Shows
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Cult of OversharingEver felt weird reading someone’s sales email—like you just got trauma-dumped by a stranger? You’re not imagining it. Vulnerability has become a marketing currency, and now everyone is oversharing in the name of sales. If you've ever felt weird, guilty, or just plain uncomfortable reading a sales pitch wrapped in trauma, welcome to the cult of oversharing. In this episode, we’re discussing how vulnerability has become THE marketing strategy—and how that creates ethical landmines for both the audience and the business owner. Topics discussed in this episode:2025-06-3040 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Very Tired Tropes of Online Business: 2025 EditionOnline business may keep rebranding itself, but the tropes? They never die—they just get slicker. In this episode, we’re walking down memory lane and revisiting The Very Tired Tropes of Online Business to see how the same old tactics have evolved in 2025. Spoiler: they’re back, sneakier than ever. Topics discussed in this episode: Definition of tropes in online business Sales tropes that are still thriving in 2025 New sales tropes Relatability tropes Shift from flashy luxury to curated “realness” Mone...2025-06-1648 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessInception: Online Business EditionHave you ever noticed how people online teach others to do the exact thing they have just learned? Coaches coaching coaches. Creators teaching creators. Influencers teaching influencing. It’s not innovation—it’s online business inception In this episode, we’re exploring three tell-tale signs of Online Business inception, the online business inception pyramid scheme, and how to protect yourself. Topics discussed in this episode: What is Online Business Inception? How success is often based on teaching the platform, not using it for real business. Circular...2025-06-0238 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessHoodwinked: How Cult Marketing Took Over Your Feed with Dr. Mara EinsteinWhat do MLMs, cults, and online coaches have in common? A whole lot of manipulation. In this episode of Duped, we sit down with author and marketing critic Dr. Mara Einstein to unpack how cult tactics are being repackaged as “business strategy” in the online world. From collapsed marketing funnels to parasocial influencers and toxic coaching circles, we dig into the psychology behind it all. If you’ve ever felt duped by an online guru or pressured by hustle culture, this one’s for you. Topics discussed in this episode: Why M...2025-05-1954 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessAI and the Enshittification of EverythingRemember when the internet felt fun, helpful—even inspiring? Yeah, us too. But lately? It’s feeling more like a digital junk drawer. In this episode of Duped, we’re talking about enshittification—what it is, how it shows up in your feed, and how AI is making it worse. From AI-generated garbage content to platforms prioritizing profits over people, we’re breaking down how it all got so bad—and what we can do about it. Topics discussed in this episode: What is enshittification and some examples. How AI is a...2025-05-0543 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe BFF Next Door: The Most Dangerous Celebrity Entrepreneur in 2025She cries on camera. Wears hoodies. Says she’s just like you, right before pitching her five-figure course. She’s the BFF Next Door. And in 2025, she’s not just relatable; she’s a finely-tuned marketing machine. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most deceptively dangerous archetypes in the online business world: the BFF Next Door. We discuss: Introduction to the BFF Next Door Archetype: Who she is and how she operates in the online business world. How vulnerability, relatability, and curated imperfection are used as sales t...2025-04-2132 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business2024 Year End Wrap Up2024 was a wild ride and, for many, incredibly economically challenging. So, what exactly went down this year? In this episode of Duped, we’re diving in for a 2024 year-end recap, breaking down the year that was and talking about what’s headed our way for 2025. We discuss: Why 2024 was rough economically for many businesses. How some businesses went all in on creative rebranding. How the pyramid scheme of life coaching began to crumble. The rise and fall of digital MRR. Why consumers are becom...2024-12-0953 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessIs It About to Sink? Spotting the Warning Signs of a Failing Online BusinessPassive income! Life-changing results! Freedom! And all for a limited time only. These are just a few typical tropes online businesses use to reel you in. Big promises that sound great on paper, and even though you’re maybe a little hesitant, you decide to give it a go. Unfortunately, in many cases, the dream we’re being sold quickly turns into a nightmare. So, how is an online business really legit and worth your investment? In this episode of Duped, we’ll uncover the signs that an online business is going down...2024-11-2545 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessWeapons of Influence (Part Two)Robert Cialdini’s book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion has become ubiquitous in the online business community. But are the principles Cialdini set forth being used in good faith Spoiler alert: in many cases, nope, not at all. In this episode, we get into part two of exploring Robert Cialidini and his code of ethics for anyone who uses his work. We examine the final four weapons of influence along with tips to protect yourself. We discuss: Cialdini’s ethics Authority, Social Proof, Consistency and Unity Wha...2024-11-1144 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessWeapons of Influence (Part One)Do you know what book is one of the most used—and abused—in online business? Many celebrity entrepreneurs and top marketers cite it as influential…which makes sense given its title. It’s Robert Cialdini’s Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. While we have referenced this book many times on the pod, we have never actually done a deep dive to get into the nitty-gritty of it all. In this episode, we explore Robert Cialidini and his code of ethics for anyone who uses his work. We then examine three of his seven weapons...2024-10-211h 05
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessMasterminds Unmasked: Support System or Total Scam?Masterminds are often sold as life-changing experiences that will help boost your business, increase revenue, and connect with like-minded people. But how often have you seen masterminds that turn out to be expensive group coaching sessions run by unqualified "experts"? Or even worse—joined one yourself and found out too late that it’s nothing like what you were promised? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on something that’s become almost a rite of passage in the online business world: masterminds. We’re talking about red flags to watch for and wha...2024-10-0752 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessExposing MRR: The Crumbling of a ‘Get Rich Quick’ DreamHave you ever seen an offer on social media claiming you can make big bucks in no time at all if you sell something created by someone else? Welcome to the world of Master Resell Rights, where you allegedly can get rich from doing little to no work at all. But like everything else in online business, it’s too good to be true and the house of cards is quickly tumbling. In this episode of Duped, we’re peeling back the curtain to expose how it all went wrong—from faceles...2024-09-2345 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessWhy Do We Fall for Get Rich Quick SchemesIf you’ve ever been duped and immediately blamed yourself for it, you’re not the only one. Yes, we all have a level of personal responsibility, but that doesn’t negate the fact that humans are primed to fall for get rich quick schemes. So why is that? In this episode of Duped, we’re flipping the script. Instead of talking about how to prevent getting scammed, we’re exploring why were are so damn susceptible to it. We discuss: A brief history of get rich quick schemes. Five...2024-05-2758 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessConsumer Caution: Understanding the Risks of Payment Plans in Online BusinessHave you ever bought something on a payment plan and quickly realized you’re unsatisfied, but there’s no way out? The fact is, not all payment plans are created equal. While they can be an excellent way to pay for something over time, the flip side is that they can also be weaponized by celebrity entrepreneurs and used to handle sales objections. So, what risks should you, the consumer, know about before buying a course or program using a payment plan? In this episode, we’re equipping you with the knowledge to make inf...2024-05-0646 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessHow To Read a Sales Page (Part 2)Sales pages are designed to make us buy. But if the way they’re done is scammy or deceptive, should we really buy from them at all? In part one of this two-part series on sales pages, we covered program promises, pain points, and the solution. But there’s way more you need to watch for, so in this episode, we’re digging into FAQs, bonus stacks and more. We discuss: Why long sales pages can leave you confused and worn out. How do you identify possible red flags when you read an...2024-04-1556 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Bundle Breakdown: What Consumers Need to Know Before BuyingBusiness bundles seem to be everywhere these days, leaving everyone wondering if these are actually a good deal and they should jump on the bundle train. Sure, they often seem like a total steal, but if the bundle doesn’t actually bring YOU any value, the fact that the price was “reasonable” is irrelevant. How can you tell if a business bundle is worth the price or if you should run away entirely? In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about those business bundles from how they work, why they’r...2024-04-0150 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessHow to Read a Sales Page Part OneIf there’s one place on the internet it’s all too easy to get tripped up and make an impulsive decision, it’s sales pages. Yes, sales pages are designed to draw you in and pique your interest, but in many cases, these pages are cross the line from persuasion to straight-up manipulation. So how do you spot the red flags? In part one of this two-part series on sales pages, we’re covering program promises, pain points, and the solution. We discuss: The psychology behind using long-form sales pages. E...2024-03-181h 01
The Copywriter Club PodcastTCC Podcast #385: Ethical Marketing with Maggie Patterson and Michelle MazurIs marketing unethical? What about tactics like scarcity or significance? Should copywriters be using these persuasive elements in their copy? If not, why not? And when is it acceptable? Our guests for the 385th episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast are Maggie Patterson and Michelle Mazur, hosts of their own podcast called Duped where they talk about the misuse of persuasion in marketing. Between the four of us, we figured out the answers to these questions and more (almost). Click the play button below, or scroll down for a full transcript.
Stuff to check out:
The Copywriter Club Facebook Group
T...2024-03-051h 09
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe State of “Ethical” Business 2024Is the state of ethical business actually improving in 2024? Are we actually making some progress? Well, it’s a good news/bad news kind of story. The good is that we’re finally starting to see more and more people reject the status quo business practices, including manipulative marketing and scammy sales practices. The bad is that this industry is very fickle, and while it’s good to hear more discussions about ethical business, certain topics have fallen off the radar. And whether these conversations translate into change still remains to be seen. ...2024-03-0455 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessFriend or Foe? Understanding Parasocial Relationships in MarketingIn a world where we’re connected to people across the globe, it’s nearly impossible for us NOT to create parasocial relationships. If you publish content or have an audience filled with people you don’t know personally, you create parasocial relationships. And that’s totally fine The trouble starts with ensuring everyone understands that we’re in these relationships and that they can make us more vulnerable to predatory tactics. In this episode, we’re answering the questions of what parasocial relationships are, how they affect us, and how they’re being weaponized...2024-02-191h 03
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessPayment Pitfalls: Navigating Guarantees, Refunds, and T&CsYou’re excited about signing up for a new program, and you’re just about to check out, then you decide to read the terms and conditions…but maybe they’re super long and you’re in a rush. Fast forward three weeks later and you realize this was a terrible choice and the program is hot garbage. So, what now? In this episode, we’re looking at the fine print of T&Cs, guarantees and refunds so you can save yourself this exact headache and not waste your time or money with people who don’t...2024-02-0539 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessJanuary Patreon TeaserThis week we’re giving you a little teaser of what’s going on over the Duped Patreon. Our January episode offered a grab bag of topics as we dove into all the things happening in cults, documentaries, and online business. In this teaser, we discuss the current conversation about "degrowth" and our feelings on the matter. Want to hear the rest of the conversation? Join the Patreon and you can listen to the January episode in full where we also cover: More thoughts on the Netflix Twin Flame docuseries. The Bitconned documentary and how it...2024-01-2908 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessBehind the Curtain: Decoding Deceptive Tactics in Summits and JVsAffiliates, JVs, and Summits…oh my! These collaborations can be spectacular for sales and growing an audience, but they also have a dark side that can take advantage of business owners and ultimately lead to getting Duped In this episode, we’re diving into the HIGHLY nuanced topic of summits and JVs and decoding deceptive tactics that can leave you holding the bag. For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online. For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.2024-01-2257 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessManipulating Minds: The Need to Know About NLPHave you heard of something called neurolinguistic programming or NLP? It’s everywhere in online business, but no one seems to be able to explain what it is or why we use it. In this episode, we tackle everything from its controversial history to its widespread online influence to answer the question: are you being manipulated by NLP? And would you even know if you were? For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online. For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon. 2024-01-0846 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessSchemes on Your Screens: A 2023 Recap and 2024 PredictionsAs 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on the year that was and make some predictions about what lies ahead in 2024. For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online. For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon. 2023-12-181h 03
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Fakery of Financial FeminismOnline business sells the dream of being financially free to women from all walks of life. And that with a certain amount of money, each of us will have the power to change the world. Welcome to the fakery of financial feminism, where we’re being pushed to play bigger, but are we actually even benefiting? For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online. For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.2023-12-1153 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Grift of Audience GrowthTruth time: Growing your audience in 2023 is hard. Yet, the web celebs who are selling you courses about how to create courses, memberships, or programs want you to believe that it is easy. No audience, no problem! This is why we wanted to dive into the grift of audience growth on this episode of Duped. For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online. For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.2023-11-2745 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe State of Online Business Right Now (Fall 2023 Update)Duped is back! We wanted to start off this season with a state of the industry, a state of the nation, if you will, on what's going on with online business as we head towards the end of 2023. In this episode of Duped, we’re giving you a rundown on the state of online business right now and what you should be watching for in the coming months. Learn more at duped.online2023-11-1327 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessTEASER: Breakdown of a Book LaunchThe internet was all a buzz this past weekend with a book launch by a celebrity entrepreneur. This is a teaser with a sneak peek of the full episode we've shared on Patreon. You can join Patreon now to listen to the whole episode that's simply too spicy for the main feed. Join us here: https://www.patreon.com/duped2023-08-2420 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessMLMs and Online Business with Emily Lynn PaulsonHave you ever thought that online business seems a lot like a MLM? Well, you’re not wrong, the crossover is very real, and it’s time we talk about it. In this episode, we’re sitting down with the author of the new book Hey, Hun - Emily Lynn Paulson. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content including a discussion with Maggie about her experience as part of a top achiever in a MLM. Join us at patreon.com/duped Learn more on our website at duped.online2023-07-1053 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessTEASER: The Art of Livin' with Matthew McConaugheyOn April 24th, Matthew McConaughey hosted an online event called The Art of Livin’. While events like these are nothing new in the online business world, what made this one different was the magnitude and scale, with 2 million people attending the event. This exposed a whole new level of online shenanigans, had people buzzing, and caused a massive impact in the online community, so, OF COURSE, we needed to break this down and get into what all the hype was about. Check out this teaser for our breakdown of the red flag parade that was The...2023-04-2713 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Millionaire Messenger: Duped Bookclub TEASERHere's a quick sneak peek of our Patreon bonus episode on the book The Millionaire Messenger. This book is ground zero for a lot of the BS in the online business industry and we read it so you don't have to. WANT MORE? Join the Patreon for $7 per month: https://www.patreon.com/duped2023-04-1708 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessYou’ve Been Scammed: Now What?The jig is up, and now you realize that the coach or course you signed up for is not what it seems, and you want out. You want your money back. You want them out of your life. In this episode, we’ll look at your options if you’ve been scammed and answer the question, now what? Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content. Find us at patreon.com/duped Learn more on our website at duped.online2023-04-1034 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Manipulation of ManifestationOnline business is steeped in manifestation talk, especially regarding money. But should you believe what your coach tells you about how investing in their high ticket mastermind is a way to accomplish your goals by betting on yourself? Are you missing some secret way of making money and making your dreams come true? In this episode, we’re digging into manifestation, including the gaslighting and grifting that’s everywhere. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content. Find us at patreon.com/duped Learn more on our website at duped.onli...2023-04-0340 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessArtificial Authority: Why You Shouldn't Take that Expert at Face Value“I’m an award-winning entrepreneur. I’m the author of Wall Street Journal Bestseller.” Are these claims actually real, or is the business owner who touts such things sitting on a “throne of lies” because nowadays authority and expertise can be bought? It’s probably one of the easiest ways to scam consumers. In this episode of Duped, we break down different authority scams so you can make the best purchasing decisions. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content. Find us at patreon.com/duped Learn more on our website a...2023-03-2748 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessCoaching Scams: What to Watch for in 2023From mystery offers to cash months, the online coaching world is full of sketchy and scammy things. In this episode, we’re discussing some of the coaching scams that are happening right now in the online business world and how to ensure you’re not getting sucked in. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content. Find us at patreon.com/duped Learn more on our website at duped.online2023-03-2050 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Rise of the Fake ExpertIf I can do it, you can do it too. Teach what you know. If you’ve lived it, you can sell it. All of these are common marketing messages that basically say, “hey anyone can have a business.” And if you don’t have a ton of expertise, that’s not a problem - except it is a problem. The Rise of the Fake Expert is one of the leading causes of being duped. So let’s break it down on this episode of Duped. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-sc...2023-03-1333 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Myth of the Million Dollar BusinessTalk about making a million dollars with your business inescapable. But how realistic is it really? In this episode, we’re looking at the myth of the million-dollar business, the data behind it, and if these promises are scamming us. Are you ready? Because this week, we’re going to explore something so familiar in online business, but it’s incredibly scammy. We’re talking about the myth of the million-dollar business. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content. Find us at patreon.com/duped Learn more on our we...2023-03-0633 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Truth About Critique, Criticism, and CancellationAs consumers are becoming more discerning about who they work with, they are starting to ask more questions and push back on some of the bs online shenanigans that we’ve talked so much about on Duped. Unfortunately, this critique is not well received by the perpetrators of the online bs. In this episode of Duped, we explain what to look for and how it can be a big old red flag when you’re thinking about your next business investment. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus and behind-the-scenes content. Find us at p...2023-02-2744 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessCoaching, Consulting and the Current Chaos of Online BusinessWe’re back! And a lot has happened since our last season. In this episode, we’re digging into the world of business coaching and how things have gone seriously off the rails. Welcome to Season 4 of Duped. We’re back, and we couldn’t be more excited about what we have planned, as this season, we’ll be diving into the world of online business scams. In our first episode, we want to talk about how business coaching has gone seriously off the rails, along with a rundown of what’s happening right now in the o...2023-02-2036 min
Make Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesHow Do We Earn Trust in Online Business with Maggie PattersonHow do you decide who to trust in your business? When you're thinking about joining a program or hiring a service provider, do you make those people earn your trust, or do you just default to trusting them? When we first meet someone new, we want to believe the best in people. We want to believe that they are trustworthy, so we trust them until they give us a very good reason not to. However, today on the podcast, my guest and co-host of Duped, Maggie Patterson, is turning that notion on its h...2022-11-2926 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesHow Do We Earn Trust in Online Business with Maggie PattersonHow do you decide who to trust in your business? When you're thinking about joining a program or hiring a service provider, do you make those people earn your trust, or do you just default to trusting them? When we first meet someone new, we want to believe the best in people. We want to believe that they are trustworthy, so we trust them until they give us a very good reason not to. However, today on the podcast, my guest and co-host of Duped, Maggie Patterson, is turning that notion on its h...2022-11-2926 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Racket of Recession Proofing Your BusinessSeason 4 of Duped will be kicking off in January, but in the meantime, we're giving you a sneak peek. In this special episode, we’re going to look at the impending recession and how celebrity entrepreneurs are now using that to mess with us and try to get our money. Learn more at duped.online2022-11-2145 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesHow Do You Know Who To TrustThere’s a game Maggie Patterson, my co-host of Duped, plays with me all the time. It’s called “Can I Tell What Makes You an Expert?” We go to an about page of someone who’s doling out advice like candy on Instagram and see if we can tell why they’re credible to speak on this topic. If we can figure it out, great! They earn our respect and trust. But nine times out of ten, I have no clue why they are credible to do the work they do or say the thin...2022-11-0817 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesHow Do You Know Who To TrustThere’s a game Maggie Patterson, my co-host of Duped, plays with me all the time. It’s called “Can I Tell What Makes You an Expert?” We go to an about page of someone who’s doling out advice like candy on Instagram and see if we can tell why they’re credible to speak on this topic. If we can figure it out, great! They earn our respect and trust. But nine times out of ten, I have no clue why they are credible to do the work they do or say the thin...2022-11-0817 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessVetting Coaches and Programs: What to Watch ForHow do you decide if a program is worth investing in? If it will get you the results? How do you even know if the business owner is credible to run that program? Too many times a slick sales page and manipulative marketing tactics can prevent you from doing your due diligence on a program before you invest. In this season finale of Duped, we are going to talk about how you can be vet coaches, consultants and programs so you can make an informed decision when investing in your business. Learn more a...2022-06-131h 00
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Trouble with Triggering and Traumatic StoriesYou just need to share your story is a common refrain in online business. It sounds good on the surface, as every one of us are humans who love a good story. But what happens when those stories are shared so that they manipulate or even harm our audience? In this episode of Duped, we’re diving into the business practice of sharing stories and the seedy, harmful underbelly of when storytelling goes wrong. Learn more at duped.online2022-06-061h 08Make Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesBonus: Duped: Predatory Pricing Practices in the Online Business Pyramid SchemeToday, we are going to the dark side–the dark side of online business. Duped is the podcast that I host with Maggie Patterson. And in this episode, Maggie and I have a fascinating conversation about predatory pricing practices in the online business pyramid scheme. Let's face it, there’s a lot of downright terrible advice and business practices around pricing and Maggie and I try to debunk them all. Find the full show notes and all things Duped at Duped.Online.2022-05-3155 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesBonus: Duped: Predatory Pricing Practices in the Online Business Pyramid SchemeToday, we are going to the dark side–the dark side of online business. Duped is the podcast that I host with Maggie Patterson. And in this episode, Maggie and I have a fascinating conversation about predatory pricing practices in the online business pyramid scheme. Let's face it, there’s a lot of downright terrible advice and business practices around pricing and Maggie and I try to debunk them all. Find the full show notes and all things Duped at Duped.Online.2022-05-3155 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessCertifications: Credibility Booster or Money Making Scheme?Everywhere you look people are selling certifications. There are certifications for life coaching, business coaching, marketing, messaging, oracle cards, and more. But are certifications the real deal that can help you build your business or just another money-making grift? You’re about to find out on this episode of Duped. Learn more at duped.online2022-05-3052 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Grift of Group ProgramsOver the last 10 years, there have been countless ways that celebrity entrepreneurs have sold to us: courses, masterminds, memberships, and many more. These trends come and go, and one of the big ones right now is group programs. In this episode of Duped, we’re digging into all things group programs including the potential grifts of these programs that you need to know about right now. Learn more at duped.online2022-05-2358 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Hype About HiringHave you ever looked at your biz and thought the only way you’ll ever grow is if you start hiring?If so, you aren’t the only one. What you may be surprised to hear is that part of why you’re thinking like this is because in the world of online biz celebs, we’re told hiring is THE way to do it. We’re told we can’t possibly expand and thrive without a whole team of people to help us chase the dream of scaling. But is all this advice o...2022-05-1650 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessChasing Celebrity EnterpreneurshipHave you ever heard some celeb entrepreneur say that you need to build a big audience to have online business success? While that advice doesn’t necessarily sounds terrible… it kind of is. Because once again, we’re being encouraged to chase a carrot (the huge audience) that won’t necessarily give us what we want (a sustainable business). And let’s not forget that nobody mentions that high cost associated with doing it “their” way. But like everything else that we talk about on Duped, chasing the celebrity entrepreneur status is not all that...2022-05-0953 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessPredatory Pricing Practices in the Online Business Pyramid SchemeIf there’s one area in online business that is rife with bad advice, it’s pricing. We’re told we need to charge what we’re worth. That we need to “play big”. That we just need to raise our prices.As though it’s a quick push of the button and everything comes together. What that line of thinking ignores is that the world of online business has been set up to take something complex and highly nuanced — pricing —and boil it down into quick, bite-sized solutions. Solutions that rarely work for the...2022-05-0254 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessQuestioning Online Business PracticesWhile the words “best practices” are heard again and again in online business, do you ever take time to actually think about what they mean?Some of the best practices we’re being sold in the online space have been so normalized that they’re now business as usual — Which would be fine if they weren’t so damn SHADY. And that’s why now is the time to start asking questions. In this episode of Duped, we’re digging in to see how some of these “best” practices are actually serving us. Fi...2022-04-2545 min
Staying SoloWhy Your Message Really Matters Now More Than Ever with Michelle MazurThere’s no shortage of messaging being thrown at us in the world of online business. We’re told to live our best life. To take back our freedom. To avoid burnout. And on and on and on… The problem? These messages, while they may be things we actually need to hear, are these the messages we want trickling down to our own clients? And if we’re all using the same messaging, where’s the room for differentiation? In this episode, Dr. Michelle Mazur joins us to unpack exactly why your message...2022-02-0732 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessCritical Thinking: How Not to Get Sucked into the Cult of Online BusinessHands up if you’ve ever been swept up in the moment and made a purchase, but then later wondered what the heck you were thinking. Been there, done that… and got the crappy product or service we didn’t actually need. But why does this happen? Why do we get all excited and seemingly throw our critical thinking skills out the window?Well, friends, it’s because this is what the online business world WANTS us to do.They want us to forget to take a beat before we buy. So —...2021-12-061h 10
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Scam of Sales PsychologyStop us if you’ve heard these ones before — “You just need this one trick to get people to buy from you.” ”Use the power of language to make your copy impossible to resist.” “Create raving fans who buy from you on autopilot.” These are just a few of the claims you see on the internet designed to get you buying whatever someone else is selling. Now, selling isn’t inherently bad. It’s the tactics used when selling that separate those with integrity from those willing to exploit sales psycho...2021-11-2959 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessSeriously Shady Sales PracticesHave you ever read a sales page and by the time you’ve gotten to the end you don’t even know what the person is actually selling you?Sure, it all sounded great, they used lots of keywords that appealed to you, and you’re even considering buying…. but what is or isn’t included is still kind of ambiguous. This is called the word salad — and it’s just one of the shady sales practices running rampant in the world of online business. As a consumer, it’s not always easy to suss out these...2021-11-221h 05
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Freedom ParadoxWhen you started your business, were you dreaming of freedom?Freedom from your boss, freedom with your time, freedom with your money, freedom to do things on your terms? That promise of freedom can be incredibly seductive, so it’s no wonder budding entrepreneurs run towards this idea. But there’s a dark side to the promise of freedom where freedom comes at a high cost. That’s exactly what we are diving into this episode of Duped. We explore the freedom paradox and look at the right questions to ask when it...2021-11-151h 02
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Entrepreneurial Industrial ComplexDo you ever get the feeling that a lot of people think owning a business is easy?Or that owning a business is THE thing to do right now? If these thoughts have crossed your mind, it’s likely (in part) because there’s actually an entire industry devoted to selling us things that “help” us build an even bigger business. We’re being sold the dream of entrepreneurship day in, day out. And like so many other things we’re sold in the world of online business, that dream is faaaaaaar from reality for m...2021-11-0852 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe High Stakes of Speak to SellHands up if you’ve ever experienced business FOMO at an event.You know how it goes… You’re taking it all in, starting to feel overwhelmed by everything being thrown at you and the next thing you know you’re being told that the X, Y or Z they are offering is only going to be available TODAY. And of course, they tell you that you DESERVE to make this investment.Next thing you know people are lining up in droves to get the thing and you start to think that mayb...2021-11-011h 05
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe High Ticket HustleHave you ever assumed that just because something is high ticket, it must be good?We’ve certainly been there, but here’s the problem - What exactly IS “high ticket”, anyway? A certain dollar amount? A specific level of service? A high return on investment? The reality is that one person’s high ticket could be loose change for another, and the big price tag really means nothing in terms of actual value. It’s all subjective. That’s why in this episode of Duped we’re digging into the high ticke...2021-10-2555 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessCourses: Moneymaking Dream or Business Nightmare?Stop us if you’ve heard these ones before - “Make money while you sleep!” “Never trade dollars for hours again!” “Create it once and set it on autopilot!” We all know celebrity entrepreneurs make BIG promises when selling us a course that teaches us how to create… another course. But do courses actually live up to the hype? Are they the passive income dream they claim to be? On this episode of Duped, we’re looking at whether courses are a magical moneymaking dream or a bonafide business n...2021-10-181h 00
Staying SoloDUPED: The Predatory Culture of Plagiarized ContentIf you're a fan of the BS-Free Service Business Show, check out Duped. Duped is a limited series podcast hosted by myself and Dr. Michelle Mazur, where we talk about the dark side of online business that you need to know about, and more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling prey to these tactics and tricks. __ Have you ever seen something online and felt like it looked awfully familiar? Then comes the sinking feeling that you’ve been copied. Without citation or credit. The unfortunate reality is that in an indus...2021-08-0251 min
Staying SoloDUPED: The Luxury LifeIf you're a fan of the BS-Free Service Business Show, check out Duped. Duped is a limited series podcast hosted by myself and Dr. Michelle Mazur, where we talk about the dark side of online business that you need to know about, and more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling prey to these tactics and tricks. __ Want to buy a Ferrari? Use a private jet? Stay in 5-star hotels? According to the aspirational luxury lifestyle we’re constantly being sold in the online business world, “you too can easily have these things if you...2021-07-2657 min
Staying SoloDUPED: The Very Tired Tropes of Online BusinessIf you're a fan of the BS-Free Service Business Show, check out Duped. Duped is a limited series podcast hosted by myself and Dr. Michelle Mazur, where we talk about the dark side of online business that you need to know about, and more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling prey to these tactics and tricks. ______________ The seven-figure income. The passive income dream. You have to spend money to make money. If I can do it, so can you! Any of those sound familiar?You’ve probably heard all of tho...2021-07-191h 02
Staying SoloDUPED: The Culty Side of Online BusinessIf you're a fan of the BS-Free Service Business Show, check out Duped. Duped is a limited series podcast hosted by myself and Dr. Michelle Mazur, where we talk about the dark side of online business that you need to know about, and more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling prey to these tactics and tricks. ___________ If you’ve ever looked closely at the tactics used in the online business world, you may have been shocked to notice some parallels with something completely unexpected — a cult. The power dynamics. The focus on minds...2021-07-1259 min
Staying SoloDUPED: The Bro Marketing BinaryIf you're a fan of the BS-Free Service Business Show, check out Duped. Duped is a limited series podcast hosted by myself and Dr. Michelle Mazur, where we talk about the dark side of online business that you need to know about, and more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling prey to these tactics and tricks. _____________ If you’ve been in the online biz world for a hot minute, you’ve probably experienced what’s called bro marketing. Bro marketing is the use of psychological triggers and other persuasive hacks to shut down c...2021-07-0540 min
Staying SoloDUPED: The Truth About Influencers & ExpertsIf you're a fan of the BS-Free Service Business Show, check out Duped. Duped is a limited series podcast hosted by myself and Dr. Michelle Mazur, where we talk about the dark side of online business that you need to know about, and more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling prey to these tactics and tricks. ___________ Remember when the word expert next to someone’s name actually meant that they were, in fact, an expert in their field?Yeah, so do we.Now, in a world where people can literally cre...2021-06-2846 min
Staying SoloDUPED: Ethical Businesses - In Name OnlyIf you're a fan of the BS-Free Service Business Show, check out Duped. Duped is a limited series podcast hosted by myself and Dr. Michelle Mazur, where we talk about the dark side of online business that you need to know about, and more importantly, how to protect yourself from falling prey to these tactics and tricks. _____ Have you noticed that “ethical” has become the buzzword-du-jour in the 2021 online business world?Listen. Running an ethical business is important, but doing that can seem pretty challenging when so much of what we’ve been taught...2021-06-2146 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessCreating Time Freedom and Breaking Free from the Hustle with Becca RichHands up if you’ve ever been told you need to “hustle harder”. Keep your hands up if reading makes you want to have a nap, because the idea of hustling is downright exhausting. The relentless message around needing to hustle is contrary to why we ever started a business. What we really need and want is more *freedom* with our time. That’s why I invited my guest Becca Rich, a holistic time management strategist and coach, to discuss the idea of time freedom and so much more. Get the...2021-06-1433 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Problem with Income Claim Marketing“I make 7 figures and you can too! All you need is my proven system!” Bet you’ve seen this sort of claim so many times you’ve lost count and it’s totally eye roll worthy. The online business world is full of people making BIG income claims. And as the years pass, these claims seem to continuously escalate. First it was 5 figures, then it was 6, and now we’re at 7 or 8 figures. But you know what? The reality of the online business world is that most people are NOT making this kind of money...2021-06-0722 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe High Cost of the Dark Side of Online BusinessThe online business world is rife with shenanigans — from cult tactics to bait and switch to bro marketing. And while it’s important to identify and unpack these issues, you know what else we need to talk about?The very real cost to ALL of us. These tactics rob us of our time. Our energy. Our money. And that’s just the beginning. In this episode, we’re wrapping up season one of Duped by breaking down the consequences to both business owners and the industry as a whole, as well as what we...2021-05-311h 00
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Predatory Culture of Plagiarized ContentHave you ever seen something online and felt like it looked awfully familiar? Then comes the sinking feeling that you’ve been copied. Without citation or credit. The unfortunate reality is that in an industry that rewards people for simply being one step ahead, it’s zero percent surprising that people would engage in some shady practices. That said, knowing it happens all the time doesn’t make you feel any less frustrated that your hard work is being used as “inspiration”. In this episode, we’re diving into the predatory culture of pla...2021-05-2451 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Luxury LifeWant to buy a Ferrari? Use a private jet? Stay in 5-star hotels? According to the aspirational luxury lifestyle we’re constantly being sold in the online business world, “you too can easily have these things if you just do X, Y or Z!”. But after running your biz for a hot minute, it’s probably become increasingly clear that attaining these things is not anywhere as easy as the people selling us these dreams make it sound. How do we avoid falling into this trap and chasing a dream that’s usually built on tot...2021-05-1757 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Very Tired Tropes of Online BusinessThe seven-figure income. The passive income dream. You have to spend money to make money. If I can do it, so can you! Any of those sound familiar?You’ve probably heard all of those and more when it comes to the world of online business, and most of us can probably agree on one thing:I’m totally over it, and I bet you are too! These tired internet marketing tropes are pushed in our faces repeatedly, yet it’s actually pretty rare that they actually ring true. Which i...2021-05-101h 02
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Culty Side of Online BusinessIf you’ve ever looked closely at the tactics used in the online business world, you may have been shocked to notice some parallels with something completely unexpected — a cult. The power dynamics. The focus on mindset. The endless investing in yourself. The worry that if you speak up against the status quo you may find yourself completely ostracized. But then you think….that will never happen to ME. Well guess what? Nobody is immune to these tactics, Which is exactly why we need to know how to spot them when doing business online...2021-05-0359 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Bro Marketing BinaryIf you’ve been in the online biz world for a hot minute, you’ve probably experienced what’s called bro marketing. Bro marketing is the use of psychological triggers and other persuasive hacks to shut down critical thinking without our consent. The goal is to sell more products through manipulation and coercion. Sounds pretty shady, right? Even if you don’t look like a bro, or think you’re doing any bro marketing, it doesn’t mean bro marketing hasn’t found its way into your biz. It is everywhere…..which is why on this episo...2021-04-2640 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Truth About Influencers & ExpertsRemember when the word expert next to someone’s name actually meant that they were, in fact, an expert in their field?Yeah, so do we.Now, in a world where people can literally create any persona they want on the internet, the designation of “expert” can be incredibly misleading. These self-declared experts are out there, giving advice, selling you products and in many cases, they’re influencers — NOT experts. So how do you parse out the real from the fake? In this episode of Duped, we’re breaking down the difference be...2021-04-1946 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessEthical Businesses In Name OnlyHave you noticed that “ethical” has become the buzzword-du-jour in the 2021 online business world? This is the newest way celebrity entrepreneurs are duping their customers, and that’s what we're breaking down on this episode of Duped. More details at duped.online.2021-04-0946 min
Duped: The Dark Side of Online BusinessThe Bait and Switch If you’ve worked in the online biz world for more than a hot minute, you’ve probably noticed something — nothing is quite like it seems. You buy a template, a course, mastermind or hire a coach, and once you’ve handed over your money you quickly realize you are definitely NOT getting what you thought you paid for. Turns out you’ve fallen prey to the old “bait and switch”. And trust us when we say, so have we. It was with these sorts of questionable tactics in mind that we decided to do...2021-04-0843 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo Businesses10 Marketing Messages That Need to Drown in the Sea of Sameness in 2021In my copious amounts of free time, I have been researching NLP or neuro-linguistic programming. I know you're all jealous of my #hobbies. However, I love to learn about things that I don't understand, especially when they're a common marketing practice in the online world. And NLP is one of those things that bro marketers and bro-ette marketers use to manipulate us into making questionable decisions. In fact, most of the celebrity entrepreneurs -- hat tip to my friend Maggie Patterson for coining that phrase -- they use NLP in their copy and in their word choice...2020-12-1525 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo Businesses10 Marketing Messages That Need to Drown in the Sea of Sameness in 2021In my copious amounts of free time, I have been researching NLP or neuro-linguistic programming. I know you're all jealous of my #hobbies. However, I love to learn about things that I don't understand, especially when they're a common marketing practice in the online world. And NLP is one of those things that bro marketers and bro-ette marketers use to manipulate us into making questionable decisions. In fact, most of the celebrity entrepreneurs -- hat tip to my friend Maggie Patterson for coining that phrase -- they use NLP in their copy and in their word choice...2020-12-1525 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesThe Rise of Ethical Marketing in 2021 (And What it Means For Your Business)One of the biggest gifts that 2020 brought us is that we are finally having real conversations about bro marketing and manipulative marketing tactics. I am so grateful that people are finally waking up to what these tactics are, how they're being used, and who is using them. It makes us better consumers and also makes sure that we are investing in programs that are really aligned with who we are and our own ethics and morals. With that being said, I am also very, very weary. I am weary of people talking about bro marketing tactics and...2020-12-0122 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesThe Rise of Ethical Marketing in 2021 (And What it Means For Your Business)One of the biggest gifts that 2020 brought us is that we are finally having real conversations about bro marketing and manipulative marketing tactics. I am so grateful that people are finally waking up to what these tactics are, how they're being used, and who is using them. It makes us better consumers and also makes sure that we are investing in programs that are really aligned with who we are and our own ethics and morals. With that being said, I am also very, very weary. I am weary of people talking about bro marketing tactics and...2020-12-0122 min
Profit Without WorryLessons In Building A Thriving Agency or Freelance Business with Maggie PattersonWhen times get tough in your business, it’s always wise to call in some support. On this episode of Profit Without Worry I sit down with Small Business Boss and Agency Business Mentor Maggie Patterson to talk about lessons she’s learned about building a thriving agency or freelance business even during turbulent business times.2020-04-1453 min
Profit Without WorryMastering Your Service Business with Maggie PattersonHave you ever heard someone say they don’t think a service business is a “real” business? On this episode, I’m talking to Maggie Patterson who runs not one — but two — very successful services business. After a decade and a half in business, she’s got a lot to say about service businesses, offering courses, and so-called “passive income.” We’re sharing some behind-the-scenes real talk about services businesses and why they’re one of the fastest paths to making money.2019-05-0732 min
Staying SoloYour Three Word Rebellion with Michelle MazurYou may think that your brand’s message isn’t that important — but you’d be wrong. People want to know what makes your services business different and summing it up in a few short words that pack a punch is your first step to making an impression that stands out. On this episode of the Small Business Boss podcast, my guest Dr. Michelle Mazur is sharing her tips for how to create your Three Word Rebellion. Get the scoop here: https://smallbusinessboss.co/three-word-rebellion/ 2019-03-0424 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesReflecting On 2018 Before Creating What’s Next in 2019Hey, rebel risers, welcome to the final episode of 2018! I almost didn't record this episode. I always think, oh, why would anyone care about what's going on with me and my business? But I realized something I realized I loved hearing behind the scenes stories of businesses. I love hearing people reflect. I love how Maggie Patterson does a monthly debrief on the Small Business Boss podcast or how Tara Newman did a CEO debrief on her Bold Leadership revolution podcast. I learned so much from listening to these women reflect and it's...2018-12-1816 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesReflecting On 2018 Before Creating What’s Next in 2019Hey, rebel risers, welcome to the final episode of 2018! I almost didn't record this episode. I always think, oh, why would anyone care about what's going on with me and my business? But I realized something I realized I loved hearing behind the scenes stories of businesses. I love hearing people reflect. I love how Maggie Patterson does a monthly debrief on the Small Business Boss podcast or how Tara Newman did a CEO debrief on her Bold Leadership revolution podcast. I learned so much from listening to these women reflect and it's...2018-12-1816 min
Make Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesCelebrating 100 Episode of the Rebel Speaker Podcast!We are CELEBRATING the 100th episode of the Rebel Speaker Podcast. Woo-hoo!! Pop the champagne. Throw the confetti. Strike up the band. We are having a party. We’ve got a very special episode of the podcast. Maggie Patterson of Small Business Boss, flips the mic on me and asks me questions. As one of my business besties, she knows where all the bodies are buried all my secrets. I rant. I rave. You get to find out which of my cats I’m most like. Seriously here is exactly what you’...2018-05-0131 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesCelebrating 100 Episode of the Rebel Speaker Podcast!We are CELEBRATING the 100th episode of the Rebel Speaker Podcast. Woo-hoo!! Pop the champagne. Throw the confetti. Strike up the band. We are having a party. We’ve got a very special episode of the podcast. Maggie Patterson of Small Business Boss, flips the mic on me and asks me questions. As one of my business besties, she knows where all the bodies are buried all my secrets. I rant. I rave. You get to find out which of my cats I’m most like. Seriously here is exactly what you’...2018-05-0131 min
Make Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesHow to Turn Audience Members into ClientsYou know that I talk about making money with speaking in two different ways. There's paid speaking and then there's client attraction speeches. Client attraction speeches have nothing to do with selling from the stage. Instead you create a speech that's aligned with your business, you do a bang up job delivering it, and then you offer something completely free, so that people give you their email addresses. I know one thing that people struggle with is, "Great, I've got their email, now what do I do?" This is where our...2017-05-3014 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesHow to Turn Audience Members into ClientsYou know that I talk about making money with speaking in two different ways. There's paid speaking and then there's client attraction speeches. Client attraction speeches have nothing to do with selling from the stage. Instead you create a speech that's aligned with your business, you do a bang up job delivering it, and then you offer something completely free, so that people give you their email addresses. I know one thing that people struggle with is, "Great, I've got their email, now what do I do?" This is where our...2017-05-3014 min
Staying SoloSpeaking for Impact and Rebellious Acts with Michelle MazurIn this episode we go behind-the-scenes of Dr. Michelle Mazur’s business Communication Rebel where she helps people create breakthrough messages and turn their speech into a product. Michelle gets real about bucking the status quo, why she went into business and how she doesn’t fall into the trap of comparison. Show notes available at: www.scoopindustries.com/episode21.2016-07-2530 min
Make Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesIs Good Job the Sign of a Bad Presentation?“There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job".” -Terence Fletcher, Whiplash Whenever someone says to me “Good Job” after a presentation, I know that I didn’t do my best. I know it’s time to start a presentation autopsy and figure out how I can do better. But too many speakers think “good job” means that they did a great job. When actually it’s the audience’s polite way of saying “meh, I’m not that into your presentation” On today’s show, we’ll discuss 5 different wa...2016-02-0909 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesIs Good Job the Sign of a Bad Presentation?“There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job".” -Terence Fletcher, Whiplash Whenever someone says to me “Good Job” after a presentation, I know that I didn’t do my best. I know it’s time to start a presentation autopsy and figure out how I can do better. But too many speakers think “good job” means that they did a great job. When actually it’s the audience’s polite way of saying “meh, I’m not that into your presentation” On today’s show, we’ll discuss 5 different wa...2016-02-0909 min
Make Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesSpeaking to Sell is Ruining Public SpeakingI’m getting ranty on the Rebel Speaker today chatting about my biggest speaking pet peeve ever. It’s the pet peeve where I want to scream “The audience is on to you and we are NOT buying it anymore.” Not only that, this pet peeve has made speakers feel like gross, slimy salespeople for far too long. On episode 3 of the podcast I’m ranting about why Speak to Sell formulas are ruining the art of public speaking and what you, dear speaker, should be doing instead to grow your relationship with the audien...2015-10-2007 minMake Marketing Suck Less for Expertise-Driven Solo BusinessesSpeaking to Sell is Ruining Public SpeakingI’m getting ranty on the Rebel Speaker today chatting about my biggest speaking pet peeve ever. It’s the pet peeve where I want to scream “The audience is on to you and we are NOT buying it anymore.” Not only that, this pet peeve has made speakers feel like gross, slimy salespeople for far too long. On episode 3 of the podcast I’m ranting about why Speak to Sell formulas are ruining the art of public speaking and what you, dear speaker, should be doing instead to grow your relationship with the audien...2015-10-2007 min