You know what really makes me MAD? When I see someone acting like a bigshot with no substance behind them, asking you to pay them handsomely to teach you something that they themselves have NEVER done.

Let me explain...

Today I got an email announcing a very expensive workshop that claims to teach you how to develop information products and programs and sell them online to create wealth. (That part is fine.)
Here's the part that gets my goat...

The person teaching this workshop has absolutely NO experience creating and selling information products SUCCESSFULLY!

It just makes me sick.

There are many of these self proclaimed "gurus" out there. True, some have indeed created information products. (That's not hard to do.) And they may be selling them online. (That's not hard to do either.) But how much do they sell? How well do they REALLY do? How much money are they making? And are they working their tail off, or have they really created a great lifestyle for themselves?

Now, I know it's hard to tell sometimes who to trust and follow. Some of these 'gurus' talk a great talk using excellent copywriting, stories, and persuasion tactics. How do you know who is the REAL deal, and who's "full of it"?

Asking a few questions will help you. Here are five questions you should ask before investing heavily in anyone's products, programs, coaching, or workshops:

1. Have they DONE what they are teaching?

There are some people out there who are good "reporters" - that is, who collect information and share it - who you can learn from. These folks are good if you're doing baseline research on the topic. But if you are really looking to learn the systems and strategies that can change your life and business, and how to apply them successfully and quickly, and make a ton of money from them, you absolutely want to make sure you learn from someone who has done exactly that! This guarantees a much higher success rate on your end.

2. Are they STILL DOING what they're teaching?

It's no secret that anyone can make a lot more money TEACHING what they know than just doing what they know. Many "gurus" enjoyed one success and have been riding its coat-tails for years, teaching how they did it over and over. Just because someone had success selling one product or program online at one time doesn't mean they know the best and easiest way to do that TODAY. It's crucial you learn from someone who is still "in the trenches", continually learning and keeping up to date with the fastest and easiest ways to do what you want to learn.

3. Are they doing it SUCCESSFULLY?

This may seem like a given, but it amazes me how many people invest money in learning from people who aren't that successful in what they do. Make sure to sniff around and truly make sure that this person not only does what they say they can teach you, but that they are outrageously good at it.

4. Will they show you PROOF that what they teach actually works?

If your prospective mentor won't share numbers with you, or claims it's not your business, move on. It's likely they are not walking their talk. I'm open with my numbers because I want people to know I'm the real deal!

For example, I share an actual screen shot of my 2005 ONLINE SALES REPORT (www.ezinequeen.com/blueprintworkshop0306.htm) on the information page for my Online Success Blueprint Workshop. Why? I feel anyone who is about to invest several thousand dollars to learn from me deserves to see proof that what I'm teaching actually WORKS.

5. Are they doing it in a MANNER that suits what you want for you and your business?

This isn't talked about often, but you want to learn from a mentor who also works in a manner that is fits your business vision. For example, one client shared that she chose to learn from me instead of another internet marketing "mentor" solely because he admittedly works 16-hour days and hasn't taken a vacation in years. (Apparently my relaxed and fun lifestyle was a lot more appealing to her.)

Another example: I'm sure you've seen some "gurus" out there whose marketing methods are questionable and/or simply obnoxious, and that may not fit your style. If you want your business to be ethical, easy, and fun, then look for a mentor who is running his/her business that exact same way.

Once You Find Your Mentor, Stick With 'Em!

Once you choose the mentor and business model that's right for you, STOP paying attention to anyone else for awhile! Why? The #1 enemy of any entrepreneur is DISTRACTION. It's easy to jump around and get excited about the next big thing every few weeks, but your easiest road to success is to choose ONE mentor and model and commit to follow them for at least six months. I guarantee you'll move ahead a lot faster and more easily!