Doug, it may be you need to hire someone to help you market yourself effectively online. Seriously. You will do irrefutable damage to your reputation in no time if you don’t do this properly.

Hire a professional. It’s will worth the money.

So, in fairness, here’s Doug’s (new and more revealing) bio page: http://thebestwaytoexercise-onlinepersonaltraining.com/IntroDougtion.html

I’ve made a note of it here: http://blog.ultimatefatburner.com/2009/06/27/sequel/

Sorry, but your site was flyin’ ‘em. Big time. I work with and/or am acquainted with a number of well-known trainers who are authors of both online and print materials, such as Tom Venuto, Will Brink, Hugo Rivera and Rick Collins. I’m also on the mailing lists of authors like Charles Staley and James Villepigue. I have books by Ian King, Charles Poliquin and Ross Enamait on my bookshelf. Needless to state, these folks do NOT market their materials by playing “guess-whoooo-I-yam” games.

It’s all about transparency, Doug. Take a look at Hugo Rivera’s site, for example: http://www.hugorivera.net/ On that site, it’s easy to see exactly who I’m dealing with. There are articles I can inspect. I can check out his blog, look at his comp photos, and even ask questions. Hugo is all business – there’s no bull there. It’s a great example of how to market your product in a professional way.

For the record, I am not “angry” with you – not one bit. Your sales site, however, was ripe for some snark, and got both barrels. The brain injury remark was based on the melodramatic recitation of your perseverence through various injuries and setbacks. If you have, in fact, recovered from a serious brain injury, then I’m happy to apologize for that. However, the point of the post was that your site failed a basic test of credibility… this made your claims – which ranged from the grandiose (”world renown”) to the irrelevant (being a member of MENSA) – suspect.

Believe me, I understand that I have a pretty sharp “pen”. If I were on the receiving end of this lecture, I’d be pretty unhappy about it too. Be aware, however, that I am criticizing your sales material: for all I know, you’re a vastly better trainer than all the folks listed above. Unfortunately, there was no way to conclude that from your site.

There is a truism w/respect to job interviews: you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. However, I’m not an employer: thus, I would be happy to take a look at your materials, and – if they merit it – put up a sequel to this post saying – in essence – “hey, I made fun of this guy, but it turns out he’s the real deal.” I’ve eaten humble pie before: it’s not terribly tasty but it is nutritious enough. However “angry” you think I am, I have no problem with trying to be fair and “giving a guy a chance”.

Granted, I can understand your “anger” if a person was making claims that they couldn’t substantiate, but give a guy a chance…

Doug

P.S. And regarding my figures, I’ll quote Ben Stiller with, “I’d say strong… to quite strong.” (name the movie)

I cannot speak to the overall success or failure of your “stealthy” marketing approach, as I’m not privy to your sales figures. But it certainly didn’t work well with me. However, if you come up with a sales page that’s a little lighter on teh cute, and a little heavier on the professionalism, then who knows? Maybe I just might like you.

It’s easy to bash somebody that you don’t take the time to know. It would have been quite easy to figure out who I am… no big deal though.

I was just trying a new approach with my marketing… using a more “stealthy” approach. Funny thing is, it doesn’t work as well.

There are links on the bottom of each page on my website that you can click to see who I am and what I’m all about.

If you don’t get your hopes up too much, you just might like me.

Doug Jones, BS, MA, CSCS
Exercise Physiologist, Certified
Strength & Conditioning Specialist

http://www.TheBestWayToExercise.com

Did you know that Dr.George L. Bingham states that by using the Accu-trim Bead you will lose 30, 40 or even 50lbs without diet and exercise!! You just have to place this wee little magnet on your ear lobe and voila the bead “gently stimulates the acupressure points that trigger weight loss”!

He’s a Dr. don’t you know – he can’t lie – you should trust him – he’s even wearing a white smock and has a stethoscope around his neck!!

GAWD!!! I’m amazed at what comes in the mail!