As an “Internet Marketer,” I have been around the block for the past several months. One of the things I like to do is search other peoples websites that are Internet Marketing, Social Marketing, Branding, etc. What I have concluded in my observing Internet Marketing Blogs is that they are repetitive. There is a Blog with a capture page whereby someone is leading you into their Marketing System, giving FREE advice, and the usual protocol we, as Internet Marketers use. Anything wrong with that? No, not at all.
What I have noticed, however, is that when people share their knowledge, as we all do in our own unique ways, they have the “guru” mentality. These are only some of a few, but let’s make it clear what the difference is between a Guru and a Leader.
We, as Internet Marketers all want to brand ourselves naturally in the most honest way we can. We are from that school of thought and it works well. Through our individual gifts, we each have something inside of us to offer to our customers. All this is great. This is being a leader.
However, when someone links in to your blog, face book, etc. You must bear in mind that SOME people coming into your network and following you will not view you as a leader, but as a Guru. That is something we want to make clear in our writings on our blogs.
Why? Because being a leader holds the ethical responsibility of teaching people a method.
It’s important to stress that you are offering this method or service that will help them reach their goals… THEIR GOALS!!! This will put all the responsibility in their laps. So stress that friends.
What if people perceive you as a GURU? That takes the responsibility away from them and puts it on YOU. Only trouble can come from that. This kind of person really doesn’t want to work as we do. Rolling up our sleeves and creating our own niche, continuously learning, and giving. What happens when you are perceived as a Guru is that those people will start to blame you when things go wrong. Now, who has time for that? Not I!
I know this because I’ve seen it in my brick and mortar business as a Psychic. In fact, I’ve done a video on it on my blog page “How To Choose A Psychic” where at the end I tell people that I’m not God, just a messenger.
To distinguish yourself as a Leader, always be humble. Answer questions, but when you see that a person is glorifying you and praising you, get that Aha moment and nip it in the bud by putting the message out that you are there to train. You are the teacher and their role is one of a student. You are not their GURU!
Great info Donna!
For Anyone looking to establish themselves as a leader, the first thing they have to do is know What it Means to be a Leader. You are absolutely right, we need to guide and direct. The goal of a leader is to LEAD and show someone the potential they hold within themselves. Thanks for showing us the difference.
I definitely don’t want to be an internet marketing guru either!! 😉
~ Danielle
.-= Danielle Zack´s last blog ..A Birthday Message and Personal Reflection =-.
Thanks for your reply Danielle, I feel it is so necessary for Leaders not to get too carried away with ego.
I’ve seen it many times and it doesn’t work. Again, thanks for the reply.
aha…you know what I’m talking about! Well you would Danielle. You have the experience.
Donna, before this post I never separated these 2 terms. Very interesting indeed. Leadership/Guruship has it’s privileges and you are right it also has it’s responsibilities. Ultimately, it takes 2 to tango and those who follow anyone must know that their success lies in their abilities and their willingness to succeed!
.-= Brandy Price´s last blog ..7 Principles To Building An Unstoppable Brand =-.
I’m gonna tell you a little secret i learned along the way of my career as a life coach and online marketer, “guru status” is automatic once the person perceives you as one. Remember this law of Success: “the individual will blindingly believe the expert perceived.” But i like the points you make on this article.
.-= Diego ´s last blog ..5 Ways To Keep Romance Alive On A Budget =-.
THANK YOU DIEGO, but when I mention guru, it is associated with one’s ego. I’ve been in business a long time and seen the Ego people go down. Nothing wrong with the guru status as long as you are humble and respectful. Thanks for your comment.
Donna
Great perspective on an on-going issue. People would rather put all the responsibility on someone else, than step up and be present and aware of life.
Thanks for this!
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..Stepping Outside the Box – I am Leaning Wayyyy Out Over the Edge! =-.
Great Article Donna – so many people are out there looking for a quick fix, following all of the “Guru’s”, buying all the newest products that are launching, not working the programs and then blaming it on the Guru’s! Everyone needs to be responsible for themselves – you get out what you put in. If you work hard and believe in what you do you will reap the results.
Be a leader not a Guru!
AMEN!
You hit the nail on the head! We have to make people responsible for themselves.
If not, they put us on a pedestal and we all know what happens then!
Good work.
Sandy Abrams
.-= Sandy Abrams´s last blog ..Soy may reduce diabetes risk in overweight women =-.
thank you so much for this great information,
what you are saying is good advice,
we are certainly there to be humble and
answers their questions
but we can fall into this trap,
we have to be very careful,
thanks for sharing this.
You got it….when we are “humble” we create a different energy that attracts more heart filled people.
Such incredibly true advice!
It’s incredibly easy to slip into allowing the guru status to occur. It feels good, feeds the ego, and happens so slowly that it often goes unnoticed until there is a BIG problem on your hands.
Being a leader takes work. It’s been said that thinking is one of the hardest jobs, that’s why so few people do it! Well Leading requires Thinking… to be sure that the perceiver is getting the right picture! Its about keeping that ego firmly in check and serving. A struggle? Sometimes indeed! Necessary? Only if you want success!
Good stuff Donna!
Kimberly
.-= Kimberly Castleberry´s last blog ..Free Social Media Connect With Me Buttons =-.
I find that people that get the thrill of being a guru fall down very fast. It’s ego and ego has no place in business if one wants to be successful.
Donna,
You are so right. Who has time to be blamed for others who don’t want to hold themselves accountable. People need to really treat this as a business. If they do they will work more and blame less.
Thanks for your comment Jaden. This is a business and sometimes people don’t treat it that way. That’s why we are here…to educate them. lol