How To Know If You're In a Business Cult
How to know if you're in a business cult 😮
1. The leader is charismatic and attracts attention. Usually has a level of intrigue or mystery about themselves. Can be unpredictable at times. They'll sometimes label themselves as prophets or that they have almost God-like characteristics or skills.
2. The leader knows how to grow an audience of followers. They understand that it's easier to get people to join when they are in a financial struggle or they feel lonely.
3. There is a defined business model that generates huge profits for the leader, and some of the Lieutenants that report directly to him or her. There are usually defined levels within the membership, starting from a low-priced base, a midrange level, and a top level. Each of these levels seems more prestigious than the level below it, and serve to make members aspire to level up (thus, spend more)
4. The psychology of "Us vs Them" is deployed heavily within the organization. The leader teaches the members to distrust anyone outside of the group. The leader makes the members feel they are part of an elite private club, and that they are better than other people outside of the club. Think about how odd this is, especially if you understand most in the group are struggling or lonely, not actually "elite".
5. The leader introduces "insider speak" within the community. These are trite little phrases or sayings that are often repeated by the leader, and show up in the external words and writings of the members. This insider speak is a way of signaling to other group members that you're in the club. It's the "IYKYK" handshake.
6. Members are manipulated to remain in the club through gained notoriety and acknowledgment within the club. They are led to believe they are better members if they contribute more money and time to the group. They are made to believe they are part of something much bigger than themselves, and that it's unsafe to leave the group. People fear the potential backlash of leaving, so they remain.
7. The leader accepts no criticism, and dissent is punished publicly. Naysayers or skeptics are removed immediately, by shunning or banning them. Those who remain in the group are encouraged to no longer associate or support former members. On social media, they'll block or unfriend you. A former member's stellar reputation may experience a smear campaign, especially if they are a whistle-blower.
8. Each cult has regular gatherings and ceremonies. These are opportunities to publicly praise the best members, encourage more donations or leveling-up ranks by investing more, and to allow the members to visually see they aren't alone. Expect "insider speak" in most member conversations, especially from the leader on stage.
9. The leader eventually earns enough to invest in real estate, a formal gathering place or compound. A place where they can teach others to enroll more members, have private gatherings, and indoctrinate their beliefs into members and staff.
There are other tactics being used, but these are the main ones to identify. If you've found value in this article, share it with others.
-Tony
From $0 to $14 Million Lessons - with Bret Voelkel - EP 364
Bret Voelkel returns to the show to share his tactical insights on building RideTech from $0 to over $10M, and eventually exiting for over $14M in 2019.
In this episode:
- Bret's story on startup challenges and being the "one man show"
- Lessons in leadership, hiring and retaining employees
- How he survived economic recessions
- Undergoing a massive rebranding from Air Ride Technologies to RideTech
- Marketing strategies and building a spectacle
- How to set pricing on products to drive profit
- Being competitive in an ultra-competitive market
- Lessons from being acquired by Fox for $14M
Unspoken Truth About Building Personal Brands
Building a recognized personal brand takes years, but so many expect results in only months.
Just because others make it look easy, or the fact that you could likely produce similar quality content, doesn't mean you get to skip the time factor.
Your first goal should be to become someone of value worth listening to. Demonstrate your expertise and proven results in something. Answer the question of "Why?" an audience should pay attention.
There are too many that just want to claim they are the best, but have nothing to show for it. The real experts create proven results first, then speak about them long afterwards.
Just understand that you are playing the lifetime game, and be committed to creating content, while at the same time being patient with getting results.
Years, not months!
You can certainly shorten the time for gaining your tactical education, by hiring a coach or an agency. Knowledge related to messaging, positioning, copywriting, content creation, formats and editing. Social media skills, etc...
But, having the knowledge of tactics doesn't mean you'll get to skip the years of putting yourself out there, doing the work. Plenty of people know *what* to do, but aren't doing it. Most give up too soon.
Years, not months!
Everyone starts with zero audience, and zero followers. Don't be hard on yourself if you're just beginning.
It's better to become the right person with the right message, instead of the right message coming from the wrong person.
Years, not months.
-Tony
Former SEAL Creates & Destroys - with Ryan Williams - EP 363
A former Navy SEAL and entrepreneur, Ryan Williams joins the 365 Driven Podcast to unravel his remarkable journey from a high school dropout to the founder and CEO of Industry Threadworks. Ryan's story is one of daring choices and the relentless pursuit of self-respect, offering a unique perspective on life's challenges and the drive to overcome them. He opens up about his motivations for joining the SEALs pre-9/11 and his transition into entrepreneurship, providing a candid look into the daring mindset that propels individuals towards such demanding paths.
This conversation takes you through the grueling trials of Navy SEAL training and how they shape the resilient mindset needed for successful entrepreneurship. As the longest-serving BUD/S and SQT instructor, Ryan has seen firsthand the unpredictability of who makes it through and who doesn't, and he draws striking parallels between surviving SEAL training and thriving in the competitive business world. Ryan's personal evolution, from a young man searching for his place in the world to a seasoned business owner, underscores the transformative power of facing and embracing challenges.
Finally, Ryan and Tony shift gears to discuss the intricacies of entrepreneurship, from fostering meaningful conversations among business leaders to the art of negotiation. Ryan shares his experiences in the apparel industry, offering valuable insights into problem-solving and the significance of understanding both the creative and logistical sides of a business. He also reveals some hard-earned lessons on financial decisions and the importance of strong contracts. Tune in for an enlightening look at the intersection of mental fortitude, physical endurance, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines success in both military and civilian life.
Key highlights:
- Navy SEAL Training and Entrepreneurship Mindset
- Evolution and Growth Through Challenges
- Pushing Through Mental Barriers in Fitness
- Entrepreneurship, Business, and Problem-Solving
- Negotiating Deals and Contracts
Connect with Ryan Williams:
- Instagram: @invictus5326 | @industry_threadworks
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven
From Musician to Million-Dollar Side Hustle - with Greg Kerr - EP 362
When Greg Kerr traded guitar riffs for the gleam of custom belt buckles, little did he know it would pave the road to a multimillion-dollar side hustle. In this episode, Greg shares his extraordinary transition from musician to entrepreneur, as he explains how tapping into a niche market, and using his creativity, lead to building his brand, Alchemy Merch.
Greg and Tony reflect on the complexities of manufacturing, the revelation of hiring to streamline workflow, and the 'learn and burn' approach to continuous education. This episode is not just about the mechanics of business growth, but also the personal evolution that's instrumental in sculpting a mindset for success.
Greg opens up about the profound impact of his mindfulness practices, especially in times of personal loss, and the continuous pursuit of self-awareness that has been enhanced by fatherhood. From stoic philosophies to the importance of open communication, this episode is an important reminder of the internal development that's as crucial as external success.
Key highlights:
- From Musician to Million-Dollar Side Hustle
- Entrepreneurship and Product Market Fit
- Importance of Personal Development in Business
- Exploring Old and New Business Books
- Core Values in Business and Personal Growth
- Streamlining Production Processes
Connect with Greg Ker:
- Website: alchemymerch.com
- Instagram: @alchemy.merch
- Facebook: Alchemy Merch
- LinkedIn: Alchemy Merch
- YouTube: Alchemy Merch
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven
- LinkedIn: Tony Whatley
The Importance of Emotion in Messaging
If you are a coach or consultant and you're struggling to get clients, maybe it's just your message.
First of all, there is the question of integrity and authenticity.
There are people selling the promise of earning a lot of money, who don't seem to have a lot of money.
There are people selling the promise of building your influence or fame, who haven't demonstrated it, themselves. They don't even have a Google knowledge panel for their own name.
There are people selling the hope of a happy and enlightened life, who seem to be drama magnets and basket cases.
There are relationship and dating experts who are divorced a couple times, and are single. But they keep giving advice on it.
If you've made it past the authenticity checks, then there is something more important about your message that you may not understand.
It is the emotion that you are known for providing to your audience.
It's not about what you do, it's about what emotion they feel when they interact with you.
While the amateurs waste a lot of time pitching their products and services, the experts are keyed into the overall emotion that their content is known for.
What ONE emotion do you consistently provide to your audience? Do you know it? Let's hear it.
-Tony