The case for selling snake oil?
Published: Sun, 07/18/21
Many suns ago, a guy asked me about what specific "real" companies I've worked for that I've helped in email marketing and how they benefited. He also wanted to see some examples of my work, saying if he wanted to hire me, how would he know I had any successes at all... and so on, and so forth.
My answer?
If I did client work, I'd go through the trouble.
But, I don't do client work.
So, why would I bother?
Pretty simple, in my way of thinking.
But not for this fine, upstanding gentleman.
He replied with:
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I think you're a snake oil salesman. All of your "mysterious" tips and "secret" ways to make money. Did my homework on you. Not impressed at all with your writing skills either. Good day to you. I'm sure I'll be "blackballed" or parodied in your email newsletter."
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The irony practically writes itself:
1. If he'd really done his "homework" a simple Google search would lead him down a rabbit hole mentioning various clients, testimonials, experiences, etc. (HINT: When someone said they researched you, and gives no examples of what their "research" uncovered -- it means they got nuttin.)
2. My site says I don't do client work (he did his homework?)
3. He said my writing didn't impress him, yet he's butt hurt over the fact I won't spend time digging up links, etc to show him more of my writing. If my writing sucks, why waste time seeing more of it?
4. He anticipated being "blackballed" and parodied.
Well, yes, to the parody — mocking trolls is good for the soul & bank account.
But, no to the blackball thing.
That's for new product junkies I don't want buying, to curate them out of my business.
In this blue flame special's case, what would be the point?
Also, there is one other thing I want to mention about the snake oil thing.
In my slithering swipe file I have a health magalog from many years ago that was all about snake oil — and how it was actually a legitimate remedy for certain health problems, despite its reputation. And, the fact that magalog exists is because someone challenged the idea that snake oil is bad.
This idea of challenging "facts" is powerful.
And I have used it to profit like gangbusters over the years.
More on this in the upcoming double-sized (10-year anniversary) Email Players issue.
In the meantime:
If you want to learn more about the newsletter, go here:
https://www.EmailPlayers.com
Ben Settle