How To Spot Imposters

Did you see the rise of fake gurus on YouTube lately? They sell you everything from real-estate seminars to marketing courses and self-development programs. Most of them claim to be self-made millionaires, but when you dig deeper in a Google search, you will find only self-published information about these experts. How is it possible that somebody this successful has no digital track record to prove it? These self-proclaimed gurus are a big problem for the self-development industry because the true experts get mixed up with these impostors.

How can you separate the real experts from the fake gurus? This is actually easier than you think. Here are some differentiators that can help you to recognize them:

  1. The fake gurus always perform a big show and tell their own story of how they became rich overnight. Then they parade their big mansions, girls, yachts, and Ferraris to prove it and impress you. They always tell you how their programs can solve your problems.
  2. They don’t show much about their programs but they present lots of testimonials from people who became successful after attending their seminar or buying their online courses. After seeing all these success stories, you don’t want to miss out on these great opportunities.
  3. They charge an arm and a leg for their material which is in many cases a blend of different programs that can be accessed for free on the Internet. If you cannot replicate the success of the gurus’ promise, it’s your fault because you did not exactly follow their instructions or did not try hard enough.

What makes a course provider legitimate and how can you find out if the programs offered are high quality? This is also very easy. All you need to do is:

  1. Check out the provider’s business. How long is he in business? Who are his clients? Does he have a verifiable track record?
  2. Who are the instructors or coaches behind the courses? Are they well-known experts in their field? Are their seminars and workshops reasonably priced? The Job Contender Video Library is free because the unemployed need all the help they can get.
  3. Are the course material and teaching competency-based? Does it include real-world approaches?

The first two points are self-explanatory but point three, the most important one needs more explanation. Here are some thoughts about competency development.

What are Competencies?

There are many different definitions floating around. Here is our definition:

Competencies are a balanced mix of knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

A rocket will fail if one of the boosters would not fire. Competencies behave in the same way. If one of the components of competency (knowledge, attitudes, skills) is missing, the displayed behavior cannot be successful.

The Key is Application

Competency-driven coaching and training are absolutely necessary for permanent behavior changes. If a program or seminar does not provide enough opportunities for application, you cannot develop competencies. You can get filled up with information and pumped up with motivation and accomplish nothing because the action is missing. That’s why we structure our programs with at least 50% application. In the Job Contender, our coaches provide more than 60% applicable content.