- Price:
- Keep your money
- Rating:
Summary:
Empower Network... one of the quickest ways to get someone else rich. And buy something that is available everywhere else for free. Really. Get the skinny on the company, their infamous marketing training, and more.
Empower Network “Get Traffic” Training
That’s where it gets interesting.
I don’t care how much hype there is around any given biz opportunity, program, system, etc.
If there’s VALUE behind the hype, then it might still be worth the money.
Empower Network claims to offer the best and the most exclusive marketing training to succeed in ANY online business.
As a matter of fact, as per one of the numerous videos I watched in the EN back office, David Wood actually “invented” (his word) most of these strategies.
Fine, let’s take a closer look.
Fast Start - 25/month
This is the “training” you get at $25/month level.
There’s actually not much training here at all.
You’ll see 8 videos called “Core Commitments”, like “sign up for e-wallet” ($20/month), “blog daily”, “market daily”, etc.
The main message:
This is what you should do.
If you want to learn HOW to do it, buy the whole package.
15K Formula - $1,000
This training is compiled of 6 lessons, plus 3 bonus lessons.
The average lessons length is 1-3 hours.
I took notes for 3 out of 9 lessons just to give you an idea of what kind of training $1,000 will buy you.
This is a 3 hour webinar, and here’s what your time and money will get you:
How to get traffic to your new post:
- Email your team.
You can also write blog posts in such a way that only EN members at a certain paid level can see it.
So when you send it out to members who are below that paid level, you are giving them yet another “incentive” to upgrade, i.e. make more money for you.
- If you don’t have a list yet, it’s OK; email it to your friends and family.
When you create good content, your friends and family don’t feel like you are pitching it to them.
They will bring their warm market to you by sharing your content.
5 Key Elements of Good Content:
1. Write entertaining content.
2…. (the guy who was doing this section was so monotone and boring, I had to drink lots of coffee just to pay enough attention to get some key points out of it - he lost me at “Write entertaining content”.)
How to write:
1. Be authentic; write like you talk.
2. Be bold; be real.
3. Format your content well (lots of white space, short sentences, etc).
4. Use images.
5. Add call to action.
How to actually write a post in WP:
- Heading tags (H1, H2, etc) - the lower the number, the bigger the text. Revelation.
- Have your keywords throughout your heading tags in EACH post.
- Have an image.
- Sprinkle your keywords throughout the content.
- Write over 500 words per post.
- Keywords in the title.
- Have nofollow links within your content.
Create Facebook group:
- Add your name/brand and pic to it.
- Don’t allow spam.
- blah, blah, blah (sorry, don’t have patience for rudimentary stuff).
- Create conversations.
- Comment frequently.
- Demand participation.
Side note: yes, Empower Network is huge on using Facebook to promote their content.
Too bad they were banned from FB for posting too much spam…
This is what you see if you try to link to their EN site:
Social Media Syndication:
Find a way to automate everything.
The more social media shares you get, the more links you get, the more likely you are to rank batter.
(She was reading this segment of the webinar, so it was really hard to follow.)
Lot’s of blah-blah on why you need to get more shares.
Syndication tools:
Ping.fm: add a social plugin to your blog and encourage shares.
Yahoo pipes: too technical and just a brief mention of it.
TribePro:
A more automated social solution - social media on steroids.
They use OnlyWire.com.
In a nutshell, this is what TribePro does:
So you get more shares because of other people in your tribe auto-posting your content to their social accounts and vice versa.
You’ll pay for submissions with OnlyWire between $15 and $100/month, depending on how much syndication you want done.
Plus, TribePro membership prices vary from free to $80/month.
More blah-blah about all the “sneaky” ways to use Facebook.
How to build brand through social media syndication:
- Remove the desperation.
- Have a game plan.
- Find your voice.
- Be consistent.
- Promote benefits, not the business.
How to embed a YouTube video in your blog:
Basic instruction on how to literally add a video to a new post, i.e. add a link and click “Publish”.
Email your team every day:
(I’d hate to be on that email list).
Bring more traffic to your EN blog = the whole EN community wins (not quite sure how).
- How to spin articles and submit them to article directories;
- How to use Article Marketing Robot;
- How to mass-submit spun content with SEO Link Robot;
- Automatically submit your RSS from the various Web 2.0 properties you create to RSS directories.
They did however say at the end that you’ll get the most benefit out of blogging more and worrying about syndicating less.
WOW…
These are the ADVANCED SEO tactics…
Spam article directories with spun content, send a bunch of useless links back to your EN blog, hope that Google won’t penalize you in any way like it has been doing with thousands of other sites employing these kinds of “link building” methods, and watch your rankings, traffic, and income sore.
Yep, that makes a lot of sense…
So What Do You Think?
Would you pay $1,000 for the training above?
Apparently, many people would and did.
And that’s while I am having hard time selling a few online tools that will cost you a whole lot less, yet will have a true impact on your business.
Go figure…
Marketing Training Alternatives
There are usually two considerations we keep in mind when looking for credible marketing training:
- time investment
- money investment
Usually, it has to be one or the other.
If you are on a string budget, then you can find plenty of FREE training out there, like reading blogs, but it will take some time investment.
It’s OK though; that’s how I started as well.
If you have a budget (even a small one) to spend on your marketing education and it’s more important for you to get off the ground quickly, then investing into a solid blogging course would be your best bet.
Either option won’t cost you anywhere close to $1K though.
1. Traffic Generation Café archives - FREE
Take a couple of hours and browse Traffic Generation Café archives to learn how to REALLY get traffic.
It’s completely free, but there’s a con doing it this way:
Silver bullet is NOT included.
Here’s the link: https://trafficgenerationcafe.online/archives/
Other great blogs I personally learn from:
Of course, there are more, but this is a good start.
2. Stay in touch via email - FREE
Being a part of Traffic Generation Café email list is your “continued education”.
I send my subscribers emails with various traffic generation ideas I come up with, alerts, exclusive blogging tips, and no fluff.
You’ll also have a direct line to me.
Join Traffic Generation Café community here.
3. Facebook Marketing
Empower Network is heave on Facebook marketing and for a good reason: Facebook is a great traffic-driving engine if you can figure out how to stand out.
Of course, whatever EN teaches you about Facebook traffic is exactly what got them banned from Facebook to begin with.
If you really want to learn how to be banned by Facebook, I can throw out a few ideas for free or you can spend $1K to learn it from EN.
Another way to learn FB traffic generation strategies is from this excellent to-the-point infographic from AllFacebook.com:
There’s truly nothing much to it.
Engage, help, post incredible content, and they will come.
4. Income Blogging Guide - $47/month for 6 months
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution to everything from how to get started with blogging to advanced traffic and income building strategies, then Andrew Rondeau’s Income Blogging Guide is for you.
I personally went through this training and it didn’t disappoint.
This course is currently closed to new students, but - it’s good to be the Queen! - Andrew graciously agreed to open the doors for Traffic Generation Café readers.
You can take advantage of it here:
https://trafficgenerationcafe.online/loves/bloggingguide/
Why I Admire Empower Network
Yes, I truly do admire certain aspects of Empower Network or how it was built up, I should say.
Building a huge organization by selling a product you can get everywhere else for free requires creativity, a certain degree of brilliance, and great cheerleading skills.
Empower Network spread like wild fire within months.
And the fire is till burning.
And taking down many dreams with it…
Yet another thing to learn from it is this:
Great List Building
Empower Network shows some of the best list building strategies I’ve ever seen.
You basically can’t go anywhere without hitting an incentive to sign up for their list.
It’s virtually the perfect sales funnel:
- Get on our list to discover our secrets.
- Now sign up for the program to use those secrets to realize your dreams.
I only wish my readers implemented this kind of clear call to action on their blogs!
That’s it, this is your call to action:
If there’s only one thing you’ll take away from this post (keep your money goes without saying, of course), I hope it’s this:
Design your site to guide your readers to your conversion goal.
How Did Empower Network Affected My Income?
No, I haven’t forgotten about my post headline and here’s a quick explanation of how Empower Network cut into my profits.
Though affiliate marketing is my main income generator at Traffic Generation Café, I also make money from paid banner advertising and occasional sponsored reviews and emails.
In September alone, I had to turn down several advertising offers from various members of Empower Network, which cost me several hundred dollars.
I don’t mean to blow my horn here - this was not an easy decision on my part.
Like most people, my family could definitely use the money.
However, I’ve seen enough of my readers join Empower Network as is and didn’t want to be responsible for getting any more of you buried at the bottom of a pyramid.
Bottom Line
Now, a week of daily research and writing and close to 4,000 words later, I hope you got my point.
For some of my readers, it’s unfortunately too late.
I saw many familiar names in Empower Network.
It might’ve been an expensive mistake to learn from, but it’s all a part of the growing pains.
Personally, I hoped to write an unbiased review of Empower Network.
However, the endless emails from people who I’ve know online for a while now keep pouring in.
They all say something like:
“You’ve always been such an incredible help in my business, Ana…
I truly appreciated everything you’ve done…
Now I’d love to give something back to you…
This opportunity has done wonders for my life…”
Telling family and friends is truly a no way to build a business.
I hope you get that by now.
There’s no way to build a solid business with “No rules. No hassles.”
There’s no such a thing as a marketing system that churns out money on demand.
PS I’d love to see this post on the first page of Google for any Empower Network related searches and for it to become the lonely voice of reason and common sense among all the glorious reviews stuffed with affiliate links.
So please:
Share this post, link to it, tell anyone who’s thinking about jumping on the bandwagon to read it first - help me to spread the word.
Pages: 1 2
What's Next?
- Discover how to bring YOUR website to life.
- Get the insider skinny on free traffic generation.
- Convert more traffic into more sales.
"When it comes to traffic generation, Ana knows her stuff. She provides actionable information about the latest tips, trends, and technology that can result in getting more visits to your blog or business. Not only does she give great advice, but she puts it to the test and shares the results in a regular income report so you know that her strategies really work if you are willing to put in the effort!"
Kristi Hines, Kikolani.com
"Ana has become someone I look to for a unique insight into all kinds of aspects of running an internet business, but especially for updated SEO information. She does the research and testing to back up her claims, so I refer back to her content when I need to see what is fresh and current in the world of generating traffic to your website."
Yaro Starak, Entrepreneurs-Journey.com
I will never share your email address with anyone.
{ 189 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Hey Ana,
This is a great post, and all of the commentary from others was insightful as well.
I am in Empower Network, but am also very skilled when it comes to SEO. I’m still working on traffic generation and my writing skills, but I’m sure I’ll get it all figured out over time.
Regarding Empower Network, I have mixed feelings. I see the value for someone who needs a launching pad, but anyone I sign-up I want to help them be more successful overall, and to diversify their options.
The training I’ve received in Empower Network has been valuable and relevant, but it is true you need to make a sizable investment to receive the training, and the privilege to make commissions from it. However, I feel I would be selling people short if I didn’t fill in the blanks, as Larry Rivera explained, “I also think empower network goes from 6th grade to 12th grade.. It really doesn’t teach kindergarden to 5th grade. That’s where having a good sponsor and mentorship comes into play.”
I’m very open with people who want to join my team about the reasons why they shouldn’t join, and that if they are serious, they’ll need to get comfortable with the idea of doing a lot more than what is suggested at the $25 level.
The restraints you mentioned about not being able to customize your blog or utilize plugins is an ENORMOUSLY crippling factor, IMHO. So one of the first things I mention is that once they get comfortable with blogging, they’ll need to setup a second blog; one that they control. And then I help them figure out what plugins they need, as well as how to share their posts without spamming people to death (or at all).
Suffice it to say, both sides of the coin have been presented here by you and your audience, and I would say it’s all been a fair assessment.
Thanks for your honest feedback, Carl.
Yes, there are some benefits to EN; unfortunately, they are more focused on building a downline and making money while it’s still hot and not building up and training their members as they should.
Glad to hear that you, and hopefully some other EN members, feel like they need to invest some time into their team rather then just take their money.
Since you know a few things about SEO, what do you think about their SEO training?
Well, the top dogs in Empower Network were for the most part top dogs elsewhere beforehand, with some notable exceptions of people who started from virtually nothing and have had great success.
So, in the 15k Formula, and the newly released Costa Rica Master’s Retreat, where they recorded a 3-day seminar they did this past August with people who paid $5000 to attend all had some solid, quality advice on traffic generation, as well as sales psychology, the power of intent, leveraging your wins to build more credibility, excellent tips on email marketing (especially from Daegan Smith, who seems to be a master story teller), the power of authenticity (that you’ll be much more successful by being yourself), video marketing, etc. I have 20 pages of notes just from that Costa Rica Masters Retreat, and all of the content was focused on building and branding yourself… definitely not entry-level material.
One thing was really clear regarding their position on SEO, they were in touch with what works and that people should not be spamming… but entry-level people being who they are, with limited skill-sets, don’t know any better and tend to spam without realizing it, or knowing what they should be doing instead.
I occasionally hear from other people who have joined and I truly feel sorry for their lack of awareness of what it takes to succeed. Yes, they could get all of the knowledge they need elsewhere, and a lot of it for free. However, most of them simply don’t know what they don’t know, so they don’t know how to find what they don’t know
There comes a point where they either need to walk away from Empower Network early-on, or plunge into it completely (along with a hefty price tag). As their model is designed in a way that you can’t make commissions unless you own the product, you’re compelled to buy into it regardless of whether you need the training or not.
In my case, I already know a lot, and have learned it quickly, but it took me working on it for six weeks straight, at an average of 14 hours per day to get up to speed and succeed at it.
I’m now at a point where I’ve been able to write a blog post and get it ranked in the 2nd spot in Google Search results very quickly, from my PR1 blog that until two months ago was a blank slate.
Granted, the posts I’ve written are niche-focused. For example, a new workout program was released October 1st and I wrote a post about it and now if you search for that product, my post is #2.
A lot of people have grumbled about the Penguin/Panda updates, but I for one am happy for it. Ironically, my timing for becoming a real estate investor was similar to my timing for entering the Internet Marketing arena.
I got into real estate investing at the lowest point of the housing crash, specifically because it made sense to get in when so many others were driven out of business and prices were at historic lows.
It’s not exactly the same in Internet Marketing, but I would say that the similarity is that people now have to actually work to be successful in real estate investing, and the same is evidently becoming more of a reality in Internet Marketing as well.
With the limitations of choice listed down right at the top…you do put forth a clear proposition for bloggers like me to ponder upon. Good post, Ana!
Hey Ana
Just came across your site as I love Ryan Deiss products and had to read this entry…as I’ve just joined empower network late august.
Love that you posted exactly what is in empower.
I’ve had my own blog for over 3 yrs and haven’t made squat…I put it in the ‘website’ part just showing how ‘sucky’ it is lol (think my alexa ranking is like 18 million) I’ve just re-vamped it and quite honestly haven’t had the time to ‘pretty it up yet’
I’ve bought a tonne of products online trying to ‘learn’ how to make money from my blog…but I have six kids…so time is a factor for me.
I’ve made more money in empower in one mth than I have in 3 yrs on my own site, over $450 (and yup it’s recurring)
What I love with empower and I’m pretty sure my followers will…is that I have used just two of their ‘techniques’ to make money from my list with homepartyplan…in fact, I made over a grand selling a few of my products to my list! yahoo
I don’t even have these products up on my site yet…am working on that today!
So, I’m just saying that ya they have stuff that you can probably get anywhere…but I love the fact that it is in a ‘follow this’ system. I haven’t even purchased the 1k product yet…but I’m definitely going to! (from the grand they helped me earn)
Your post was very well written…thanks so much!
Jody in Beautiful BC
So glad to hear it’s working for you, Jody, and thanks for coming by.
It’s their sales funnels that fascinated me too as they reallly got that part down right! And I almost got in when they first came out but after listening to some of their webinars, I saw it was all about the 25 a month then 1000 dollar more with no actual product being sold.
Now it’s debatable whether they’re selling a true service or not because on one hand you can install your Wp blog for free as long as you have your own hosting account but on the other hand they provide the whole platform for someone who doesn’t want to get boggled down with any of the technical stuff..
As for the training, I pretty much figured I could find that stuff out for free with a bit of serious research but again, it greatly attracts someone who doesn’t want to do any research..
One of the things that keeps ppl paying the monthly is that no refund policy you pointed out as it makes them lose everything they’ve put into it if they quit paying..
Though sometimes it’s just better to cut your losses altogether.
There’s actually an interesting video where a Canadian marketer shows how mathematically flawed EN’s comp plan ends up working out. It’s like that capitalist infographic you showed only more in depth. Plus he shows how EN is actually illegal in Canada.
Good review Ana!
BTW,
A few ideas for increasing TGC’s income are to promote affiliate products to your email list and not just posts and try find good aff products that have recurring income that you make commissions on every month from one sale. Plus don’t forget to come out with your own product and submit it to the affiliate networks allowing ppl to get instant commish
Caleb invites you to read: eMail Marketing Sales Funnel Anatomy
Ana, You made some valid points. My comment was not directed at your candid review, it was really about the plethora of comments that seem to judge anyone who tries to make a dollar.
I am not, as mentioned in En; but for those that outlay their initial $45 to get started surely they can determine whether to move forward with all in’ as they say.
At least En is helping people to get their feet wet, as it were. With so many 3000 dollar courses and training for sale online I don’t think EN is asking too much. Like most businesses, very few last forever but it is what we learn and apply through our experiences of winning and losing that really count.
If En did go belly up tomorrow something will take its place. Zeek has gone and now Bidify flys the flag of corporate ethics and governance holding its head high getting 10ks worth of bids for an iPad, now that is a scam in my book
Great article Ana and well researched!
Could see the pyramid shape right off the bat. In all fairness, it doesn’t say WHOM it’s empowering. Amway, Mary Kay, selling Grit newspaper (anyone else remember those ads in comic books?) they all really do work — for those at the top of the food pyramid. I’ve started writing on Squidoo which comes right out and tells you it uses a tier payment system for sharing ad revenues. Look how the human race motivates action with hope. Not everyone can be a winner, though. Is that why there’s a pyramid on the dollar?
Ileane Smith suggested I read this…. Great post. I did one a while back named “why I left the empower network” My husband and business partner thought it would be a good idea, although I didn’t. After 3 weeks, my facebook went crazy, I tried to help some folks on the $25 level who didn’t know a hoot about marketing, oh on and on I can go.
I have many friends that are still “all in” Empower but I SMH! To sum it up, its a mess. I even went to lengths to try helping some newbies to properly blog, but they are still spamming.
Great post!
Donna
Thanks for coming by, Donna.
It seems like we hear one too many stories of raking hundreds of thousands with EN, yet very few people dare to give EN thumbs down.
Hi Ana,
You are true to the core. No one on earth has started a scheme yet to benefit others. It is better newcomers study the schemes as you did before jumping into schemes.
Ana - as ever, a very interesting read. I’m going to take your advice and look at the very specific CTAs the network has and use them on ours.
EN is in the business of ‘selling the dream’ and sadly there are many people who want that dream and are willing to take a chance that EN is the vehicle to achieve that…..
A couple of my online friends had joined Empower Network and were beginning to approach me about it, smart ladies - both of them. I started looking for online reviews not composed by affiliates, which are very hard to find. So I was thrilled to discover this post today, found a link to this page over at the Warrior Forum.
A year or so ago I reviewed a very similar company, one who also offers a free WP replicated website loaded with their choices of affiliates and only if you buy into the entire enchilada do you earn on all sales, even on your own site. The ‘free’ replicated site, the power line & pass up commissions, lures to ‘inner circle’ training at high prices, also a highly developed communication & education automated system for members, all the same as EN.
It bothers me that such companies take advantage of newbies to the internet by impressing them with this ‘free’ website and impressive communication system, which to someone brand new looks pretty damn awesome. The newbies do not yet realize that a replicated website will never really be ‘theirs’ nor worth much in cyberspace. They’ll have to market their ass off to get traffic and most likely end up paying for ‘leads’ and such. A hidden agenda seems to be working quite well on those new to internet marketing, one that lacks integrity in my mind.
I wouldn’t mind it so much if EN taught people who to apply all this to build their own actual business, but they don’t.
So EN members won’t in the end have any skills to do much of anything online to succeed. Hey, they don’t even know how to set up a blog. lol
Exactly, that’s just it. I value networks who teach skills where ultimately the objective is to learn how to build YOUR OWN site. Instead the emphasis here is primarily about marketing, marketing for who?
Whether it be Kikolani, Mavis Nong or Amy Starr Allen amystarrallen.com/how-to-create-viral-content-on-your-blog-without-seo
They’re all just gurus trying to make money!
Don’t y’all get it????
The empower network seems to follow more of a MLM monetization model but restricted to only the first five levels of sales. Its surprising that there is no refund.
Eddie Gear invites you to read: How Does Affiliate Marketing Work? Is It Really A Source For Passive Income?
Hi Ana I actually been online marketing around 2002 ish. I really did try all types of different business models..
…And I really did spend over $100,000 in said time.
I haven’t made super amounts of money that some of the other affiliates have made. That’s though because I don’t spam and I don’t like hype.
I prefer taking a realistic approach to marketing.
Making over $5000 in affiliate commissions in empower network in September was a real eye - opener for me. Especially because I have 5 yr daughter and 9 yr old daughter + wife + house etc and etc to support.
I think empower network is worth every penny the price of admission because if you go through it with a fine comb you will see that the:
- Attraction marketing principles are sound
- The marketing methods are also sound as they are used by every marketer online in one way shape or another
I really got the most value out of the costa rica the $500 package, it was actually that product that made me realize why I wasn’t making more money.
The 15k for $1000 wasn’t new information for me, but then again I have yet actually learned anything earth shattering lately. It could be because I love to buy and I buy most things
I also love to learn.
As for the Inner Circle for $100 a month. I do like downloading and listening to the audios when I am on a bike ride or driving somewhere. It’s a great way to stay plugged into what other people are doing to build their business.
I personally believe people are full of themselves, the reality is we all need to make money.
We make it harder to make money because we like to justify what we do then we quantify what we do.
Empower network allows you to earn the amount of money you actually deserve. Sure your branding someone else. But I don’t think my daughters mine that.
What matters most to me about empower network is just this.
If I was a total newbie online would I find value with the empower network products?
The answer is a loud and clear YES!
More money, more time, more freedom. I am not in the top 1% I am like the top 5%, not because of my list. Rather because I do solo ads, ezine ads, blogging on several blogs , I broad cast regularly hold weekly webinars and do training videos….
I don’t spam ever…
It’s okay that people don’t like us or find fault with what we do. It causes controversy.
I will say that the only people who make money in empower network are the same people who would make money in any business opportunity and the people that don’t make money in empower network are the same people who never make money in any business opportunity.
Success and failure is a personal matter and really the companies and products really don’t matter at all.
Feel free to check my empower network blog, I write in it as much as I write in my other 12 blogs… Though a few of my blogs are autoblogs that have been autoblogs for 3 years and still indexed in google and they still get traffic and serve there purpose.
I am actually a blogger because I love blogging I love connecting..The blogging community loves to pick on people.
I have decided that there is a line to be drawn
The fact of the matter is there are tens of thousands of people failing online in all types of programs selling all types of products. They are failing because the grasp to understand the basic principles of just making money in general.
Then when things don’t work out for them it was because it’s that scheme that failed, or some other reason..
I have decided that there is a line to be drawn I am only interested in helping people dig out of the their financial frustration using a quality internet network marketing training system that doesn’t pay tiny weenie commissions.
My kids thank me for that…………. And yes I still love empower network and I all guns blazing…
Hi Larry,
Can I ask how long you’ve been with EN? Also, how many people you’ve introduced?
Regards,
Simon
I joined in novemember but didn’t start promoting really till march…
Over 40 people I brought in I’d have to go back and look though just to be sure..
Ironically, I marketed a ton of products/programs online, empower has been the 1 program where i have seen “other” people make money…
I have 1 guy who joined barely speaks english, lost $4000 in 2 years and in his 3rd week in had a $1600 day.. Another guy who is totally internet clueless is making $500 a month.. etc… It’s just cool to actually see others actually earn something.
Again, hat off to Davids for brilliant marketing.
We will see how long it lasts Larry. So I guess you are only 90K in the hole now is that it?
Anyway, hope you get what you can out of EN, because the way things are going overall, it doesn’t look very good long term, i.e. another short term year or two gimmick to suck in as many of the least savvy and most gullible 55+ crowd that has the most money to burn usually.
Besides, what happens (God forbid) if David Wood and his partner go off to the next world in a plane crash, or car crash or something like that? E.G. Like Cory Rudl did, and I he even invited me to his wedding, but I didn’t go, and he ended up in a high speed car crash about six months after his wedding and died.
That’s the problem with a mom & pop operation as your main bread and butter so to speak, if they go away for whatever reason, there goes your business with them. Not to mention you have a sub-page basically off their main domain name, as shaky as that is too.
If they were like say Day 1 Global Charity Company like I’m with, they are very well funded with millions, a Corp, and if the primary guys go away for some reason, the Company still exists, and it’s not affected by them leaving.
Anyway, just some thoughts, because you can never rely on this type of business model for the long run in most cases, and I’m not talking about the MLM/Network Marketing model (that’s very proven over time), it is the management, their reputation online overall, not just with members, and with the Search Engines too.
In other words, you have to look at all the acute angles, and vet the company thoroughly inside and out, and before you make the all important decision, ask this question like you would ask before you decide to get married for instance; “Do I want to be married to this person for the next 30 or 40 years or more?” In this case your business. If the answer is “NO” don’t do it.
Last thought before I have to go. Many get into a affiliate, or MLM just for timings sake, and not looking long term, thus the 100% commissions thrown in everyone’s face 24/7 for the first six months or so until they run out of steam, and then you hear crickets like now for the most part.
The “timing” strategy is well and good, but the short term thinking and way of marketing the bizop with the mindset of 100% commissions as the only real benefit is lethal for it long term. EN isn’t a stock, and shouldn’t be marketed as one.
Not to say marketers shouldn’t give a sense of urgency, to bring new members on-board with their offers, but the only offer I saw over and over again was; 100%!!! We pay 100% COMMISSIONS!!! Hurry while it lasts!!!
No wonder the FCC and other agencies jump on these kinds of things, because there is no real product being promoted for the most part even if there is one, as weak as it is overall with EN.
Again, I have to go back to ZeekRewards paying 2% on bids made right off the bat (i.e. making money on money). They are not a bank, or a stock and that’s a very huge NO NO and red flag right out the gate.
Over the years buddy, I figured it out so I would say I am actually in the positive when it comes to investment vs profit..
I have sold my own products, Sold other peoples products.. Gotten 400 leads a day, gotten 2000 leads a week… Spent thousands a month on advertising..
Sold stuff that is no longer active.. Watched my downline of 5000+ people disappear over night.
If David Wood Died today god forbid and empower network went belly up.. I’d figure out something new to market..
Here is why?
We are all internet marketers, those of us who have been around a long time like over a decade… Realize that the reality is there is no security.. But you can say that about the corporate world..
….Also
I don’t care much for mlmers, or network marketing other than the fact that it offers residual income . To do affiliate marketing and have to constantly drum up new customers that you are just giving away to other product owners.. Sure you make some cash but ultimately you loose the customer (unless you are the product owner)
Which in theory simple…. I challenge you though to find something somebody wants, then pay a good graphic designer, find yourself a reliable web developer/programmer.. Then when your done that find a handful of loyal customers who do some promoting for you… Then you will start to see the true nature of people.. The real ugly truth..
Since 2007 I have made money off of everything I sold regardless of product,compensation,niche…
My message is very very simple… Either be a real expert, put in your dues.. Learn what works… Or go get a job…. Jobs are for people who like to conform to the norm.. Business is for people who say screw the norm…
(Interestingly, i didn’t make most of my empower network sales from my list… I made most of my sales from blogging and broadcasting, kinda like how i make my sales in everything..)
I also haven’t spent much money on advertising since about 2010. I get so much better quality traffic for free……
I remember reading somewhere on EN website that EN is NOT an attraction marketing company, Larry.
And I am not disputing the fact that the training does have some merit to it (minus spamming Facebook and Google and stealing other people’s content, of course).
My point was that the training Davids provide for $1k can be summed up in one simple post - and I did that, for free. That’s where my blood starts boiling.
My post wasn’t about success and failure; it was purely an analysis of EN claims and their training in particular. Just thought some folks might actually like to hear from someone who’s been around the block once or twice and isn’t necessarily singing praises to the company.
Hi Ana, Great post you have here, very well thought out and a much better argument then many of the other Empower network stinks post I read.
I think since Mike Dillard came out with Magnetic Sponsoring, every type of internet network marketing business uses attraction marketing in one way shape or form.
I also think empower network goes from 6th grade to 12th grade.. It really doesn’t teach kindergarden to 5th grade. That’s where having a good sponsor and mentorship comes into play..
As far as spamming is concerned, I watched and or listened to every single training..
Let’s be clear on 1 point… Empower network doesn’t teach spamming… People spam.. (this is true for every single online business) It’s never really the business, rather its the people involved with business that’s the problem.
I believe whole heartily that Facebook had no right to ban us… They should ban every other single company out there whos affiliates spam the crap out of stuff then.. Because lets be honest I am in tons of facebook groups and everyone and their mother spam the next best greatest thing.
We got banned because other people felt compelled to constantly drag down empower network and cry the blues, because well we are smoking every other company out there and where not slowing down where actually getting bigger and gaining more momentum.
A lot of what is being talked about here is blaming empower network for what people do. This is wrong because empower network doesn’t teach people to be weasel spammers, cross promote, reverse market, fake till you make or any of the other hairbrain things that have been taught over the years.
Just for conversation sake: The 15k formula that cost $1000 covers facebook marketing true… It also covers how to niche out a blog… It covers the right way to use solo ads, the best way to use offline ads, and ton other stuff that is easily worth the cost of $1000..
Sure lots of the information can be found for free. There are thousands of online marketers out there peddling nonsense. The methods that are taught in the 15k formula are proven marketing strategies..
I spent a lousy $5000 from robert allen’s group back in 2006 where i got 2 30 minute phone sessions for 5 weeks where I was taught how to submit my website to directories, write meta titles and descriptions and how to do keyword research.
I was foolish back in 2005 to buy into a website system that promoted we do everything you get paid.
I spent $7000 where they built a website (a flipping affiliate cookie cutter site) and they got me traffic..
I didn’t make 1 penny with that site, and according to their states I got over 25,000 hits…
My point here is for $1000 you actually get hours of information about stuff that actually does indeed work. You don’t have to scour the internet trying to find the stuff..
So from my viewpoint, I would of gladly paid the $1000 back when i first started marketing, and my business experience would have been totally different. Because what I learned in the 15k cost me ten times that amount trying to learn it on my own.
I also teach martial arts…And I heavily rely on the philosophy. I think it all can be best summed up from a scene in Bruce Lee’s “Enter The Dragon”
In the beginning of the movie bruce is talking to a boy. Bruce points his finger and the boy stares at it.. Bruce then hits the boy on the head and said…
“Don’t focus on the finger or you will miss all the heavenly glory” something along those lines.
My point is, the point of empower network is to help someone get paid. It’s not more complicated then that.
Perception is just that perception we all perceive things a certain way. There is no one way that is correct for everyone.
You didn’t just slam empower network. You threatened my business through your article. Not directly but indirectly. I really do make a point not to mention programs, products and do bad reviews of them because I know that there are other people out there who rely on their income to feed their families..
“Just thought some folks might actually like to hear from someone who’s been around the block once or twice and isn’t necessarily singing praises to the company.”
I also been around the block then around it again, then circled the wagon, then sat in a corner and cried a few times…
If I read your post correctly you basically are saying we don’t have a product, where liars, and we are scamming people.. And teach bad marketing practices…
I remember a tweet adder post you did, that talks about your traffic getting method.. I am not so sure twitter would agree that its a good traffic strategy.. (Don’t get me wrong it’s brilliant)
- But it’s not totally a white hat strategy..
Tweet adder can be used for good, but has the massive potential to be used for bad.. (Like every thing else on the internet)
My point here is there are lots of ways to do business online. People who want to start a business should be responsible enough to read everything they join all of the terms of services etc…
BTW: Your new blog design is incredible… I love it!
Hi Ana,
Have you a link for the disclaimer page?
Thanks,
Simon
You mean this one? empowernetwork.com/income.php
I don’t want to actually link to it; EN is not getting any SEO benefits from this review.
It wouldn’t matter if you did or not . Their Alexa rating is 215 and yours is 5900. That is one reason you are not making money blogging and they are. These peoples blogs get high google rankings because they are using the Empower name. Also the whole point of paying for the training programs is that when someone buys it from you, you get your money back. So if you sell it to 2 people you have made a profit. You are not losing money. If you are lazy and don’t blog or promote your business of coarse the money is gone. You need to work it. There are worse things people waste their money on than a little education and the opportunity to make their dreams a reality. I personally know alot of people making good residual income with Empower network. Also if you have not bought their products then you have no idea what is taught or disclosed in their training so you have no right to discredit it either.
Of course, my link won’t make or break their business, Carrie. What I meant was I don’t link out to potentially bad neighborhoods.
Sooner or later, Google will slap them for their link building tactics and it might spread to everyone who links to them as a ripple effect.
Have you actually read my post, Carrie?
I went through their $1000 training step by step and posted my notes on 3 of the module. So I know exactly what they teach in their training.
Thanks for the heads up! I am constantly amazed at what people will fall for and pay a hefty price for. People just get so desperate to make money they get caught up in all the hype these sites gush out. It’s very sad.
I have told so many people about your site and others that have all this great FREE information on it. I had to learn about them the hard way myself and hope to save others from wasting their money.
Great article Ana!
I have connected with a few people on FB who are in EN and from the post these people write congratulating other members it seems like it is the members who have been in this business a few years and had the large list to market EN too are the one’s who have made the big bucks.
The attraction seems to me to be that it is presented as an easy way to make money and many are not paying attention to that old technique. Maximum money for minimal efforts that only works for those who strick while the iron is hot and have a large network. That is also a lot of money monthly for a cookie cutter blog no what the training available. Thanks for the post Ana
Lydia Brown invites you to read: Do You Really Want To Hit Rock Bottom
Precisely, Lydia.
Thanks, Ana, for empowering me with some knowledge. In recent days, I have been very curious, indeed, about EN. Quoth the raven, nevermore.
Although I am not in EN it amazes me how critical some comments can be. Many call it a scam etc yet I have yet to hear from people who claim they have lost anything
I know guys that have lost hundreds of thousands on franchises, bad real estate advice etc yet David offers people a $25 deal and all the do gooders come out to save the poor unsuspecting public.
Keep going David
Well, maybe next time I’ll write about a real estate fund going bad (like that never happened before!) and then the do-gooders can criticize that.
Hi Ana, great review. Empower network looks for me like “financial pyramid scheme” and I was wonder, why it’s so popular. I see there even very experienced bloggers, and it’s also very sad for me…
Once more thanks for sharing it with us, maybe your voice will be heard
Chris
Chris invites you to read: Win 100$ in Cash and More – First Contest On NoPassiveIncome.com!
Hey Ana - awesome post!!
Now I know you are getting upset by this but it’s no reason to lose your shirt
LOL reminds of …. ME! hehehee.
I love the sarcastic tone throughout the post - something that only an experienced blogger(writer) can pull off.
As for the ‘guru’ schemes you are referring to here - I have decided that next time an offer like this comes along I am going to give my money to a random passer by - kiss it goodbye and well, just cut out the middle man really.
Strait forward…. definitely! (Just not STRAIGHT FORWARD)
Alex invites you to read: The Actionable Plan to REALLY Make Money (from your) Blogging
Thanks, Alex - of all people, I knew you’d get it (and glad you showed up for the party).
Did you hear: my sarcasm got me banned from Warrior Forum; I bet they thought I was serious about starting my own pyramid with selling TGC sub-pages!
← Previous Comments