My BS Facebook antics
Published: Mon, 03/05/18
For example:
Some people made a lot of scratch and connections from it.
Like Brad Grey-eyes Brant, who said:
“Just wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks. Getting into your world has been one of the most profitable things I've ever done, both professionally and personally. I've made more money implementing your ways and have met some really good people who I don't think I would have otherwise.”
Others created relationships stronger than their real life friends and family.
Like Jenny Sjolund, who said:
“remember how you used to say participating in the Lair would make us rich? well, it was true, but not just financially... I evacuated way ahead of Irma (thankfully, as a mandatory evacuation was just posted for where I was living), ended up in DC, and guess who has been checking on me and helping me every step of the way... friends? family? nope! Old Lair friends.:
And, certain others publicly made it known how closing it displeased them.
Like The World’s Greatest Copywriting Coach David Garfinkel, who said on Facebook it was a BS thing of me to do to close it down.
Anyway, why should you care about any of this?
Maybe you shouldn't care.
Unless, you are someone with a list or audience.
(Or want to build one)
Here's what I mean:
A few exceptions not withstanding, more people were upset (even "angry-pushup mad" at elBenbo) I ended it than were grateful it existed at all. And this private message (not sure she wants me to reveal her name, so I won't) I received explains some reasons why:
===
In The Lair, you brought in thousands of people who were much more emotionally invested in you than you were in them. Even though you spelled it out that it was a social experiment of sorts for your amusement, people really didn't know or get that. It was personal in The Lair. Even you shared things that are personal but I just don't think when you share it goes as deeply into the feels as it does to people who've created this relationship with you through your daily emails.
I always wondered how people who were more emotionally invested in you would handle it when you ended The Lair, because now they are emotionally investing in others, too. But for you it was an experiment. Not for us.
I just don't believe you understand how deeply you can hurt people unintentionally. I am suggesting that in the future you consider people's feelings-- but only if it's in line with your business/mission. Hurting your lists feelings I don't think will maintain loyalty. But I'm coming from a personal perspective, not as a marketing genius like you are. Loyalty is broken when a person doesn't feel respected.
===
She makes some interesting points.
Including some valuable ones.
Especially, that last part about loyalty gets broken without respect. A good thing to keep in mind when building an email list, too...
All right, so that’s the past.
Back to the present:
On January first this year I created a new Facebook group (called “elBenbo’s Abyss”) that is a completely different animal where I share business insights, opinions, dating advice, politically incorrect cultural and racial commentary (which is always fun), and anything else I want that's in the basement of my psyche.
But, again, the dynamics are completely different.
And, thus, it won’t create the emotional attachment the last one did.
(At least, I hope not, that was too hair-raising for a bloke like me.)
But, it can create more profits for your business. Stronger relationships for you. (Personal, business, and otherwise.) And, also, lots of amusement.
More:
Immigration is only open a few days at a time each month.
The rest of the time I keep it in “secret” status so nobody can find it, much less join. I do this because I like smaller, more intimate groups.
But, as people leave, I let new blood in.
Thus, I’ve briefly flung open the gates to the Abyss.
If you want in before I close them again, go here:
http://www.elBenbo.com
Ben Settle