Maureen Dowd and Motivational Speakers

Ms. Dowd went to a motivational speaking conference the other day and wrote about it this morning in the NYTimes.  She wrote about it very well.

When times are tough, the motivationalists are out in full force offering  bonbons of self help advice that prods you in the right direction - that is due north to the nearest ATM to withdraw some money to give to them for more self help.

I work in advertising and do a lot of "direct response" messaging.  "If that's not all, we will give you another miracle mop absolutely free ... that's right folks two for 1"...
Let me give you a hint.  You aren't getting the second one free. You are paying twice too much for the first one.

There is a science to all this with the formula distilled over years of huckstering. Tony Robbins, the monster of self help, was so good at packaging air that he actually got brazen about it.  If you want "some help and motivation" you can just attend but if you pay $499 I will allow you to join my 'inner circle' where the true inspirational messages take place"...no kidding. When you tried to join, he would tell you or one of his "partners" would tell you, that you weren't ready...he would refuse you. You would argue that you were indeed worthy...naw...no you aren't...but but but..well o'k. cash or check....and he had you...he didn't get me but I knew one of his airhead closers who had the patter down to the n'th.

This is Tony Robbins now. If you see him run as he has had a divorce and several unfortunate lawsuits and is hungry as a bear in spring.