Don’t Trust ‘Experts’
After a keynote training I did this past weekend, a lady came up to me to ask what I thought of Rolfing.
“I don’t enjoy ralphing at all” I quickly responded. Then she explained it was a way to “structurally integrate and manipulate the whole body into gravity.” “Okaaay,” I replied. “Why, do you ask?” She explained she wanted to rise to the top rank of her sales organization so she has been paying a “personal manifestation expert” to train her.
He has her Rolfing twice a week, psychically hugging her inner child three times a day (I kid you not), setting up her feng shui money corner and chanting affirmations out loud in front of the mirror for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. “How many prospecting calls does he have you making each day?” I asked. “We haven’t talked about that” she replied.
Now the advice doesn’t need to be as off base or absurd as this to be wrong. In fact a lot of ‘expert’ advice is wrong.
Why?
- What works for one person doesn’t always work for another.
- The background or originating experience is different.
- People have different personalities and strengths.
- The timing and application is different.
- Most ‘experts’ contradict each other anyway.
- And frankly, there is just a lot of really bad, wrongheaded and bogus ‘expert’ advice out there. In some cases the advice is dangerous. In many cases it is simply distracting, thus productively damaging and time wasting.
As a 20-year consummate consumer of ‘expert’ personal-development material, I have heard, seen, tried and tested most all of it. As a 16-year business leader in the industry and publisher of SUCCESS, I am in the business of vetting so called ‘experts.’ (That is a big part of our job for you here at SUCCESS—to sort, filter and curate on your behalf, so you get the best and only the real-deal expert advice in SUCCESS magazine or on SUCCESS.com.)
Here is the No. 1 criterion I use to determine if someone is worthy of the ‘expert’ title:
They have DONE it, extraordinarily. Not just teach it or talk about it, have actually done it. And not just done it, but done it astonishingly bigger, greater or better than anyone else. That is why we want to know what they DID. Not what they read about or are theorizing, but what they know for sure based on personal experience, verified by measurable and visible results.
Would you hire an obese dietician? A scrawny fitness trainer? A broke financial advisor? A real estate agent who doesn’t own a house? A life coach whose life is a disaster? A marriage counselor who has been divorced several times? Don’t answer too fast. Most people do it all the time.
I was being pitched in a high-end investment manager’s office recently and I said, “Before you start asking me about my finances and pitching me your proposal, first show me your financial statement and the last 10 years’ performance of your personal investment portfolio.” He was aghast. Then he started in on a justifying story of a bad commercial real estate deal, a hedge fund investment that went bad and other discourses. I said thanks, but no thanks and promptly left his office. A week later I was in a similar situation and the guy pulled up a screen with his entire portfolio (huge!) and its performance (impressive!). He got my business.
I love this observation from Warren Buffett: “Wall Street is the most absurd place. People who drive in their Rolls-Royces take advice from people who rode in on the subway.”
I can hear you saying, “Yeah, but some people are great teachers even if they aren’t good at doing it.” Well first of all, that is a teacher, not an expert, and they should stick to academics, not messing with people’s lives. Sure, some can teach what they don’t do themselves (I guess), but there are too many experts to choose from. I want mine proven, at least by evidence from THEIR life. Let someone else take a chance on the quack.
By the way, if you are an ‘expert,’ please be sure you live your expertise or at least annotate ABP after your proclaimed expertise (All But Proof).
I like the advice Jim Rohn gave us: “Seek other people’s advice, but don’t take orders. And don’t take 100% of anyone’s advice. Make sure every decision you make is a product of your own conclusion. Be a student, not a disciple.” Amen to that.
Learn, yes. Seek advice, input and guidance, yes. Study mentors, ‘experts,’ role models and other achievers who have DONE what you want to do, but don’t accept everything as gospel. And separate out what you like, what makes sense and works for you from the rest of the sermon. In the end, there is only one expert on this planet—and that is YOU.
Learn to trust yourself. You know best. Really, you do. Make sure you are your own best expert, of you.
Oh, and one last tip—success is a lot easier and simpler than you think, certainly more than it is taught. Most ‘experts’ overly complicate the process in order to make themselves look good and sound important… and keep you coming back for more explanation. Don’t buy into it. Go with the simple approach. The truth is usually simple… and correct. But don’t take 100% of my advice!
So, what does your inner guru (your gut) say? Did this message resonate with you? If so (or not), share your thoughts in the comments below.
Share this post
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Comments
Darren,
It’s great to refocus with you every couple of weeks. This is another great post and 99% true. Keep on keeping on.
See you in a week,
Colin
[Reply]
Darren,
You can learn from someone who has not been successful in a certain area of their life. You see what they do, and don’t do it! I have actually learned a lot from watching people who do things badly as well as “experts.”
The people who are disasters are “experts” in how NOT to do something :^)
[Reply]
Greg Reed Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Great point Polly.
[Reply]
Deborah Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I agree. I have learned from those who do not do it well too.
[Reply]
Sergio Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Very good points. Same holds for learning from our own experiences, both what we have done well, and what we have really done badly….both experiences hold greath learning opportunities.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Learning by example does go both ways, Polly! Thanks!
[Reply]
Tony Webster Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 11:40 am
The true test of whether a person can qualify as an expert having done it the wrong way, is what they have learned from the experience. If they can analyze their mistakes, determine how to do it better the next time, and execute with better results, that is the mark of a true expert!
[Reply]
Darren,
Once again, outstanding advice. One of the reasons I follow you is that you have done it and you devour information from others who have done it. Your blog, Success Magazine, and the monthly CDs fill my head with lessons learned from lifetimes of success. That is why they add so much value. I am very big on providing clients with something they can use and that is one of my favorite things about both the magazine and the CD. At the end of each is something to try. Just try, then judge for ourselves if it will help with our journey to success. Keep up the great work.
Greg
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Thanks, Greg!!! You really can’t beat the CDs. Do you have a favorite article, issue or track that has impacted your life?
[Reply]
Phyllis Nelson Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Darren, I love goal setting, organizing, etc. For many years I have successfully used Michael Clouses’ idea of making a list of the 6 most important things I need to do the next day, just before I go to bed. In the newest issue of SUCCESS you gave me a tweek to this idea, which I have used all week and I cannot believe my productivity level! You suggested the 5 before 11 idea. All week long I have had 5+ of my most important things done before 11am! What a boost this gives to the goal oriented person. It is like adding fuel to the fire. If I have the most important things done before 11 then I have my afternoon to roll through a new list of calls and income producing activity and my sense of accomplishment says, “WOW!” Thank you!
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:49 pm
AWESOME, Phyllis!!! Thanks for sharing!
Darren,
this hits home. I am just joining an organization and I am getting all kinds of information about how to prospect and I haven’t been able to choose the correct way. Now I know the correct way is what works for me.
Thanks Darren.
[Reply]
Thanks Darren – and I was at that convention this weekend (and I’ve never tried Rolfing). Both of your talks were right on. Time to ‘be the eagle’ and ‘swing the pendulum’ into failure, pain, rejection, etc. Thanks for showing me how to crush it! Erin
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Awesome! Glad you were there, Erin. Was a BLAST!!!
[Reply]
Right on Darren!
This is something that I constantly ponder about. Nowadays, every time I go on the web and use sites like Twitter, I see hundreds, if not thousands, of social media gurus, experts, consultants, coaches, etc.
99% of these self-proclaimed “experts” have never even worked in the field nor have the qualifications that merit their titles.
The important lesson is to do the research to make sure you are actually getting the “expert” you think you are getting or want…
[Reply]
Darren: This is sound advice. Know yourself first. Who and what you are today is the accumulation of eveything you have learned and applied or failed to apply. Be honest with yourself. Understand what worked for you or did not work for you. Study available material on becoming a better you. And yes, listen and read information from the experts. The most recognized authors and mentors get that attention for a reason, their advice is sound. However, know your passion and skills and then apply knowledge that will work best for your dreams. Keep the faith!
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Nicely said, Marty! Thanks!!!
[Reply]
Excellent post, as always! Thanks Darren.
[Reply]
Yes, this was a very good article. There is a lot of “common sense” stuff in it that we tend to ignore in real life. Why would you want someone to manage your finances who couldn’t manage their own? There’s a lot of other great examples that help the message of this article “click” because of how they are spelled out and presented in such a straightforward way.
Bravo!
[Reply]
Darren,
Simple truths — love it!
I think this will be a paraphrase of a quote I heard once years ago that I never forgot – if you can correct it and give credit to the originator please do:
“What you DO speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say”….. have you heard that?
That’s pretty much in a nutshell.
Thanks for all you do
Hugs!
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
GREAT quote, Dawn! I believe this is what you are looking for:
“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
[Reply]
Be a life student, seek advice from mentors, listen to your self, pray and then make your decision. After all it is your choice, and you determine how life plays out for you.
Not the experts.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
It is all about CHOICE, Derrick! Thanks for the reminder!
[Reply]
“He knows most who says he knows least.” (Confucius, Chinese philosopher, 551-479 BC)
[Reply]
I commend you Darren for this candid opinion.The scripture says ‘a man who seeks advice, should not forsake the wisdom of his own heart’. Most of us drift from opportunity to frustration in search of this Success. Can a blind man lead the way? I will share this with people on my contact list. Keep faith with success magazine. I love, read and recommend it to my prospective subscribers. We missed August 2010 edition, not a copy to us in Nigeria. Best regards.
[Reply]
That was a great article Darren! And quite funny too!
Tom
Portland, OR.
[Reply]
Darren- Thank you for another great blog post. I love your honesty and courage in addressing issues such as this one. I give credit to those who practice what they preach.
One day while sitting at lunch with a woman who’s company hired me to do Presentation Evaluations for their breakout session presenters, I watched in amusement as her jaw dropped to the floor when I revealed to her that I still get nervous and terrified when I have to speak in front of an audience. She said, “What?! And you train people on how to become better presenters?!” I shared with her that I am able to better relate to the people I coach because I am teaching them all of the things that I have had to practice and learn in order to overcome my own fears as a presenter (I do have a degree in Communications too). I used to be afraid to share my journey with people because I feared that it would weaken my credibility (and with some maybe it has); however, I have found that most people are more willing to “take my advice” after they know what I have been through and have found a way to overcome those fears and turn into a business.
I do not consider myself an expert, I just want to help people feel more confident when communicating their message.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Deborah, then overcoming your fear is something that you have done WELL! Kudos to you for turning a weakness into something real… and teachable!
[Reply]
My gut would say…yes, sort of. In a weird twist, that I can’t really explain to my own satisfaction, much less anyone else’s, I seem to be able to advise others to their mutual benefit without being able to do as much for myself. However, I don’t market myself as any kind of expert, so I guess I’m okay. I do laugh sometimes at some people I’ve helped get started in twitter, etc., now charging $100/ea. because they are now experts.
I do tend to follow this advice, though. Read, study, learn…then follow my gut. The only regrets I’ve had are when I didn’t follow what I knew deep down to be true.
[Reply]
Darren. Thanks this is great! in my way of success and personal development I have encountered a lot of “experts” and luckily I have found some real and serious ones like you.
Now I am developing my online skills (marketing/e-commerce) and I am founding a lot of “gurus” and “experts” that eventhough they show expertise and a lot of success, they attach it to a unbeatable special offer for a service, knowhow or products. It’s pretty difficult to determine which one is real. Any posting or recommendation in this field would be very appreciated.
Thanks a lot again.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 10:07 am
THAT is a really cluttered space filled with charlatans and impostors, Alfredo. We don’t cover or do business with many internet marketers so I can’t (afraid to) personally endorse or recommend anyone in particular. Like any market niche I am sure there are really quality, credible and results verifying ones out there.
[Reply]
Darren,
My inner guru says yes to the content of your article. Very powerful message and more people need to here it.
Have a great week!
Barry Schlouch
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
LOL! Thanks, Barry!!!
[Reply]
Excellent post. What if you cannot show something to a client as tangible as a portfolio or sample? As a ghostwriter and marketing consultant, confidentiality agreements forbid me from mentioning or revealing my work. I have generated some genuine and highly notable successes for my clients, which is extremely satisfying. Clients refer my skills to others, which is also rewarding. To date, I have never broken confidentiality and have no plans to do so. Call me old-fashioned, but “honor” is a verb, not some lofty concept. Anyway, I am curious about your thoughts. It is a blessing to have business come to me without outreach, but I believe in proactive marketing.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Terry, part of the challenge of being a “ghost”. I bet if you have done a really terrific job for a client that they would be willing to directly call or email a potential prospect you are looking to validate yourself with. They might not want to openly or publicly expose their ghost, but a direct endorsement would be done if they are enthusiastic about the work you did for them.
[Reply]
This is a great post! I met today with a true expert regarding health and fitness. My new “coach” let me see his before pictures, training logs for his 9 previous marathons, and his most recent qualification to his 5th Boston Marathon. Believe me, I took pages of notes because this man is proof that his methods work. Thanks Darren sharing this valuable insight, especially financially.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Perfect example, Ryan! Thanks for sharing!!!
[Reply]
Yes it does resonate with me, especially the example about financial experts. It is so true. Confidence in your own decision is a great strenght to have, not always easily obtainable for everyone but we should all trust the “gut” more.
[Reply]
Simply great article, again Darren. Your tips and advice in your articles are simple and straight forward. Giving examples are always good to put it to ‘real world’ situations. The advice quoted by Jim Rohn in your article that you describe is the highlight of recent wisdom I gained thru experiences is one of the many pieces of the success puzzle. As we Learn – Experience – Grow, keep your articles coming.
[Reply]
What a wonderful article! The quesion is, “who is an expert?”
Your advice to trusting your own intuition is invaluable. Thank you!
[Reply]
I cannot agree more with you Darren.
It reminds me that sometime you advised us to take one skill/habit at a time and try to master that alone for 1-3 months vs. trying to do 7 goals at a time. Also to limit reading to 30mn in the morning.
What is true, is usually practical and simple, to let you Focus on what’s important and work, work work on it.
Amazing post, thanks.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
I talk a lot about tackling your goals in The Compound Effect, Antonio.
[Reply]
Bethany Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
That is a great book, Darren – and that is a HUGE understatement. I have listened to it twice on CD and am reading/working through it in book form now. Thank you for all your hard work you put into it and for sharing tested tips with us.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Thanks, Bethany!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
To quote Tony Robbins;
“Master the fundamentals and master your life.”
[Reply]
This is an interesting post. Having experienced Rolfing several many years ago – I found it to have been a “gripping” experience. You should give it a whirl:-)
While you’ve touched on some good points here, I can’t help but think that there is a bit of “holier than thou” attitude in some of what you’ve written. While it is important to work with someone who has demonstrated a proven record of success, it is equally important to work with someone who has experienced failure on the other side of the coin.
In the big picture, there’s no such thing as success or failure, just the natural cycles of life, which occupy both sides of the coin, and provide the real stuff of living sandwiched in-between. If we were intended to be blooming “successfully” year round – Spring would be our only season.
If a person has only been on one side of the coin and not the other, they haven’t truly lived, and are not truly an “expert” in what they profess to be.
Although you say the answer to success is simple, it is much easier said than done. Given that success is best viewed through the eyes of the beholder, a considerable amount of time, energy, and effort is required to arrive at this place. Plenty of successes and failures in the mix. Such is the stuff of a successful life.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Bob
[Reply]
Joelle Niedecken Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Hi Bob,
I appreciate your post, and I do definitely agree that success, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I believe you and Darren compliment each other. I visited your site, and though I didn’t go thru it all yet, I do like what you put about ‘PROACTIVELY taking advantage of change.’ I believe Darren thinks the same way, we have to PROACTIVELY seek out things, success being one of them, whatever it means to each individual.
You obviously like what Darren has to say, since you made it to his blog. I think commenting that that he might have some ‘holier than thou’ attitude was a little strong though and totally wrong. I believe Darren has integrity and strong character. He wrote a blog, opening it up for comments and discussion. I just believe your post and discussion would have been better w/o that statement… just my opinion.
God bless.
[Reply]
Bob Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Joelle,
I appreciate what you’ve had to say here – thanks for taking the time to do this. In re-reading his post, and my comments, I still think that I’m accurate in my observations. I do like most what he has to say – and agree with you that he certainly has integrity and strong character. One of the upsides of strong character is that a person can tell it like it is. The flip side is that everything else that doesn’t fall in line with this isn’t. The fact that he has opened up a blog for comments and discussion is a great thing, and whatever comments made – just add to the mix. I can appreciate you saying that you’d have preferred that I had not made that post. Without it however, we’d never have had this conversation. Thanks for letting me know your thoughts!
Bob
[Reply]
Joelle Niedecken Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Hi Bob,
Thanks for replying back. Let me ask you this… just wondering
… you just agreed that Darren does have integrity and strong character. Then, your next statement was, “One of the upsides of strong character is that a person can ‘tell it like it is’ “. (don’t know that my punctuations right there, so please excuse if it’s not). Now, to me, that can be taken 2 ways… either you agree 1) that Darren IS ‘telling it like it is’, hence, he’s not being ‘holier than though’ or 2) you’re kind of just saying that a person with strong character can ‘speak their mind’, so to speak…
Am I reading into that correctly? and if I am, I’m curious to kknow which one you’re at…
Enjoying the conversation…
Joelle
Darren,
That is the EXACT same response I had to the “do you like rolfing” question. I was embarrassed at first, now I feel better.
I actually just found this John Wooden quote on Monday morning – “Never mistake activity for achievement.” I think many people get caught up in doing -things- and never actually get around to doing -the thing-. Any time I hear someone listing off the multiple ‘experts’ they use, it’s a red flag. I wonder if they’re spending more time ‘acting’ and little time achieving.
If you find an ‘expert’ who isn’t asking the question “What did you ACHIEVE today?” then you’re better off on your own.
[Reply]
Darren I agree with all you said. The proof is in the pudding.
To quote A Course in Miracles. “There’s a thousand pathways to peace. This is just one of them”. I think the same can go for SUCCESS!
[Reply]
Hello Darren,
Excellent article and advice. Specifically I really got drawn to the story you had about being pitched.in a high-end investment manager’s office. Not only could it save people energy or money but time. When meeting with someone who claims they have the next great thing you can find out if it is even worth your time to listen if they aren’t personally invested in it and successful in this or previous endeavours.
Thank You.
David, with Lyndave Leisure
[Reply]
Thank you so much Darren for this message. When I told it (http://wp.me/pL7EX-1m) first, my friends thought I am being arrogant or in denial mode. No matter how expert someone is about anything, nobody can be more expert than you when it comes to understanding you and your instinct.
By the way, I got both books (compound effect) arrived last week and gifted on to my boss. After reading it, he said it is the best gift he got from his students. It made me so happy other than reading your book by myself.
[Reply]
Funny, I just had an email discussion with a friend today about “experts”. I have had an issue for awhile now with individuals, who have cared for an elderly parent, wrote and published a book about their experience, and now call themselves an expert. No medical training, no psychology training, no geriatric training, no work with other’s facing eldercare, but they’re all of a sudden an elder care expert? Scary, because I am sure people are taking advice from these self proclaimed experts.
I have been in elder care and advocacy for over 30 years. I am a registered nurse and geriatric care manager. I never even considered calling myself an expert, until colleagues, and associates began calling me a national expert. After a year of others identifying me as such, I have just started using the term to describe myself. I am still not the most comfortable identifying myself as such, but yes, I have an incredible amount of knowledge and experience in the field. I am medically trained, and have worked as everything from a nurse’s aid to a homecare agency owner. I have worked in long term care facilities, home health, and hospice. I have worked as a charge nurse in a dementia care unit, and have trained staff in geriatric care. I have also personally dealt with the care of an aging family member with dementia and now provide some assistance to my own parents. When I think over dedicating the last 30+ years to eldercare and advocacy, and the amount of training I’ve had, yes, I believe I am an expert. I have helped hundreds, if not thousands of elderly patients and families. I have successfully improved the quality of life of a vast majority of those patient’s and educated families through more crisis’ than I can count. I have helped geriatric patients improve and helped terminally ill patients prepare to die. I have worked with physical ailments, and mental illness, and believe I’ve pretty much seen it all. I can’t think of any aspect of a geriatric patient’s status and care I haven’t worked with.
So how do you differentiate self proclaimed minimally experienced “experts”, with the real and true experts? Do your homework. When I research a specific geriatric topic or issue I look for the “About us” tab on their website. I have found eldercare sites who don’t even publish where the information comes from or who owns the site. I have found sites, even well known, and well respected sites with incorrect information. The explosion of blogs and social media has produced more self proclaimed “experts” than ever before. You have to be diligent and resourceful to be sure you’re finding and listening to good advice that is correct and safe.
I am working on an EBook with expert advice that will undoubtedly prove to be from real experts, with real and vast experience and education. I even recognize that just because an expert offers advice, it doesn’t mean what they say will help all people with any situation. You just have a better average of obtaining safe and correct advice when it comes from a true expert.
Darren is absolutely right when he answers the “Why?” in this article. The best experts recognize they don’t have every answer to every problem, and are resourceful in obtaining answers where they are weak in knowledge or experience. I always say, “we don’t know, what we don’t know.” That is true of us all.
[Reply]
Hi Darren,
I understand EXACTLY where you’re coming from. But… I must admit, I did kinda “wince” when you said…”a broke financial advisor”… lol I’m new in this field and am still learning my way. It’s an uphill battle but I’m up to the task. I spend hours daily studying my industry… as well as prospecting and appointments of course. And I certainly don’t make NEAR as much money as some of the people I speak to. It is a struggle financially (and my income thus far would in fact qualify me as “broke”)… But I’m making progress. Suffice it to say, my goal is to be THE expert for my local market. And the information I receive for SUCCESS magazine will no doubt help me get there. I have been a subscriber since the first issue… (and also subscribed back in the 70′s and 80′s as well).
Thanks for all you do!
[Reply]
Darren,
I like what you said about listening to those who have experienced extraordinary results. No wonder Jesus had so many followers. His results spoke for themselves, didn’t they?
[Reply]
Darren,
I found you when I bought The Compound Effect on CD, and am glad I did. I’ve been listening to various ‘experts’ as I try to determine whose advice/wisdom I can trust. At the end of the day, the kind of information you share is what rings true for me, and it seems you’ve aligned yourself with others that give me that same confidence (e.g. Jim Rohn). Great post, sounds right, and was a good reminder of something I think Jim Rohn said…. There are no “new” fundamentals. Keep reminding me of fundamentals!
Mike
[Reply]
It is true and most of the experts turn out to be MDs
[Reply]
Darren,
So timely…at a point in my career and age when I find myself at a career crossroad and advice coming from every direction, it comes down to “If it’s going to be, it must come from ME”.
Thanks for all you give us.
[Reply]
Hi Darren,
Your comedic-looking Shakespearean type picture just drew me in!! Okay, so it was 2nd, the title is what really drew me in and the picture just hooked me!! lol
I thought, “What an interesting statement”, coming from YOU…. gotta see what all this is about! Now, I have to admit, I am kind of curious as if you’ll hear from lots of “experts” on this trying to defend their point.
I believe that in your bullet points above, you pretty much says it all. PEOPLE ARE JUST DIFFERENT. We all may learn differently and implement differently. I had never heard that particular quote by Jim Rohn either, but I’ll Amen with you on that… “BE A STUDENT, NOT A DISCIPLE.”
And I LOVE what you said, “LEARN TO TRUST YOURSELF.” That’s something that I had forgotten that the Lord had told me a couple of years ago. You reminded me and reconfirmed it. Thank you.
I LOVE that you will write what may seem to some to go against the norm… ie, ‘Don’t trust the Experts’… the ones who will probably say to what you wrote, “We thought you were on our side, one of us.” And you truly are, Darren. You truly are leading the way, by example. Thank you again.
God bless.
[Reply]
Darren, solid wisdom that seem to come right out of a modern version of the Book of Proverbs as though Solomon himself were writting them.
The thought that comes to mind after reading this blog is what I have often told our four incredible daughters in their faith formation.
This desire we have to be perfect does not allow for mistakes which we can learn from.
And besides that being perfect thing is not all it’s cracked up to be.
The only one who ever walked the face of the earth who was Perfect,well we nailed “HIM” to a cross.” He did that to take the weight off of our shoulders so we don’t have to be “perfect”, we only have to, Love HIM, Know HIM and Serve HIM by loving,knowing and serving others.
It seems we all are searching for simple answers to often with out thinking of THE COMPOUND EFFECT. Thanks for that INCREDIBLE SOURCE OF inspirational action writting, I am on my 4th reading and 8th or 9th listening of the audio version.
Blessings for a prosperously, profitable day of “SUCCESS”…
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Ray, GREAT job re-reading and re-listening to The Compound Effect. It is SO important to not just read or listen, but to STUDY, practice, review and look to improve on the key principles. I listened to Jim Rohn’s Challenge to Succeed 60X… and still listen to it. Those things that really resonate with you, you should study over and over again. THAT is when it will really sink in and have deep impact. Bravo Ray!
[Reply]
I’m always impressed Darren. I always share your messages with others. You have taught me much so far & I look forward to more. I’m so glad you were the keynote speaker at Beachbody’s Summit this year & love my Success Magazine.
[Reply]
Darren, I usually do not post “Wow, thank you for posting that….” type fanboy comments, except for something truly meaningful. I wish there was a way to make money from from being an expert in having heard horror stories of how gullible wannabe-something clients get taken for all kinds of rides by all kinds of “experts”. Sadly, it also applies to people one can know personally.
I’m single though a couple of times have considered tying the knot. One such (almost) lucky (? LOL) lady, was possibly the sweetest and among the loveliest girls I have ever met. My friends loved her, my family (that never pressured me on anything, including marriage) hinted how much they’d like her in the family, she was great to be with… except that, unbeknown to them, in almost EVERYTHING related to real life, she would be a willing victim of exactly the kinds of “experts” your awesome example client chose to work with.
Anytime she was on the verge of making progress, she’d immediately talk to her experts (and some friends who claimed to be experts) in how putting this plant here, or having this color drapery over that color carpet, would make the money come flying in the window. (I’d have thought that would require NOT having window shades, so the currency notes could fly in easily). A different set of experts’ advice would make her healthier and slimmer (what lovely woman doesn’t want to be slimmer no matter how fit?
).
Yet, in all these efforts, the time she actually expended on business development OR exercise was in talking about how she soon would do these activities… not on actually doing them. I still think of her as one of the nicest people in the world, but it was among a few reasons it was best for us to go separate ways.
I am not perfect. And, Yes, we are all guilty of self-indulgences, and procrastination… Yes, I am supposed to be sending out a client proposal right now (2:45 AM NY) so they have it in the morning in Denmark.
But, some of the nicest quite smart people additionally fall victims to purveyors of expertise – who make good money and waste time that their clients could have spent on doing good things to help them make real progress. And it is usually the people who could most benefit from good practical advice, who instead either go into an infinite loop of rocking the inner child, chanting voodoo in front of the mirror, standing aligned with the right colored drapes and plants in the correct corner of the room, or, simply become jaded, of all advice, including good, and do not succeed. What a shame.
Regards
Imran
IMRAN . TV
[Reply]
Dear Darren,
An excellent post and a lot of take aways. Thanks for sharing
[Reply]
Dear Darren,
A very good post. I only wonder why we go to so called experts in the first place. Also, where and how do we draw the line between a teacher and an expert?
I ask this because I read a lot of good books and I know a lot of things that need to be done to achieve results in different spheres of life. People in my organization look up to me as someone who always seems to have relative good information in and out of our field of wok.
How do I give advice based on this information without being seen as an expert, especially when I do not claim to be an expert?
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Simple distinction:
Teachers teach what they have learned.
Experts explain what they have DONE.
[Reply]
Olusegun Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Thanks, then for now I will take time to explain I am only a teacher and claim expertise on only areas where I have personally achieved success consistently. Thank you again for your posts. I truly appreciate them.
[Reply]
Hello Darren Hardy,
I follow your blog, your stories, your newsletters for roughly 1/2 a year now. I simply have to say THANK YOU with my deepest respect.
Todays post made a deep impact!
Wolfgang
Hamburg, Germany
[Reply]
Darren – soooo true. I’ve gotten a bad taste in my mouth for those whose success is only in becoming an expert (eg an in-demand garden ‘expert’ who has yet to yield a harvest)
What you guys offer in the CDs, free online, and in the magazines….well, let’s just say the value FAR outweighs the price!
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Couldn’t agree with you more, James!!! THANKS!
[Reply]
Test
[Reply]
The fact is that successful people have become “experts” at listening to their little voice. We all know that snake oil is snake oil regardless of the package it comes in, but non-successful people choose to ignore their little voice in hopes of finding short cuts that don’t exist. “The Compound Effect” is right on when it says that there are no short cuts. It is what you work hard for every single day that will get you the results that you are looking for!!!
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
You’re right, Corey. The Compound Effect is all about reaping huge rewards from a series of small, SMART choices but actual WORK is involved. There’s no way around it!
[Reply]
Darren-
Another great post. I thought Jim Rohn was mostly kidding about the whole rubbing crystals, sleeping under pyramids and moving to Sedona to be successful but I guess reality is stranger than fiction. I hope you pulled out a copy of the Compound Effect- and said save your money and start studying these principles. Oh and by the way my 2000 year old guru says Hi!
[Reply]
Great advice and great wisdom, being able to sort through the nonsense is an essential element in the success building process. I think your quote from Warren Buffet summed it up nicely. Thank you for caring and sharing.
[Reply]
Darren, all I have to say is thank you for all the guidance you’ve lined up for all to see. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’ve committed myself to a life of learning and growing as an individual. This year has been an incredible year for me. Success magazine, the monthly CDs and your compound effect book has really helped me learn the habits and mindset I need to achieve the success I want. I am looking forward to many more years of great advice from you and your team at success. Thank you.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Glad to have you on board, Martin!!!
[Reply]
Hello Darren . . . I always enjoy your material. It’s fresh and you carry great quotes from some of our masters like Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley, Ph.D., Brian Tracy and so on. This particular article was excellent. Before I ever begin working with a new client, I ask them if they make their bed for 30 days without not making it. If they can do this, I agree to work with them. I give them forms to complete, if they don’t complete most of them, then I assume they are not serious and will not complete the other work necessary to accomplish their desires.
Also, as a coach, I typically offer a menu of ideas that my clients can select from in order to begin making changes in their lives. For example, start an exercise program – 3 times a week for 30-minutes and building from there, taking on a personal trainer if they financially can afford, journaling, listening to CDs of Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley, Brian Tracy and making notes of what they will implement because of listening to these CDs, and many other valuable tools, let alone what they are willing to accomplish before our next meeting. I have much success with this format.
Thank you, Darren, I really appreciate your work. In fact, some day, perhaps, you will entertain an article for me to place in your newsletter or magazine.
My best to you!
Marilyn Schott
[Reply]
Great article, full of sound advice.
IMO, an expert that hasnt lived it, hasn’t done it, hasn’t paid a price for what they are teaching or instructing, isn’t an expert.
[Reply]
My inner guru says, “THANK YOU! and AMEN!” As someone who is deeply interested in psychology, personal development, spiritual enlightenment, writing, creating and living life well, I have come across many “experts.” At one time I was wide-eyed and eager, but now I am much more careful about what I allow into my personal belief system. No one is “perfect,” I get that, but if you are teaching something, you better be willing to live what you teach. How can you ask others to do what you are unwilling to do? I see so many hypocrites in the world: my favorite is the guru who teaches love and kindness, yet snaps at every little annoyance. Really? If you can’t teach what you preach that just makes you a liar. Be real. Be genuine!
[Reply]
Janelle Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
ooops… I meant to say “if you can’t practice what you preach, that just makes you a liar.” Darn typos!
[Reply]
Hi Darren,
Do you consider a coach the same thing as an expert? The reason why I ask is because some of the best and most successful coaches in professional sports weren’t necessarily the best and most successful players. Red Auerbach is a perfect example. He is the most winning coach in the history of the NBA, yet he never played professionally and only had modest success in college. On the other hand Isaiah Thomas is one of the best point guards to ever play the game of basketball. Yet his coaching career has been less than stellar.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 24th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Roosevelt, all true, but when it comes to financial, fitness, marriage or otherwise I want someone who is playing the game themselves and proving their theories victorious on the field. As I wrote, yes you can find good coaches who are good players, but I want to increase my odds of finding great expert advice by selecting my expert from proof, not pontification.
[Reply]
I agree with you but just wonder if this philosphy of yours is only subject to certain industries, for example, there are alot of coaches in our professional sports that didnt play the sport at the highest level yet are regarded as experts on the game. For example, Jon Gruden in football (super bowl winner), Joe Gibbs. Greg Popovich in the NBA (multiple rings).
As an athlete you would probably take what ever they told you, you needed to do to get better or get to the “league” as holy grail even though they didnt or couldnt do it (“it” being getting to the league as a player) themselves.
[Reply]
Not sure if you guys were addressing me or not, but I will reply as if you were.
In my example I was talking more about self-help gurus. I hear so often, “Love the message, excuse the messenger” but I feel that is a cop-out. I feel we should expect more of ourselves. If a self-help guru preaches meditation, but yet doesn’t do it himself, he is a liar. If a self-help guru is teaching others how to “go with the flow” yet snaps at every little annoyance and is uptight when others disagree with him, he is a liar. If a marriage counselor is actively counseling couples yet is married and divorced multiple times, why should we trust her? If a life-coach is teaching others how to live happy and congruent lives yet is thousands of dollars in debt and addicted to shopping, what right does he have to teach such principles? I can see if one shares openly and honestly, “Hey, I struggle with these same things” but don’t pretend to be above it all and perfect. It is just something I have been questioning a lot lately as I want to be in the business of helping others. I don’t want to be a hypocrite, so I question myself. “Am I willing to do what I suggest others do?”
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Great question to ask yourself, Janelle! Hopefully the answer is “YES!”
[Reply]
Great post! This really open my eyes as in my country there are a few ‘expert gurus’ like the one you mentioned in the article. lol
[Reply]
Darren, GREAT points. Perfectly illustrated too by a sad but all familiar story. Sometimes we look for complicated answers because we feel that our situation is complex. (And we feel better thinking that way!) In reality, it’s why the greatest advice and “expertise” is the “Timeless Truths” (to quote Joel Weldon) found in books like Think and Grow Rich, The Success Principles and now The Compound Effect.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Exactly! THANKS, Andrea!!!
[Reply]
I was reading all this and was wondering,why is it that I should listen to you. How do I tell if you aren’t full of it, pointing the finger at everyone else. Take control of your life,only you can,sounds alot like new age thinking to me, so what are you trying to get at here. I’ve read don’t be a disciple,seperate it from the sermon,seems to be a underlying current here that I am catching.What I am catching is all about self, do whats best for me,don’t like the answer go find someone else that will line up with you.Self serving is not the answer,giving of ones self to another to help that person,no matter what the cost to you, now thats what I would call an expert in life.We need to trust in God ‘believe in His sacrifice, follow His leadings make a difference in the people around you and those who follow you- be the example, be the light…
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Mark, maybe you’d like my thoughts on giving back: http://darrenhardy.success.com/2010/08/giving-starts/ and on gratitude: http://darrenhardy.success.com/2009/11/gratitude/
[Reply]
Your points are so important. I do believe so strongly, that I have to be what I teach in my work. I do understand that the craze of expertise self-acclimation seems to be often driven by a person’s recent experience of an “AH ha! moment” These moments are so in your face impacting and 99% of the time the person is compelled to share. This compulsion, in my observation, comes from the natural learning process for which the final step to integration is to share it. It being whatever the Ah ha concept was. The thing is that most people skip over the implementation/application process because their elation is so great–they are driven to share–feel that they now have the secret.
So, while I have patience and compassion for this process, I feel pretty well equipped to discern if an expert is an expert as you have described or in a phase of learning, “I must share it now” compulsion. We are in interesting times and I loved your article. I will be sharing it with my clients, since a lot of what I do is referrals to experts!
Best,
Judy
[Reply]
Darren,
it is always best to learn from the best. I must tell you that since I subscribe to Success Magazine most especially the CD, my thoughts have change. Thank you.
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Glad to hear it, Oladimeji!!!
[Reply]
Hey Darren, Great great great…
I am truly stunned by the wealth of knowledge you manage to convey in a few short paragraphs …
I have been Studying personal development and not really applying any of it this particular article resonated hard with me and took me back to High school I dropped out in 9th grade because i had such a hard time learning from a teacher who drove a worse car then i did and seemed to have no common sense..
I’m embracing the WHY factor!! But need to Get on with the DO IT factor..
Thanks I can really relate to your content and appriciate you taking the time and teaching/mentoring us!!
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
THANKS, Nate!!!
[Reply]
I believe we teach what we need to learn. And that it is in being responsible for how we learn that matters most. Expert? It depends upon the perspective. The discipline of yoga, for example, includes eight parts and it is my opinion that even if one studied only these eight parts in this lifetime he or she would still be hard pressed to call themselves an expert. An “expert” in cosmology 100 years ago would pale in comparison to one today. Social media expert? What’s that?
To boot, we all have different styles and lessons and priorities.
[Reply]
My aunt always said, “don’t buy hair growth tonic from a bald head man”. lol
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
LOL! My point EXACTLY! Thanks, Juane!
[Reply]
I always have to put any expert through the Josh test. First, does the expert make sense. Second, do I feel comfortable working with that expert. Third, I make them sell it so they convince me they know what they are talking about.
Josh Bulloc
Kansas City, MO
[Reply]
Wow! This was yet another great article. I had to read it twice to really grasp each and every nugget. I will share this one with my friends and family.
Thanks,
Dave
[Reply]
Darren,
Quick question for some insight. I respect the request to ask anyone who is giving you advice to show you the proof behind the pudding…how they have done it themselves (for credibility) or for examples of how they have helped others (quality testimonials)…but if I can ask for some insight:
How would someone new to an industry, trying to make their mark and turn their life around, offer this proof initially?
Not challenging your advice, but just looking for insight during the initial years of building my business. (FYI: Financial Service Industry)
Respectfully,
Bryan
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 24th, 2010 at 10:44 am
Bryan, you have to remain authentic with what you do have to offer that is credible- credibility of company’s track record/proof of success, mentor who will be working with you and for client simultaneously, your particular vertical expertise (financial expertise specific to doctors, lawyers, auto mechanic business, etc).
Bottom line, you need to trade on someone else’s (person or organization) expertise until you document your own – best and fastest way is to pick a niche and be the best in it.
[Reply]
Bryan Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I appreciate your insight, Darren, and thank you for taking the time to respond.
I keep telling myself that authenticity and honesty and a sincere desire to bring value to others, coupled with hard work will help me climb what appear to be insurmountable obstacles.
I hear the same in the stories from your magazine…so please, for all of our sakes…keep up the good work!
[Reply]
Thank you Darren ,
You are so right, we have to become the experts getting the best ideas from people who have done successfully what we want to achieve. We need to become the best students and get our own conclusions , the rest is action consistently until to get the goal.
Thank you for sharing the great content.
[Reply]
When I hear someone state a “fact” about this or that, I sometimes ask, “Do you know about this from first hand experience, or did the person who told you learn from their first hand experience?” The answer is usually “I don’t really know.”
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:06 pm
All too common, Carol. So sad… but glad you’re ASKING that question!!!
[Reply]
This is great stuff…Thank you Darren.
[Reply]
Darren -
Thanks for clarifying this. I was at a workshop where everyone is taught that they are an expert long before they even know what that means. As a result, it builds a lot of pressure to perfom, and creates a sense of obligationt o be the authority long before you’re ready. Instead I like your Jim Rohn quote.
I think a big part of this is everyone wants to be a success now! Instead of building a community, helping others with what you yourself practice. It all takes time to develop.
I think of it like this; If you compare singers to experts, I can’t even think of a handful out today that I would still want to listen to in 5 years. But like the music performers of my past: James Taylor, Carol King, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Counting Crows, and comparing them to Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, etc. I can totally see myself listening to them even years from now.
[Reply]
Thanks for writing this post but I have some questions, could you answer them for me?
[Reply]
This article simply made me smiLe. =D Thank You for the previledge of getting to read it. Enrique
[Reply]
As someone who has done it all when it comes to investing, I couldn’t possibly agree more with Darren’s advice here. In my book, “Money Smart,” the advice I give is identical, both from requiring to see a 10-year documented track record to Darren’s bottom line–that you, and only you, must manage your money. It’s a pleasure to see someone else also giving people the right advice.
[Reply]
As someone who has done it all when it comes to investing, I couldn’t possibly agree more with Darren’s advice here. In my book, “Money Smart,” the advice I give is identical to Darren’s, from requiring to see a 10-year documented track record to his bottom line–that you, and only you, must manage your money. It’s a pleasure to see someone else also giving people the right advice.
[Reply]
I think you’ll never stop! This is the most impressive blogs You will find ever read. Brilliant.
[Reply]
Thank you for every one of your labor on this web site. My aunt really loves doing internet research and it’s simple to grasp why. I learn all regarding the dynamic medium you provide effective information through this web blog and even strongly encourage contribution from other individuals on this point so my child is now studying a great deal. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You’re carrying out a useful job.
[Reply]
Reading this post was like sipping fine wine, Darren. Such oozing of intelligence and distinction. From someone who knew you so long ago, it is sweet. I carry with me this little something else that Jim Rohn said too, (one of the best damned most PRACTICAL philosophers that ever lived)
“It’s a pity failures don’t give seminars.”
I created a nationwide technology services superstar, doubling every year, major press and awards, investors shaking money at us , and then watched it all crumble beneath me completely out of my control. I definitely needed that statement then. I was the failure.
To make matters worse, it forced me to literally giveaway a big portion of my business to a competitor ($750,000 worth of passive cash flow) and then I had to spend 3 months showing them how to serve my clients on top of that.
Well, in the process I figured out I was a pretty damed good consultant. I could show others how to do it, I had been through the 10,000 hours barrier of expertise (more like 60,000) , and I knew the signposts. And that was my damned good business for 3 years, transforming companies, bringing all my expertise, both my successes and failures, to their service. In one case, I brought a company’s monthly subscription revenue up by 40% in 5 months with only one new sale – and brought their customer service failure of 2 days response down to 15 minutes. Pretty good for a failure.
Then, an opportunity came to me to do a Television Show of my work where I would go in and transform companies, take stock of where they are, what they need (not always more sales), create a plan for them, and then put the project in action, and view the results. Good idea.
But when I came to the studio to strike the deal, I found the studio itself had some needs of their own and as I pitched them on how they could reach their goals, we forged a partnership to build more than a television show. We are building a whole Social TV Network complete with 24 hour round the clock programming.
Jim was right when he told me privately, (something I am just as sure he said publicly) that failures dont give seminars cause no one would come. But failures can still teach something, something valuable that businesses can profit from.
[Reply]