Are Programs, Systems, and Blueprints Killing Your Business?

Well I first read this post a few hours ago, and spent the morning mulling it over. I think the quest for more info is in fact evidence of a heart hunger that has not been satisfied first. You describe the answer as the fourth leg. very cool.I'm finding it even more important than the 4th leg. As I re-write my personal plan for 2010, I think my "profitable essence" is the very center of my "wheel" of a life-giving business. I wasn't very clear on it last year, and as a result, some of my spokes caved in.Why wasn't I clear? Maybe because of the noise that distracts me from being able to trust myself and the calling to be who God made me to be in the marketplace. Thanks for posting!

Gina, thanks so much for sharing your thought process on this and for mulling it over! Everything you are saying- not being to trust yourself to hear your own calling, getting distracted- is what has prompted me to focus on this. The Profitable Essence is the very breath of our business. It's a very exciting concept to share.

Great post !!! The timing too is perfect…..it is that time, when you make plans and resolutions for the new year.Thanks for throwing light on this valuable concept !

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Wow, this whole "anti-blueprint" thing sounds exactly like what Maria Reyes-McDavis has been preaching at the Idea Business Zone.When did you come up with this point of view?

Rick, I think Maria rocks which is why she's my blog strategist and guest blogger. I wish I could peg an exact day and time when I came up with this point of view, but let's say the seeds were planted in 2005 when I spent $1200 on a program that was guaranteed to teach me how to make a zillion dollars through public speaking. Then in 2006 when I bought a $1300+ "blueprint" for online marketing that was little more than power point slides pritnted into a big binder. And so on and so on… we all have the binders in the closet to prove it.What really seems to have blown the roof off this topic has been the flood of big promise/big money programs that haven't created the wealth in client's lives as anticipated. I'm hearing from people on my list, in my network, and beyond who are very frustrated. People are blogging about it, writing about it, talking about it. Did you see the posts regarding the Shine event in Las Vegas?The lid is off the pot. You and Maria's timing is perfect for where things are. The fact that it's come to critical mass is indicative that things are changing. It's the 100th Monkey coming to light. By the way, I don't want to be "anti-blueprint". I just want to be pro-success in an authentic way. I'd like the blueprints to work for people. It's just that they're missing key pieces in order for that to happen. i love her reality checks on marketing and BS and her gutsiness. Look around you… we've reached critical mass on this. ries we hear from people. Her clients tell her their horror stories, my clients tell me their horror stories, and in the past year especially I've had client after client come to me frustrated with the overpromising/underdelivering nature of many programs and systems.

It's so good to see this brought to light. I know that many systems, programs, and blueprints do work, but they don't work for everyone. There is so much more to it. Thanks for letting the cat out of the bag. Not only is the fourth leg essential, but it should help you really look before you leap at the next system, program or blueprint.

This is so right on, Nancy! I've said before that the fallacy in following one "guru"s advice is that you aren't that guru…and everything that works for them won't necessarily work for you. Any time you buy one of these systems/blueprints you need to be ready to change it to make it fit YOU. Profitable Essence(tm)–a much more elegant way of putting it!I guess that's why I could never buy into the whole franchise/MLM/NM models…because they are all constructed as mindless "systems" that you are to follow blindly and not deviate from. Balderdash! LOL!

Thanks for sharing your comment Terri! A suit always looks better when it's altered to your fit, so we can do that with our businesses too.There's a critical mass on this topic, it's very interesting to watch it unfold from various sources. Love the exchange of ideas and constructive thoughts!

Nancy, Nancy, Nancy (my work wife… LOL) I am SO glad you stepped up and spoke this truth with authority! There are so many wonderful, loving, heart centered entrepreneurs out there who are vulnerable and scared. They love what they do, they know they have value, (other people even tell them) yet there is a huge disconnect of exactly how to bridge that gap with true, full proof business systems that will work for that individual, and not using scared tactics, or desperate measures as a way to sell them into buying some 'system' that simply does not speak to the root cause of their missed attempts to have a sustainable business. Folks, we gotta get back to being critical thinkers, as we naturally were as children. Getting back to basics is the only way to reclaim your own personal divine power, aligned relationships, and the possiblities that are available for your businesses.

I appreciate how you tied this back into personal power. Thanks for sharing that call to authority!

Great post Nancy! Systems and Blueprints are not the answer, but they are part of the equation. When it all adds up, YOU are the intangible piece of the puzzle. I always say that if you at least pick up one thing from any course, system, or blueprint…then it was worth it because it could very well awaken the Giant within you. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Nancy, I love the phrase "profitable essence".I see the whole entrepreneur journey as a spiritual journey, and sometimes there's just no hurrying the insights. With blueprints and courses, you buy knowledge that might nudge your business adventures further along, but you're also needing time to get to the truth – or essence – of what your soul gift IS that you wish (need?) to share. Heaven knows that my own pool of skills, talents and interest is diverse and personally engaging, and it takes time to shape your offering. There were a number of times when I thought I "had" it, and have ventured off to buy a domain name and create a site, but then I'd get another powerful affirming YES to follow the unfolding path to a more potent, specialised, targeted topic.So I have a small group of websites that I have "practiced" on, and that's not a bad thing. But it has also made me look inward and focus on my gifts and knowledge.Also, I think a lot of courses are not designed for left-brain creative people, and too often we are given the message – implicitly and even explicitly – that we are failures at not having been successful with the authors' systems. I think that batters the self-confidence of a lot of people.Anyway, lots of holiday greetings to you and your family and your readers from Australia way. I am so excited by what the new year will bring.Warmest wishes, Marlowe

Is is possible to discover you don't have a fourth leg? That maybe you aren't cut out to be an entrepreneur? What if you've got several fourth legs? How do you choose?

Excellent points! No matter what you do, someone else is also doing it, and may be doing it better. What really sets you apart is Y-O-U! People can mimic anything but they can't re-make you. Your calling can only be answered by you. A blueprint is a great starting point, but it is just a foundation. It forms a basic skeletal structure that someone has to plump up and distinguish. Someone has to make the blueprint resonate!I say use the blueprints for what they are good for: starting points. Then roll up your sleeves and get busy innovating!

I see the point of this article, but I don't necessarily agree. Not having any systems in your business is a lot like driving somewhere without a map. While systems will not automatically make your business, they are necessary to make sure you do not flail away at the "next big thing".I do like the idea of "profitable essence". However, to play devil's advocate, could this idea not be distilled into a system to identify just what makes you different from everyone else?Very, very thought-provoking post. The range of opinions definitely shows you raised some great questions to ponder.

I couldn't agree with this post more, I've also been teaching how "blue-prints" and "systems" don't work and while I don't use your language of Your Profitable Essence, I teach something similar as well. We all have our own unique path and boxing us into a system just doesn't work. We have all the answers within us and while at times, yes we do need outside support, coaching, and mentoring but the promises of an extra $1000 to $10,000 a week is absurd.

Additionally, have you noticed any changes in landing pages of these folks with the new rules on testimonials? I'm hoping we start seeing less and less of these BIG claims to large sums of money falling into your lap once you use these "systems."

Hi I truly agree with you all. My question is, is there a way that we can find out about which systems or things to avoid and which have substance? In addition where can I find the blog posts about the Shine event. I was really interested in attended that event at the time and was planning to attend next year so I would be interested in the response of it.Nancy thank you so much for all that you do. For someone that is relatively new to online marketing and trying to learn about it this post was exceptional and very helpful.Thanks again,D'TaRelle

Nancy,This post is spot on! I think that today, more than ever, people ARE looking for answers to their dilemmas outside of themselves. How sad that we forget that our brilliance, our profitable essence, must come from within. Whether it's time constraints, lack of faith in our own abilities or simply looking for an easy answer, you've definitely hit upon something big. I love the 3-legged table analogy. I believe many of us think we can make a go of something with only three of the four legs complete. That works, as long as you pile things on the side that can support it. But it's precarious and eventually everything falls because the truly necessary support wasn't there. Great post – can't wait to see how you bring Profitable Essence into fruition!

Thanks Lisbeth and I love how you dovetailed on the metaphor. I sincerely believe that with the proper support in-a-box programs can work… you just need preparation.

Dallon, I enjoyed reading your Devil's Advocate response.I'm not anti-systems, not even anti-blueprint.I'm pro-readiness. It's like going to the gym and wanting to work out with the hardcore weightlifters… and you haven't gotten off the couch in years. In my experience, people who have certain aspects of their business figured out will have success with pre-designed systems. Those who lack a sense of identity, positioning, even purpose, will have a hard time. I want to help people get discover exciting and authentic ways to deliver their powerful messages to the world. With a faulty foundation it simply can't happen.

Yes! And can I say that "plump up and distinguish" is one of the most luscious sounding ways to work on a business I've heard in a long time. Kudos!

Wow, that's a great question… you've taken the design elements here and definitely expanded upon them. Would you be willing to post that question on social media sites and come back and share the results or link us to a blog post?

Nancy; what a great post – I think that you are pointing out what business people already know in their hearts, but fail to express to them selves.I think that your point actually fits perfect with the branding philosophy – people buy products because of values and the people expressing these values – not based on product features. We are moving from rational to emotional dicision making.Thank you for reminding me… I definitely will have a serious conversation with myself and change the way I sell my quiz services.

Hi Nancy,I think your analogy is on the nail, youu know i recently watch ed a video of Tony Robbins interviewing mega IM men John Reese and Frank Kern who believe it or not was in query as to why customers where saying that a lot of "make money from home" products on the net DO NOT work?So they sought guidance from Tony who had the interview filmed ,now its likew Tony said to them, that basicially most of these people don`t even open the product up they simply move on to the next BIG blueprint to success and in return get nowhere..I think this kind of applies to your post here, whereas if the buyer implemented these blueprints and put some work in and gave it time i`m sure most would see results , and to me same as yourself i think they lack that fourth leg holding them back/What an excellent post, your feed is subscribed to my google reader account, i`m revisiting your content for sure!Take care Nancy….Ed.

I am actually processing the whole 4th leg way of thinking as of earlier this week. Thank you so much for sharing this information. It has helped bring more consciousness to what I have to offer inside of my heart with people who are in need of it. Like GinaParris, I was distracted and I put my attention in places that didn't service the purpose of who I am. I began to bring my attention within and meditate, pray and only then go into action. Funny I have always shared my gifts since I was a child. Now that I feel so reconnected with myself at a heart level and I trust myself only now am I drawing the connections I need to grow my business. Feels like a magnet pulling me and drawing in the right connectionsNancy really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. It is helping me to understand so much and to really think about what I am doing in my business. I look forward to your post.

Great Post. That is so true, I was once caught up in the " Blueprint" System Syndrome. When it all comes down to it, it takes a lot of dedication and persistence to see stellar results.

Hi Nancy,First, I want to wish you a very happy birthday! Also, I like your phrase "Profitable Essence." Looking forward to hearing more on the topic in the weeks to come.Consuela

Thanks Consuela, my birthday was great and I'm happy to know you're interested in hearing more.

Thanks Nina! . What I really want to convey is how we need to know if we're ready for such things, and that systems alone can't spell success if you're not ready. Thanks for chiming in.

Wow! Pamela I'm so happy that you found that insight and connection. Amazing what this topic is opening up for people!

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for being a new subscriber! Yes, if the buyer implements she or he can have success, but once again, that fourth leg is a readiness aspect and is key.

Nancy, thank you for sharing this. I was privy to a "blueprint success" program and had a few doubts. Not in the program. It obviously worked enough for the person selling it (she's making millions). But my Aha moment came when I realized that she IS making millions because she has a strong following who will buy whatever she puts out. It's not a bad thing, I don't knock her for being successful. But the one size fits all approach doesn't work. I told my friend who did buy it that while some tips from the program were helpful, I had a clear understanding of what my business is and who I am, and I made the decision that this "blueprint" does not work for me. In fact, what it did do for me was make me rethink my entire business strategy (including the parts I wanted to model from her). Being authentically me, as nobody else can, is how I want to grow my "empire". Now I will say this. As I am reading many of this woman's former followers who have "seen the light and truth", it's sad that truth telling has devolved into hatefulness. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. My opinion is I can't hate this woman for finding her hook. People are going to continue supporting her, and success often brings about contempt. It's funny how some publicly praised her, now vilify her. But that's just an observation. I have no skin in this fight.That said, we need to look into ourselves and take responsibility for buying, attending, implementing (or not in some cases) and stop putting the blame on others when things don't work. Recognize it didn't work FOR YOU then move on and rework your plan until you find your key elements. Like you said, it's something within you and you'll know when you've found it.Here's to authenticity and truth telling…whatever consequences they may bring.

Thank you so much for voicing this the way you did. Since writing this post, it's been fascinating watching people come out and share their take on it. I agree with you about truth-telling gone wild. It's unnecessary and not acknowledging all of our parts.There are people who are going full tilt on spewing negativity, "naming names", and stirring up the pot of negativity. I don't want to go there. In my opinion, I think it's important we reveal this problem. But where I differ from others is what we do once we realize we have a problem. I'd rather be part of the solution of helping people fully realize their business potential rather than lead the village mob in search of monsters. I can already tell you and I are aligned in that approach! Nancy

Hey Nancy. Yes, we are aligned. I would LOVE to have you on my show tomorrow to discuss this very topic (and a few other topics). All this truth telling has me really geared up for this show. I sent an email to you and your assistant. Please let me know if you are free tomorrow at 9AM EST.

Great points, Nancy. All those promises we read about how these programs are the best and will change our lives if we only spend our money to purchase them – yes, they are very tempting when you are struggling to build a business and don't know where to go for help. I've looked at countless ads filled with promises. But I also know that simply purchasing a program is not going to work – unless you have an extremely lucky break, which is almost never. But if we don't first make sure we have a success mindset, then work out appropriate strategies for our particular business and find like-minded people to build relationships with, all the programs/courses/software/latest gadgets in the world won't help. Otherwise, as you have stated, all it does is get us in deeper debt and brings discouragement. You can't build a business on discouragement. Thanks for your article. It's something all network marketers and/or affiliate marketers should read before considering the next big offer.

Great post! I know my life purpose and I believe I have a sense of what makes me unique and what makes my offer unique, but I am not sure I am using the best words to describe it.

Great post! I know my life purpose and I believe I have a sense of what makes me unique and what makes my offer unique, but I am not sure I am using the best words to describe it.