You know that time you’ve bought something and barely used it? I’ve got a couple of those. It took buying a learning package (books, a video series, and community access) last year to remind me the two things I must do before clicking the ‘buy’ button.
1.) Follow the media links
Some sites have been fine tuned to make it easier for you to buy their products. They might even have familiar brands (faces who you recognise or media outlets that featured them). My mistake as trusting that the brand I was buying the materials were featured on both Inc and Forbes without looking into how they were featured.
Yep, technically you can say you (or a brand you’re associated with) was featured in a Media outlet and you don’t even have to link to that article. I eventually didn’t find the post which mentions the brand.
2.) Listen to a podcast episode linked to the brand
The ‘try before you buy’ and ‘100% money back’ offers are really helpful. Unfortunately sometimes getting all of that sorted out ends up being more of a pain in your pocket. If you’re spending 2 hours to sort it out, your clients are not getting the benefit of your time. Imagine losing out on a $3,000 payout on a project because you were so invested in getting your money back and at the same time expending energy being frustrated with yourself for falling for sleazy marketing tactics.
The better option is: ‘if you don’t feel like you’ve gained $700 worth of sales by implementing action from this complimentary webinar, the content of the course will not be a fit for you.’
Yeah, I know. Brands would rarely do that for you. That’s okay though. Because you can look up interviews or write-ups about them. So you can just make up your own value equivalent. If you are considering buying Scott Adams’ book, you can check out his chats with Srini Rao (The Unmistakable Creative) and James Altucher (Scott appears in three episodes: 200, 112, and 47) . Was the content worth $100? If so, you wouldn’t have to regret if Scott’s book doesn’t offer any more value.
If you don’t want to keep it, you can bring it along with you while you are out and about and pass it on to someone who you think would like it.
I still have a similar reaction when I come across books and courses that are on special (70% off!? No. You’re kidding!? You’re not? Here’s my money!). Having those two ‘checks’ in mind each time I come across an item for sale helps make the decision easier.
Just like buying an album. It pays to hear at least a track off it…then decide what value it brings to your life