just seem to get a 'gut feeling' about you - something that says that you're the real deal.

    I will be signing up for Project Mojave the second I can, I will see you in there and I look forward to building a freedom business with you.

    In short - awsome idea :))

    All the best - Richard :)
  • Cheryl Binnie
    Clay, this idea is great.
    I feel like I'm part of that portion of current PM members Michael mentioned: I just won't get out of my own way (I do that thing he talked about: spending lots of times on the forums and watching the videos, just kinda tricking myself into thinking that it counts as "doing something."). I think there's a part of me that says, "Ugh. If I pick that as my market, then I'll put all that time and effort into it, and what if, in the end, it doesn't work?"

    So, yes, it would be incredibly helpful to watch you build a business from scratch.

    I guess my only concern is that we wouldn't have access to the AMAZING material you've already created. Because, really, every time I watch a new Project Mojave video, the amount of valuable information I receive just blows me away. So what would happen to all of the current content? Is there any way, as a few others have asked already, that you can combine the two ideas?

    Also, your ideas for giving back are awesome. I can't wait to learn more about them.
    See you at the Project Mojave Conference!
  • Just wanted to chime in once more and say that I second the comments of those requesting both the videos and the real-time education...makes sense to have the theory (for lack of a better word) and practice combined into one big kick-ass behemoth of an online marketing program...
  • Simon
    Hey,

    So, I echo the sentiment expressed many times about belief. I *want* to believe.

    Oh, how I want to believe!

    Being taken through the process and actually experiencing that it is possible would help a *lot* with that. So in that regard, I'm all for the idea. For me, it could be the difference between staking some of my (currently exceedingly slim) income on Project Mojave, and deciding that I can't risk it.

    On the other hand, I doubt that *anyone* is going to tell you otherwise. You're basically offering to add a huge amount of value to Project Mojave, with no mention of any extra cost to potential users. For us, it's a no-brainer.

    I hope that you want to keep Project Mojave as accessible as possible, and that the extra effort you're proposing won't add to the cost. As Johnny says, though, you could easily feel justified in whacking up the price (hey, if you're gonna do more work ... ). That would probably rule me out of giving it a try.

    Overall, if *you're* happy with the investment you'll be making if you do as you've suggested, then, yes, it makes me more likely to believe that you're for real.

    Thanks,

    Simon
  • Liz
    Clay,

    Project Mojave has been a long, ardous process for me and it continues to be.

    We need to remake our minds, evolve and unlearn many bad habits for this to work. It's not just you or the course contest that needs to evolve. I feel like I'm giving birth to myself, not just creating a Freedom Business.

    Few people can play a musical instrument without enduring months and even years of boring scale exercises and theory.

    Total immersion is the best method to learn a second language yes, but you also needed a lot of theory, reading and writing before you can be fluent in any language. (English is my 2nd language and now I'm trying to learn French so I speak from experience).

    Why can't we have both the lessons AND the real life, behind the scenes training? WE Need BOTH!

    Some of those videos and the things you've said in them have been life changing to me.

    I completely agree with the comment from Jenny Blake above. I'm copying it here:

    "Call me crazy, but can you do both? I’d love to see the videos AND the reality version. ...

    I say you launch Mojave with what you’ve got, then take us on a journey to create a freedom business."

    I second that. I want both the current content and the next phase.

    Thanks Clay,

    Liz
  • Clay
    @Liz . . . OK. Done! If I do the side-by-side in the trenches version of Project Mojave, we'll do teaching as well as showing. There will be show AND tell :-).

    Thanks a ton for your input,
    Clay
  • Clay, I think this is a brilliant idea. Do you think it would be possible to cross-reference the steps in the reality based process back to the existing content as reference? Maybe you could crowd source some of that effort back to the membership. I'd be down for working on that.
  • I believe.
  • Sounds really awesome. I love your "get freedom education, give freedom education" idea...I spent 11 of my 25 years in Africa, so I am painfully aware of poverty and suffering in that part of the world...so thank you seriously considering a significant charitable component to Project Mojave.

    You're right about your industry being known for dishonesty...the internet marketing world has left me pretty jaded as far as what I'll believe and who I'll trust in the business. I've been following your blog for a while now, and you seem like a pretty straightforward kind of guy, and I appreciate that. Still, I think I will have to lurk and watch, and think a while yet before I give it another go.
  • Johnny B. Truant
    Dude. This is why I love you.

    1. PEOPLE DO NOT REALLY BELIEVE. That truth is exactly what I told Naomi D. when I pitched the idea of her tutoring me into her own success story. The online world is chock full of bullshit that sounds good but is actually lies.

    2. YOU WILL SHOW FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL THAT PM IS REAL. I get questions whether this is one more scam, since I'm involved. People know I'll shoot straight, so I do. But still they don't believe. This would prove it.

    3. IT WILL MAKE PRICE IRRELEVANT. Because if we're being real, let's NOT pretend that one of your goals is NOT to make money. I hate it when people pretend that all of their motives are altruistic. No, you're in business. So the question is whether what you're selling is worth the price.

    If you can show, truly, in front of everyone's eyes, in a way that they cannot doubt it, that it's quite possible to build a $4k/month automated business, then you could charge a flat $4k for Project Mojave because you'd earn it back that fast.

    Now, I hope you DON'T charge $4k for it, but I'm just sayin'. Or if you do, I hope you'll give at least 3/4 of that to me. You know, for luck.
  • Chris P. L.
    Clay,

    I would love to see your guerilla style reality-based teaching. I know there are things I know I don't know and there are things I don't know I know and things I just don't know, so I am interesting in learning more. Teach us.

    Chris
  • Juha Liikala
    I'm in. And I hear you loud and clear.. It's amazing how twisted the whole online marketing business seem to be nowadays. The "how I lost hope.." feeling sounds so familiar. There's so much marketing buzz and distracting noise, that it's really easy to get sucked in and lose yourself (and your original focus) in the process.

    We need REAL people, with REAL examples and evidence that "this thing called online business" CAN really be done. Integrity and transparency. That's what we need!

    Great idea and all the best for making the Reality project a success!
  • dave
    Hi Clay,

    I Like a few of the ideas already posted. I would like
    to see a real time, looking over my shoulder, this is how it's done
    way of learning.


    Dave B.
  • Donald Wickman
    Hello Clay,
    I ran across your 'liberate yourself' text many months ago, and was profoundly inspired. Yours were the words I had voiced to myself many years ago, and it was empowering to hear someone else sharing the same sentiment.
    As a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, I have quite a few distractions. I work with wood, [carving and getting into furniture making and eventually becoming a luthier], I am engraving on stone and glass, and I've been in performance art for 8 years and going to college for Film.
    As such, I am excessively busy in my life. And being only 19 I also have to work around the ageist's of this world who expect nothing but failure from someone my age, regardless of my other successful ventures.
    After I first read your text I immediately brought my browser to project mojave, and was extremely down-trodden when I saw you were temporarily down.
    Since you started posting again I've been re-inspired and am looking forward to the great things in store for everyone involved. I'm currently, as of today, self-employed as a paper boy, not a glamorous job but I am in love of the concept and am always find more reasons to love it! I work two days a week and make a hundred bucks. But, I'm looking for ways to complement that.
    I've always been cautious about internet marketing, having nothing to sell, but since I've started engraving and carving I can offer custom necklaces, bracelets, wooden signs, etc.
    I cannot wait for your return, and regardless of which direction you choose I will amongst those attempting the journey with you.
    I love the concept of Marketers for Human Rights. And the Guerrilla concept? Helping out others is the greatest activity of mankind, yours is a destiny filled with wonder.
    -Don
  • Jenny Blake
    Clay – love your writing, your honesty and your transparency.

    Call me crazy, but can you do both? I’d love to see the videos AND the reality version. Your idea to build an automated business from someone else’s freedom business and document the process is AMAZING – and totally different than everything else out there. For me, that would be more resonant than watching 45+ separate videos. However, I’m sure there’s still tons of value in those (like you said).

    I say you launch Mojave with what you’ve got, then take us on a journey to create a freedom business. But that’s just my two cents

    Thanks for passing this along!

    All the best,
    Jenny
  • Clay
    UM . . . I have NO ideas why my picture is appearing there :-).
  • beyourbest
    Hey Clay
    My vote is for the new 'reality' version of Project Mojave.

    Actually 'doing' it with the rest of us plebs gives you a whole lot more credibility in my mind.

    Great idea, by the way :-)

    & can i suggest you don't 'run' with the "best" business idea.... just an average one. As that way people can really see how it works and if it works & they'll have NO excuse then to give it a whirl themselves.
    Richard
  • Clay
    HUGE apologies if you tried to leave a comment and it didn't go through. I tried to turn on DISQUS and it screwed a bunch of things up. THANK YOU for your thoughts so far. They're very helpful.

    --Clay
  • Mr Crash
    addenum: That would be a vehement yes, if I didn't expect to be away from phone + internet for a good week or so after it opens. Good luck regardless.
  • Clay,

    As a fellow entrepreneur in the "online business education" space who came from Sleazetown and is attempting to evolve how and why business is pursued online, I totally support your "coming out of the closet" with your own real-time experiment in building a freedom business alongside Mojave members. I think it's gutsy and right.

    We need to create a new culture where the guilt-by-association factor doesn't exist--because we as marketers, teachers, and entrepreneurs demonstrate so much integrity through our own example that "sleaziness" becomes a moot point.

    Imagine all of the people inspired by the very real, tangible, and transparent example of someone who puts his money where his mouth is and builds an automated business that does well and does good. I support you in this, and I'll do the same for the products that my company produces as well.

    Thanks for honesty and commitment to busting cynicism around what can be done online.

    Sam
  • Sounds interesting. Either way I'd love to see a product launch with real transparency.

    X number of courses sold.
    Then after 4 months -
    X number of customers actually started a business
    X number made at least $100 in a month
    X number made at least $500 in a month
    X number made at least $1000 in a month
    X number made over $3000 in a month

    No one gives these kinds of numbers because a very low percentage of customers succeed with any program. But the marketers don't have an incentive to make them better since they all collude to sell each others products. No one ever says "So-and-so's product is awful!" There is no competition and we need some!

    Best,
    Richard
  • Ok, this idea is really exciting. I followed the launch the first time around and was really intrigued but I got a little lost in the marketing hype. I have a couple ideas of my own and have already clearly set my financial vision. I'm ready to take this on. I want to know more and see it in action!
  • Hi Clay,
    - Great idea, of having it done in real time... I think it'd be more effective if:
    1) you came alongside closely with someone create their idea
    or
    2) started (another) product idea of your own.

    The idea of taking someone's idea, doing it for them, then giving it back to them, seems kind of like someone getting the lottery - if there's no work on their part, or investment in the process...
    definitely like the step-by-step, and having it shown though..

    Also, would doing the above mean you have to (totally) re-do the materials?
    could they not exist side-by-side? - if you didn't exactly follow your process, who cares? - people can get that there's variation ;)

    Best,
    Jeremy
  • Chad
    Clay,

    From someone who has been burned several times by marketers doing a fantastic job of selling a hollow and nearly useless product that only lazy people don't ask for a refund, this new style of side-by-side, in-the-trenches education sounds just like what I need. To be able to see nearly real-time and first-hand the creation of a successful business, AND THEN TURN AROUND AND DO IT MYSELF will set Project Mohave above and beyond eveything else that is out there. DO IT!
  • Mr Crash
    I completely agree with Tracy (above).

    I don't do these courses. But I consider myself technologically sophisticated and pretty well educated (I'm also lazy and judgemental but that's by the by ;). I think sometimes i'm just not sure if they're right for me either, but I'm pretty horrific at working out what direction I want to take with anything really.

    That being said, I think maybe you've got something here. I like the idea that regardless of my financial situation resulting from the course - someone genuinely benefits.

    I also think seeing someone go through and build a business like this from scratch is more proof than anyone has ever offered me to do something like this. *that* is something special. Not selected test cases or a testimonial - but how it went, how it's going and every single step in real time.

    Would I buy in? Yes. Possibly.
  • Ash Christopher
    Clay I think you know what to do, you are you and by being such can change others. So if others would benefit from a "live" event then go for it, just remember you can never make a horse take a sip.

    Cheers,
  • Clay. This would be amazing for the reasons mentioned. Watching one
    being built from the ground up will surely give the needed inspiration
    to get people to take action.

    I can't wait to learn more about the application process...
  • Joey
    yes, you should definitely do the in-the-trenches curriculum. Not only will it be incredibly helpful for your students (us) but man, it'll definitely be more fun for you (albiet way more work...) If you leave everything as it is now, it'll still be the best online marketing education out there, but if you want to really set yourself apart as king of the online marketing space, get in the trenches. Show that it isn't magic what you're doing. Through mistakes, testing, and hard work, you can build a great and liberating business online.

    You're doing great stuff here Clay.
  • Awesome. Do it. Can't wait.

    btw, your industry commentary is EXACTLY what we've seen in the pro speaking world the last few years. And the entire self-help world, for that matter. Integrity sucked dry from the best-intentioned people, one tiny suicidal compromise at a time.

    Can't wait to be part of "Marketers for Human Rights" and see your guerilla gold.
  • Cameron C
    Clay,

    Do it again.

    The first time around I watched as the project materialized and despite the obvious honesty of your writing-- the taste of Online Marketers was too strong.

    I am done drinking the kool-aid.

    Bring your "reality-based" education to the to the table and I'll definitely partake this time around.
  • I'll be completely honest, I'm still trying to figure out exactly what this Project Mojave is, I just came over to read a guest post by Johnny B. Truant and am now trying to figure out if this is something for me or not. I've been wary of these sorts of courses, because in the back of my mind I fear I'll wind up with a basement full of crappy unicorn lamps bought at wholesale to sell on Ebay or sending v1agra spam.

    From my point of view, and I'm not sure if you're looking for the perspective of somebody who hasn't participated before, it would be a draw to be able to watch a business being built and be able to ask questions. Because I'm smart, I work hard, but I have no idea where one even starts. I'm one that learns best from watching an example instead of being given a list of bullet points.
  • HI Clay,
    I think you should change your curriculum and create a business alongside your participants. That would be really eye opening to see it happen.
    Also, I think the idea of giving back is really wonderful.
    This program seems really amazing!
    -Briana
  • Laurel Killough
    I agree with Michael that people (including me) "want to believe, but they
    don’t really believe". It's likely not the only thing getting in lots of people's way, but it's one of the biggest. I think it would be fantastic if you do this and really helpful.

    Very much looking forward to more info about the project in Africa and Marketers for Human Rights :)
  • I love that "This is Radio Mojave" idea...I feel something powerful in effect.
  • Michael Fisher
    Clay — it's funny how the universe works. This has literally been on
    my mind all day (since jumping in the shower this morning). I was
    thinking of how INCREDIBLE it would be to take a small handful of
    select people who have knocked out the essential prerequisites, throw
    them into a hotel for a week (somewhere BORING, so there are no
    distractions), and work around the clock, keeping the pizza guy on
    speed-dial, driving each other on, and hammering through the work
    required to get multiple freedom businesses launched and off the
    ground.

    Think of the testimonials that could come out of something like that.
    Think of the BELIEF that would inspire in so many of the Project
    Mojave members.

    (You could even post each step being taken, as it's being taken, in
    real time, so everyone else can follow along at home in their own
    projects if they want to take part vicariously as satellite
    attendees.)

    In a word, then — YES. I absolutely think you are on to something
    very important. Taking one or two or three or five Project Mojave
    members and walking them through the steps would be hugely valuable
    for everyone.

    I believe that easily 75% of the members of Project Mojave could have
    viable freedom businesses in place by Christmas ... if only they could
    get out of their own goddamn way. They want to believe, but they
    don't really believe; and because they don't really believe, they do
    not take action. They dabble. They do not focus. They get their
    daily "online marketing" fix by following along watching some videos
    or reading stuff in the forum, tricking themselves into thinking that
    they are actually making some kind of progress ... When the reality
    is, if they just committed a full weekend to TAKING REAL ACTION, they
    would make more tangible progress than 99% of the people out there
    incessantly studying online marketing until it comes out their ears.

    It's unsettling how many of the "successes" in internet marketing are
    only successful because they are selling people on internet marketing.
    What sets you apart is that you have actually done it. What "sold"
    me on you from the very beginning was the amazed realization that for
    once I was looking at someone who was REAL. And I think the outgrowth
    of that needs to involve you putting the cards on the table in a BIG
    WAY by walking some of the Project Mojave members through setting up
    their freedom businesses. For everyone to see.

    Imagine those case studies!

    Imagine the real-world materials that would come out of that kind of project.

    Imagine broadcasting (THIS IS RADIO MOJAVE!) from that hotel room (ARE
    YOU LISTENING?) capturing the excitement of a small group of people
    actually making something happen ...

    That would be exciting.

    That's a dream worth dreaming.

    That's a dream worth bringing into the world.

    I, for one, am willing to step up and help make that happen.

    ~ S. Michael Fisher
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