One of my colleagues just sent me an email he got from yet another get-rich-quick “coach” offering a magical formula to instant voice over success for newbies.
First of all, this snake oil coach bought the wrong email list because my colleague is a very successful VO and trainer with many years of experience. He’s the LAST person who would need this so-called success formula.
So, clue number 1 you’re dealing with a charlatan, is that they’re randomly targeting anything that moves, hoping something will stick. That’s like saying: “Audition for every VO job under the sun. At some point you’ll land something.”
Clue number 2 is the price of the program. The trick is to hit your audience with a high number first, followed up by a deep discount to give people the impression they’re getting an amazing deal. And sure enough, this clown listed his course as “a $497 value, today only for… $97!”
Notice the use of “today only”? That’s clue number 3. Use people’s fear of missing out by creating fake urgency. I’m sure my colleague will get another email tomorrow telling him the offer has been extended due to massive interest.
Clue number 4 is in the unrealistic promises made. “This oil will cure all illnesses. This pillow will give you the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had.” You know what I mean, don’t you?
So this con artists writes:
“Discover everything you’ll need to know about making a living from voice-overs. You’ll discover all the tips and tricks I’ve learned after doing hundreds of voice-over gigs.”
Anyone can be an “expert” by claiming he or she is, right?
Clue number 5 is that no other investment is needed. Just buy THEIR program and you’re set for life:
“You’ll also discover how you can get started with voice-over even if you only have a mobile phone to record yourself.”
Clue number 6 is that whoever is selling this nonsense is someone most professional voice overs have never heard of. This means that all the claims made cannot be independently verified, which is very convenient for the snake oil salesman.
Are some people dumb enough to fall for this scheme?
Yes, and these “impressionables” deserve all the success they’ll never have.
PS Tickets for the One Voice Conference, UK edition (May 10 – 14) are now on sale. Comedian and actor Rob Brydon is the keynote speaker. I will also do a presentation, but virtually.
“So, don’t forget, order before midnight tonight!” I forget the ripoff product, but I was actually paid to say that. this “coach” sounds similar.
Happy Groundhog Day, Paul. Rodents like this kind of “coach” don’t ever go away, do they?
I hope you’re hanging in okay through the Vermont winter!
Hi Paul, this charlatan seems to have taken a few pages out of the Gospel of QVC, the television shopping network. It’s so transparent… i don’t get why people are still falling for these sales tactics…
We knew what we were getting ourselves into when we moved to Vermont. I’ve never owned a home I could ski out of, but it’s fantastic!!!
What is the quickest way to tell the difference between a social media snake oil salesman and an actual expert? Listen for the slithering sound.
https://www.galvanizeaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Wow-gif.gif
UGH, UGH, UGH. People. *smh*