I thought this was interesting, yet not surprising. A study often cited by consultants and motivational speakers turns out to not have happened. This is why documentation and references are very important. My last post was about MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing) organizations. I have been involved with an MLM in the past. I can remember statements in "The Plan," or the Sales and Marketing Plan, such as "The Wall Street Journal says that this is the business of the future." I even made that statement myself on occasion when I was giving "The Plan" to people. Looking back, I am more than a little embarrassed by my naivete in regard to believing and passing on undocumented statements. If I could sit through that original "Plan" today, I would likely ask if the article or author could be produced to document the reference. I can also remember being told that "The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that this business is not a pyramid!" Again, no documentation was offered. Of course, I can also remember being told that "If you work this business only 8-10 hours a week, which is spare time, you can retire in 2-5 years!" I didn't have the Internet back then (1993), but from what I read now, most testimonials reflect mine- giving up lots of time prospecting, showing "The Plan", going to functions and meetings a lot more than 10 hours a week, and getting nowhere. I'm not aware of anybody who can claim to have "succeeded" on only 8-10 hours a week.
Goal setting is a wonderful thing, and motivational authors and speakers certainly have a place in the world, but always pay attention and listen for undocumented references or stories when dealing with them. The same thing goes if you find yourself invited to a "business meeting." Look for documented references. Any salesman can make fanciful claims about a product or system and people who have been successful, but can the salesman substantiate them?
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