You wrote what I've been feeling lately. I'd like to emphasize that LinkedIn has become a highlight reel of "$20K, $50K a month" success stories that conveniently skip the real backstory. These posts rarely mention the high-earning spouse, family wealth, or million-dollar safety net that made it all possible. Even their paid courses dodge the uncomfortable truth: surface-level advice can't replace the hidden advantages that paved their way. These aren't inspiration stories – they're carefully curated mirages that sell false hope while hiding the real path to success.
It's true. It's unfortunate when marketing becomes exploitative and hides the backstory or privilege that allow for things to happen or unfold the way they did. Or even if it;s not that, they don't show the number or hours worked, or the unhappy life that exists behind the curtain
I definitely think that the biz makes it all seem easy… when in fact there are so many factors. Still… people need a place to start and a step to take…
This is why I am creating a community around this. To allow a space for people to be seen and heard through the struggle that is real for many. To try and change the narrative around it, show what really goes on, redefine what 'success' is.
I relate to this very much! I feel a whole economy worth billions is created on false promises! Funnily I just published today an article written last week about this feeling: no strategy, intuition and the succession of trial and error seems to be the only path!
Thanks Camille. I mean, this is a topic we could spend HOURS jamming on. The world we live in capitalizes on this day in and day out. Shames those on the fringe leaving people that it does not work for feeling like outsiders. I am striving to change this narrative, even a little, in 2025. I am so happy you've found a path that is aligned.
I love this thesis and one I mostly subscribe to. The follow the five step process model to succeed is just a great sales tool for people who may not have been that successful or got bored with the "business blueprint" they are selling you. I love the BS stuff floating through the social platform universe like Have a six figure digital marketing company in just 30 days!. Blah Blah Blah,
Where I differ in viewpoints is your introductory hook schematic of a straight line and a very tangled one with the tangles all upfront. My perspective is that many of the tangles at the beginning is in not doing enough work on oneself (interests, capabilities, lifestyle, values, etc) and on designing the right business model. It straightens a few of the tangles out. I also think that there can be a few more tangles later doen the path as you experience different types of problems or issues in scaling, in market condition changes, etc.
Thank you for sharing. I couldn't quite encapsulate exactly the path with Midjourney. My journey would be mostly tangles most of the way, still reaching for that straight line!
Thanks for sharing Ryan. I agree. However, I don't believe it's always that simple. Marketing has a tendency to be persuasive. Even I fall into it. And not all readers or consumers are aware, especially when starting out, so it's difficult to place the onus on someone who doesn't know. I think it's a complex topic and my hope is simply to help people feel less alone when in so many cases people are shamed for not working hard enough if they don't get the results.
P.S. I have developed a habit of skipping right over any post that promises the secret to X dollars in X days via X platform. The bigger the numbers the further I skip away.
Same. I try hard to avoid claims as much as I can and any time there is any transformation mentioned I do my best to center the fact what I feel the underlying reasons were such as consistency or acknowledging the context.
Agreed. There is no magic formula for any kind of success. What works for me will need to be adapted for you. It may not be right for your style and personality. This was a good read, thanks.
You wrote what I've been feeling lately. I'd like to emphasize that LinkedIn has become a highlight reel of "$20K, $50K a month" success stories that conveniently skip the real backstory. These posts rarely mention the high-earning spouse, family wealth, or million-dollar safety net that made it all possible. Even their paid courses dodge the uncomfortable truth: surface-level advice can't replace the hidden advantages that paved their way. These aren't inspiration stories – they're carefully curated mirages that sell false hope while hiding the real path to success.
It's true. It's unfortunate when marketing becomes exploitative and hides the backstory or privilege that allow for things to happen or unfold the way they did. Or even if it;s not that, they don't show the number or hours worked, or the unhappy life that exists behind the curtain
I definitely think that the biz makes it all seem easy… when in fact there are so many factors. Still… people need a place to start and a step to take…
This is why I am creating a community around this. To allow a space for people to be seen and heard through the struggle that is real for many. To try and change the narrative around it, show what really goes on, redefine what 'success' is.
I relate to this very much! I feel a whole economy worth billions is created on false promises! Funnily I just published today an article written last week about this feeling: no strategy, intuition and the succession of trial and error seems to be the only path!
Thanks Camille. I mean, this is a topic we could spend HOURS jamming on. The world we live in capitalizes on this day in and day out. Shames those on the fringe leaving people that it does not work for feeling like outsiders. I am striving to change this narrative, even a little, in 2025. I am so happy you've found a path that is aligned.
Or maybe those not following the straight strategy choose to remain silent? Who knows. I’m glad you’re blowing this horn!
I love this thesis and one I mostly subscribe to. The follow the five step process model to succeed is just a great sales tool for people who may not have been that successful or got bored with the "business blueprint" they are selling you. I love the BS stuff floating through the social platform universe like Have a six figure digital marketing company in just 30 days!. Blah Blah Blah,
Where I differ in viewpoints is your introductory hook schematic of a straight line and a very tangled one with the tangles all upfront. My perspective is that many of the tangles at the beginning is in not doing enough work on oneself (interests, capabilities, lifestyle, values, etc) and on designing the right business model. It straightens a few of the tangles out. I also think that there can be a few more tangles later doen the path as you experience different types of problems or issues in scaling, in market condition changes, etc.
Overall, very helpful!
Thank you for sharing. I couldn't quite encapsulate exactly the path with Midjourney. My journey would be mostly tangles most of the way, still reaching for that straight line!
Never gets entirely straight except for people who buy and follow the blueprint national / international franchises
Strong post. I want to propose a slight alternative view point about 2 things:
1) The responsibility of the marketer
2) The responsibility of the reader
I'm ok with the posts that say, "The 5-Steps I Used To Build A Million Dollar Newsletter In 90-Days (And How You Can Do It To)"
So long as:
A) That's what really happened
B) There's a clear note that it's not overnight
C) Proper context is given as you stated in your post
That's the responsibility of the marketer (which often doesn't happen).
The responsibility of the reader:
A) We've learned enough to know that one person's journey will vary vs our journey
B) We shouldn't read content as cold, hard truth and expect the same result
C) We should aim to work with exceptional diligence to grow and win
As always, we must remember that there's so much detail left out of the post (as you rightly stated).
Take what meat you can, leave the bones behind (unless the bones help you too).
Strong post, Landon.
Thanks for sharing Ryan. I agree. However, I don't believe it's always that simple. Marketing has a tendency to be persuasive. Even I fall into it. And not all readers or consumers are aware, especially when starting out, so it's difficult to place the onus on someone who doesn't know. I think it's a complex topic and my hope is simply to help people feel less alone when in so many cases people are shamed for not working hard enough if they don't get the results.
P.S. I have developed a habit of skipping right over any post that promises the secret to X dollars in X days via X platform. The bigger the numbers the further I skip away.
Same. I try hard to avoid claims as much as I can and any time there is any transformation mentioned I do my best to center the fact what I feel the underlying reasons were such as consistency or acknowledging the context.
Agreed. There is no magic formula for any kind of success. What works for me will need to be adapted for you. It may not be right for your style and personality. This was a good read, thanks.
Thanks Maryan :)
Sincerely, I am enjoying reading you and finding practical tips. Thanks.
So much wisdom! thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading
I appreciate your writing and can relate to it. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Pamela, I appreciate you taking the time to read.