I’m really embarrassed. Recently I reached out to two of my LI contacts to congratulate them on recent news. No agenda—just appreciation. What I noticed was messages like the one in this screenshot, dating back several years ago.
If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’ve probably noticed I’m quite vehement about formula-mongers and their crass tactics. Part of the story is that I actually followed their advice once upon a time.
Five years ago, I didn’t quite know how to get traction with my business. I had pivoted to focus on premium thought leadership in institutional finance, but I was struggling to find new clients. I was perfect prey, ready to bite any baited hook designed to catch me. There were plenty of people promising some magic formula for an unlimited supply of new clients.
It didn’t work. I can’t plead total ignorance, but I will say I listened to my anxiety more than to my temperament. I should have known better.
Now, years later, there’s a whole segment of people in my industry to whom I have to apologize as a caveat to anything else I might want to say to them.
Also, now, years later, I see formula-mongers for what they are. They peddle by preying on fear and aspiration. Because they also promote tactics that keep people paying for and staying active on this channel, they also seem to dominate many of our feeds.
Fortunately, I have learned enough and thrived enough that I both know better and do better.
Believe me when I tell you that what they are selling you is SHAME.
And that’s my Friday “Chris Fox ‘Cut the S***’ Moment™” for 3 May 2024.
