Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Review: Get Motivated Seminar, Colin Powell, Michael Phelps, others live @ Arco arena


For $19 everyone at your workplace can attend a Get Motivated seminar in certain towns with some celebrity speakers. It was free, so I went. $12 parking at Arco Arena. Speakers today were:  Steve Forbes (from Las Vegas via live link), Michael Phelps, Phil Town,  Tamara Lowe and Colin Powell.

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I did not realize that Phelps did something other swimmers did not:  trained every single day, year after year, without fail.
Even now, Phelps trains every day — including Sundays, figuring it gives him 52 more days a year in the pool than many of his competitors.- usatoday

Colin Powell was a very good speaker. I enjoyed his story about the perks of his position, what it was like to always have his own private jet, and his story about his meeting with Gorbachev.
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I got motivated to try Phil Town's day trading seminar since my 401K has been taking a royal beating. After researching investools.com, however, I realize you can get the same information for free. Just try this Google search: Swing Trading Tutorial. This site seems like a realistic overview. I believe that there is not, after all, an easy fortune to be made by swing trading if you are a beginner. As they say, "A fool and his money are soon parted."

Some comments I found:
"There really is no sytem [sic] actually. All they will do is ask you to pay up for the next level of education with promises that profits will come with that next class (”You must be a PhD to make money.” Then, “You have to learn currencies to make money” etc.). Each class gets further and further away from the method they use as a marketing tool (basic fundamentals and MACD/Stochastic/Moving Averages (MA) technical indicator ie red/green arrows, plus industry group analysis, etc.). There is an entry/exit system involved in the basics, but they also exclude some of the most important aspects of what makes a trader successful (namely controlling risk). I can testify that in the 1.5 years I worked at SWIM and of the many hundreds (thousands?) of students I met, only a handful were profitable traders. Many wiped out accounts or took retirement capital down 30-50%. It was a very serious problem. I tried to make changes within the company, alerting management to issues in the sales tactics, but was routinely brushed off.

So I guess the short answer is that no, the method really doesn’t work. At least I have never seen any evidence to suggest that more than a handful of people (who, I might add, were not even trading the method!) who went through the program were profitable."

I have e-mailed Brad Moore (you can too, there is contact information available) and he confirmed the information in the post, and that he did post the comments, and did work for INVESTools.

INVESTools teaches you short-term trading. I have read that it is called "swing trading", although I think the time frame is actually a little longer than the one to four days time frame shown on Investopedia – it seems to be two to six weeks. This is VERY risky - although INVESTools does not caution you enough about this. They will tell you "this is a little risky" but do not impress upon you EXACTLY HOW risky it really is.

I'm sorry I gave them my credit card number and I'll be canceling and not going to the 2 day seminar. One reviewer said they will try to go back on their guarantee not to charge your card, so be sure to get a confirmation number.

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Tamara Lowe, I didn't enjoy. She turned what was supposed to be a motivational business seminar into a buy-yourself-some-Jesus pitch. I found it offensive because she did not seem to consider that there were people of all religions, including non-religious people in the large audience.   I went to this to get motivated, but left feeling tricked into attending an infomercial ... I am not a morning person and getting up at 6:30 AM puts me in a foul mood all day. ( Google "How to motivate people".  )
Actually, I would have been fine if I left after Phelps and Colin Powell and trusted by instincts about avoiding the investing seminar.  So, go if you get the chance, but be warned.

88 comments:

Review: Get Motivated Seminar, Colin Powell, Michael Phelps … | Biography of Michael Phelps said...

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The Vizjrnl » Blog Archive » Slickness said...

[...] And luminous and insightful those speakers were. I really enjoyed listening to them, and got a lot out of it. It was nice to get a day out of the office, too. But there was one problem: in between the good, meaty, inspirational talks, there were talks that basically amounted to live infomercials, slick sales pitches disguised as actual content. The first one or two were convincing until they got to the end with a slick sales pitch and you realized you were being played. Some were pretty ridiculous. There was a guy who was selling some website thingamajg that he called “wham-o” that can make you — yes, YOU! — a million dollars. Without doing ANY WORK! (Last I recall, Wham-O is the toymaker that brings us such hits as Slip-N-Slide) Yeah, we got a good laugh out of that one. And then there was Phil Town’s day-trading scheme with the silly green and red arrows, which, as I’ve dug around a little bit, turns out to be something of a scam. [...]

lantana said...

I couldn't agree with this review more. One of my employees is Jewish and I just kept mouthing to her during Tamara's presentation, "I'm SO Sorry!" It was insulting to those of other faiths and belief systems to assume that everyone in the room is or should be actively practicing the Christian faith. No wonder the world hates us and thinks we're completely self-absorbed. It is supposed to be a business seminar not a church convention!

Thanks for the tips on the investment course, I thought it sounded pretty interesting but part of me felt that skeptic voice saying, "if it sounds too good to be true..." Will research more for sure.

All the rah rah crap, dancing, etc. just grated on my last nerve, not to mention the MC who just reinforced the fake blond stereotype. We couldn't understand half of what she said because she was screaming the whole time.

Despite the annoyances, Colin Powell and Rudy Giovanni were awesome and it was touching to see Zig Ziglar's daughter helping him continue doing what he loves despite short term memory problems after a fall. Captain Sully, while not exactly a motivational speaker had a very unassuming manner and was interesting to hear his story.

So, I think overall it was worth the $5 we spent, but I'd rather have spent more for more meaty content and less infomercials.

Miss Butterfly said...

I attended the Get Motivated Seminar today in Philadelphia, PA. Having worked in Corporate America for 40+ years, I have attended many seminars of this nature. I was inspired to go because I had heard Zig Zigler about 15 years ago and I liked the venue of speakers at this event: Gen. Colin Powell, Donovan McNabb, Steve Forbes, Rudy Giuliani, Charlie Manuel, etc. As a retiree starting a business, I found the event to be very inspiring and motivating, professionally, personally, and spiritually. As Christians we are to share the God that we know and love without reservation, but with boldness and courage. I admire Tamara Lowe and every other speaker who had the courage to do so regardless of the different believers or non-believers in the audience. At $4.95, every attendee who was offended or uncomfortable had the option to get up and leave; or to be rude and talk among themselves as they did. Remember, we are America, a country that believes in God. As an American, I apologize to no one for that belief. I thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Alec Berg said...

I also attended the Philadelphia Get Motivated seminar. What an awful, awful event. One of the worst things I have ever been to. Tamara Lowe comes across as self-serving as she flashes photo after photo of her with famous people and mentions who she has met. The cover of the booklet they give you is covered with photos of her husband Peter Lowe with famous people, it's conveys nothings but the "look at me" image. The emcee was dreadful as he conducted the most impersonal interviews I have ever seen. Poor Zig Ziglar should never have been a speaker as they are reducing the great things this man has done by allowing him to ramble on stage with his daughter helping him, he's a great man and should be remembered for it. He is being expolited for his name.

Donavan McNabb was not a good speaker, Charlie Manuel was not a good speaker, James Smith was absolutely vulgar and racial with his remarks, Phil Town was doing his best sales job, Colin Powell added very little content and just provided a "cool factor" for the event. Tamara Lowe was not inspiring, she came across as insincere, sales-pitchy, and Tammy Baker-ish. The rap guy Jay-something was terrible, the other rapper KJ52 was okay and somewhat entertaining. Every speaker acknowledged the military in the crowd, nice, but it got old by the afternoon. Even the soldiers were getting sick of it.

Rudi Guliani is a true American hero and did well, and Steve Forbes is a true American hero and did well.

Overall this event was bad and a waste of time, it came across as very phony.

Moose said...

The real title of this seminar should be “Get Motivated…Republicans!” This was a cliché-ridden, one-sided, ideological display of the Republican platform with enthusiastic infomercials peppered throughout. The pandering of the presenters and speakers to the ultraconservatives was so obvious that it might as well as have been sponsored by the NRA. The fact that they disguise this cheesy little old fashioned tent revival as a business seminar is preposterous. The only business tip I got was the idea to chorale a bunch of suckers into an arena, appeal to their patriotism and sentimentality with references to God, Apple Pie, and the American Way, and then sneakily weave in my get rich quick schemes and Dr. Phil-pseudo-psychological bull crap. There wasn’t anything motivating about it, other than it will motivate me not to ever waste my time at one of these things again. Not to mention it was the most disorganized event I’ve ever attended. Nobody knew what to do, or how to do it. The only thing they got right was when to shoot off the fireworks, and when to throw out those silly beach balls. The moderator was incredibly smarmy. He also sucked at his job. When he interviewed Charlie Manual and Cole Hamels his only response to their statements were “Awesome,” or “that’s awesome.” There were way too many evangelistic references to the “big man upstairs” and speakers raising their hands to the sky crying out “you better get right with The Lord”. This event was billed as a business seminar and the last time I walked into a meeting at my office, I don’t remember anyone shouting out loud for The Lord to give them strength. When I got home that night, I felt like I needed to take a shower. The only redeeming aspect of this whole debacle was Rudy Guiliani, who gave an excellent speech on leadership. Its too bad that I had to wade through the rest of the horsecrap to hear it.

Free Thinker said...

Don't forget, though, there ARE different versions of who God is (and not all of them are Christians). Just be honest & call it what it is...A religious and arguably right wing focused event. No one's asking for an apology....Just truth.

Mary Kennedy said...

My son and I attended the seminar in E. Lansing, MI on July 14. The only good thing about it was the lesson of how easily people's minds can be controlled. I was disappointed to see Dr. Robert Schuller being exploited. I wonder if he even knew why he was there. We left after Phil Town's presentation and tried to salvage what was left of the day by having a nice lunch and visiting a relative in the city.

Irish said...

Can I get an AMEN!! Those of us who are not Christian do not want to be preached to. Pushing religion is just plain wrong. As Gandhi said: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Karen Fodor said...

I came to the Buffalo Seminar for inspiration due to the business titles advertised. I found many speakers lacked motivation, direction and passion for their speaches! Please understand there were several good speakers. But here was more you had to be drawn for the names than to learn and to be inspired with motivation. Part of it was more of a selling ploy for their books and the infomercial man hyped many on his stock kit by saying "would you not want my life. I do what I want and when I get tired of it I move on". I will not comment but I would pass on changingwith you thank you! This part actually cheapened the atmosphere. If you want a free lunch you will buy what I am selling!! No thank you!! Would I recommend this for a productive day to learn new management skills and for employee motivation. No I am sorry but no. I went on their email to email what I would like to see and their email does not work. I am not a "name brand" entertainer but I could rock the house and discuss the business world more effectively and have fun with people doing it!!

Sean said...

I was just dragged to this event in Hartford. Wish I has read this first. The guest speakers were Joe montana Laura bush steve forbes Rudy guliani and Colin Powell. They were all excellent and enjoyable. However all the other late night informercial-esque speakers were so transparent and self promoting it made me sick. I had emailed friends te day before and said I was going to a republican brainwashing. Not too far off. All the talk about Jesus made me uncomfortable. I'm Catholic. I have no questions about my faith but strongly respect the faith of others. But I don't go around shoving it in other peoples faces. It was downright shocking that the lowes have been so successful at pulling the wool over everyone's eyes. Taking advantage of thousands of people during our economis struggle by masking this as a business seminar then just promoting their books, get rich quick schemes, self righteousness, name dropping. Apparently everyone there is a student of or have met with the likes of mother theresa and Warren buffet.

alfio R said...

Just attended the Hartford, CT., G.M. Seminar-9-9-09. Line-up was pretty much the same. There was Tamara, Krish, Phil Town, James Smith, Laura Bush, Forbes, Guliani and Gen. Powell, Montana and Zig. There was another speaker after the General, but we left.
This was a pyramid scheme of sorts. You charge 5.00($10.00 if you bought the useless workbook)/head X 19k people=somewhere between 100-200k is made. Tamara takes the cash and pays her speakers- 10-25k each, only the big names, Zig, Colin, Laura, Montana. The others don’t get paid but reap the rewards of the side seminars where they will teach you how to sell and buy property, stocks, etc. Thats the scam in a nutshell.
Phil Town, James Smith, Tamara, are the ones who benefit. They get you there with the names and then sell you a bunch of snake oil. Story after story about how they made money etc…
The religous overtone makes you think wow, how could someone so ripe with belief in God and Jesus rip us off???
They say over and over how you need to be nice to others, “do onto others as you would want done to you” sort of stuff. Attempting to gain your confidence and your trust that anyone who quaotes the Bible and tells me to be good to others can’t possibly be trying to screw me…ha ! Watch your wallet on this one kids. The best part of the seminar was the two beers and greasy sandwhich my buddies and I enjoyed at a local Irish Pub on the lunch break. Otherwise, keep your 5 or 10.00 bucks.
As far as Zig, I felt bad for the man. Wish I saw these posts before I went, however then I maynot have had those wonderful beers !!!

Sam Cohen said...

HORRIBLE Seminar. I can't believe that they used a business seminar to try to proselytize folks.

Sales pitches were very transparent and rediculous. For example, Phil Towne pitches his stock trading program. He shows his big house. He shows his beautiful wife. He shows trades that made a lot of money, although these might not be make by Investools folks. What he doesn't show are the losses garnered by folks.Also, the idiots buying this program never think that maybe if this program was so good, why is INvestools trying to sell it at seminars? Why not sell it to the big wall street firms for billions and earn enough interest to more than pay for the seminars with no risk and no work. In case you can't guess the answer: it really doesn't work that well. There is a LOT of online sofware that works just as well and is MUCH cheaper. Obviously, there are lots of commissions paid at these events ,which is why the price is so outrageous.

Moreover, I know someone who personally knows Phil, and he noted that Phil made most of his money selling the junk software and NOT trading.

Even worse, when you get to their training, during the second day,which is after the refund period, they hard sell you on an upgrade in order to get the real benefit from the stock trading program. This upsale is almost $25,000! This is in addition to the $3,000 initial investment.

Bottom line: They use big names to get the suckers in the room and then emotionally hard sell them on expensive, crappy products. BEWARE. You have been warned

Sam Cohen said...

I just wanted to clarify my previous post. It was based on my opinion and not necessarily on facts.You can research Investools for yourself

Amy said...

Just attend Springfield seminar. First of, this I not a business seminar. It is a mixture of a republican convention, church and sales pitches designed to rip you off.

Getting motivated for me does not mean believing I live in a country that is better than everyone else. Where does this Armageddon idea come from? Also, a business seminar is not appropriate place for either politics or religion. Completely inappropriate and would never waste my day again.

John said...

Just saw this in Jacksonville, FL. I am a moderate independent, and a Christian so I was not offended. However, I can see how many would be. It did seem very preachy and right-wing oriented.
Also I did not see much of a value for business people at all. Maybe sales people could learn some techniques on playing to people's emotions.

I really like Rudy Giuliani and Colin Powell so it was worth the price of free. I could not believe all of the sales pitches, but I now saw why my ticket was free. Bottom Line if you are not a right wing Christian Conservative you may not like this very much. If you are manipulated by high pressure sales don't bring your credit cards.

John said...

I almost forget... I would go again. Some very good speakers in person, free, and a day off work. Those are a great combination. Just don't be taken in!

zack said...

I just attended the Orlando Seminar. Enjoyable and entertaining speakers. Got suckered into the investools- knew it from the moment that I was signing up, felt embarrassed with the "sucker bag" for the rest of the day. Not offended by the Jesus talk- its America and was founded on Christian principals and Christianity.
I would go again because it was a unique experience with excellent big name speakers.

Mugzi said...

This should have been called "Get Motivated Republicans". I was offended...are Christians only Republican????

Irish said...

Not being offended by Jesus talk is easy when you are in the majority. But this program is not about Jesus--it's about money. The giant halls are mega-churches designed to separate seekers of "motivation" and exposure to famous people from their money, in a manipulative process carefully designed to the last detail: music, cheers, flashlights pointing to credit card stations, promises of fortunes, rituals of crowd self-praise, expressions of patriotism and jingoism, etc. The Jesus talk was just another prop.

Now imagine the real Jesus of Nazarath attending one of these events incognito. He who taught that "The meek shall inherit the earth." And "How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" How would He react?

Regardless of your religious persuasion, these events are monuments to Mammon, not Jesus.

George said...

Attended the Orlando seminar in November. Some of the speakers were good but a few either had a bad connection with the microphone or they were not tuned in right. Difficult to hear what they said. Mr. Ziegler is a good man, with a good reputation, but I think that his family is using him to the point that it may be a remake of "Weekend with Bernie" movie soon. Overall I saw the gig as a live "infomercial" with overtones of a tv evangilistic entertainment enterprise .
Lunch was limited to a 54 minute break and I stood in line for an hour and a half in the concession stand line and missed most of General Powel's speach. The last part of the General's speach showed that he was obviously pushing his left wing agenda by expressing his support of the global economy, how great Europe is and we all need to be globalists, rhetoric.
I do not recommend waisting your time on this gig.

Tether said...

Tamara Lowe, Ceo of Get Motivated Seminars, presents herself in her book,on TV and to the audiences of Get Motivated Seminars as coming from "rags to riches" She also states that she was a school drop out and was a drug pusher on the streets. She was into drugs as a young teen like many teens do, but came out of drugs at an early age.
She was never in "rags" as she grew up in a very nice home in New Orleans with her mother and father. She DID dropped out of school only to CONTINUE on in a "magnet" school for writing and then went on to graduate from Bible college, before meeting her husband, Peter Lowe, whom she met while in Bible college. Peter Lowe was putting the seminar business together when Tamara first met her husband.
Tamara was NOT in rags when she was with her husband, as he provided a very comfortable life beginning with a very lavish wedding and a honeymoon to Africa and then beautiful homes and traves from day one of their marriage. She did not come from rags in her childhood or her marriage. She doesn't even know what a "rag" looks like and I say shame on her for deceiving the public into a presenting a false image of herself by giving this LOOK AT ME AND LOOK WHAT I HAVE DONE imgage, of coming from rags to riches and being a school dropout and building this business up. What a FARCE! She is outright deceiving the public!!!

Mark said...

After reading the posts I have decided to attend to hear the main speakers and take my Bathroom Breaks during the "infomercial" portion. Do they really have the all speakers that they advertize?

Irish said...

Mark, the answer is No. Although they show a dozen or so celebrities in their ads, only 2-4 actually speak. The other speakers are con men, fillers, or entertainers. In my town, they didn't even tell you who was speaking and who was not beforehand.

Not Irish said...

Irish,

You've replied so many times. You need to get on with your life!

Irish said...

Not Irish,

You gave me a chuckle: how would you know my reply frequency if you didn't monitor this conversation yourself?

All along, I didn't think that the "Get Motivated" sponsors cared what these reviews said. Now I suspect that they are monitoring them after all.

tamie said...

I get so tired of non christians putting down christians when they profess there faith. If it wasn't for there faith there would be no freedom of religion in america. Look at most counteries who profess there religion there is no freedom. People in the past and still do come here for freedom of religion and then when they get here the religion Christians that came to this country to have freedom of religion are told to stop expressing there faith. Even people who expressed hatered for America is given the right of freedom of religion. Well lets see what this country will be like soon when you finally get your way and the Christians are all made to stop expressing there faith which by the way is about freedom of religion. Because of this faith women and other races have gain a sense of freedom like not other other country. Yes has with all religions there is the good and the bad but over all. And the Jewish faith, the Christians have reached out to them granted some Christians have not. But lets be honest here. We call our Christmas Tree a Holiday Tree at the white house and Say happy holidays to include others. What religious Holiday do you include the Christians in. And Gandhi well if your going to quote him you need to look into his life and then see if you aspire to be him. And how is his fellow country men treating there women,

tamie said...

obviously this is a Christian Hating, Repulican Hating site but like Zig said its good to see what the other side is thinking. Talk about brain washing and close minds you all take the cake.

neva said...

my credit card was charged three months after attending the free seminar for 99.OO working on getting a refund

Al B said...

I'm pretty sure that Schuler guy got a nice kickback for attending.

I'm sure he's not worried...

Al B said...

You can say "do unto others" and all this other junk, but the Man himself never professed a love for the greedy like most in the crowd are.

Fletch said...

Odd how so many see the glass as half empty. I see the Get Motivated Seminar as a SUPER CHEAP way to hear/see multiple VERY HIGH QUALITY speakers LIVE with speaking fees in the $20,000-$50,000 range. Thanks to everyone who buys for subsidizing my cheapo ticket!

john said...

Tamie,

"And Gandhi well if your going to quote him you need to look into his life and then see if you aspire to be him. And how is his fellow country men treating there women" Ignorant statements like this is exaclty why other foreign countriest can't stand America. I guess you think India is an Islamic country in the Middle East??? Only 10% to 15% of India is Islamic and it isn't in the Middle East. Women rights in India mirror those of the U.S. As in the U.S. women have been allowed to vote since after the first world war when the UK began allowing women to vote as India was a part of the U.K. until 1947. Women activist began in India in the mid 1800's. They have been been in politics since the 1920's. Why do so many people actually believe America is the leader in women & racial freedom. We did not start giving women rights any sooner than other "Western World" countries & we were one of the last to abolition slavery.

John said...

Jesus said it best: Matthew 6
4)That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

5)And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6)But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7)But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8)Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

So, based on the teachings of Jesus, they should keep it private
-Of course most followers understand that the words in their Bible are only stories that were written into book form about thousands of years after the death of the people they were writing about, by people who did not even know them & most who did not even live in the area or know the customs of their time. So, based on that, those making a profit on religion feel they have the right to pull the words from the Old Testament, the New Testament & combine them with pop culture to "Spread" Hope, Fear, Faith and the way for them to earn a living by "The Word". So, like fertilizing the lands, remember to keep "spreading" it!

Kimbeaux said...

Isn't all the proceeds from this book going to children's charities...

Kimbeaux said...

If I use the "plan" from this book, will I accomplish any goal or overcome any obstacle in my life that makes ME a happier? If I can then I'll try it...even if the author was "UNKNOWN". I'm just down here looking for answers to "happy" so if any of you can help me with that, I will be here waiting with an open mind to hear you. I don't need to know who you are or where you came from, just tell me HOW you got so HAPPY and I will consider trying that. If you are so mentally damaged that you can NOT inspire me toward my "happiness", then PLEASE take a seat and hush until you can make this world a better place. I need HELP and INSPIRATION, NOT YOUR PERSONAL BITTER CONFLICT of how to go about reaching the SAME GOAL! Write a book yourself, on DISTRACTIONS and how to avoid them....oh wait, I'M BEING DISTRACTED RIGHT NOW BY YOUR COURT SESSIONS WHEN ALL I REALLY CAME HERE FOR IS A CLUE TO "HAPPINESS". I just checked MYSELF! haa!! Bye Bye now and God Bless You!

susan said...

I am a Christian and practice my faith. I am completely in agreement with "Irish" above. So many of theChristian's speaking boldly are also speaking arrogantly. Arrogance is not Christ-like. Christ loved all people regardless. Our country was built on the beleif of "God" and by men (and women) who were sinners. The history books including our bible are full of great men and women who have done great things but have also committed great sins along the way. I believe that if Christians would act more Christ-like they would not have to stand on mountaintops (or podiums) to declare their faith...most who have to tell you how good and righteous they are ....have much farther to fall when they sin. The Christ I beleive in leads by example....this does not take a loud voice...just love, kindness and patience. That's my 2 cents.

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Instant Credit Repair said...

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An embarassed college instructor said...

Unfortunately, I made an enormous error in judgement by going to this seminar. The only speakers that talked about the topics advertised were Colin Powell, Kurt Warner, and Rudy Giuliani. They were worth my $5 price of admission...if I hadn't had to sit through the rest in order to see them. I basically was subjected to right-wing rhetoric and a bunch of unadvertised oily sales pitches that left a bad taste in my mouth. I also was treated to an ideaology that being Christian and being patriotic mean the same thing and if you are a woman, your top priority is to get married and support a man in his career first. The speaker lineup should have been a clue, but I was assurred that the speeches were motivational only and not political in nature at all. Laura Bush is an intelligent and accomplished woman in her own right. But she came across as a 50's housewife that was sweet as can be, but didn't have a brain or independent thought in her head. Forbes was full of extremist political views. Zig Zigler was heartbreaking. His family and the Lowes should be ashamed of parading a man who was extraordinary but now is clearly in no shape mentally or physically to be speaking anymore. Phil Towne counted on fast speech and ignorance to promote his agenda. James Smith was just an insulting and crude boor. Do not go to this if you value individuality or diversity.

"Get Motivated" - anyone going? said...

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its me said...

This whole thing is about the rich keep getting rich off of dummies like us that come on and pay $99.00.......$49.00.....these amounts are small but X's them by at least 5000, then add the one's who go to the training to get tricked into spending an additional 25000.00........hmmmmmmm

its me said...

YEA RIGHT!!!!!

its me said...

It was funny to sit in this 3 day JAMES SMITH "TRAINING" to watch these
"millionares' .
.Ryan Smith...David Gilmore..Mr Osmand..putting out these sales pitches....yea these Big time millionares care so much about you that they come in and teach you how to WHAT???? give T.H.E.M Y.O.U.R. M.O.N.E.Y. help them get richer while you prepare your bed in the homless shelter. WAKE UP PEOPLE!! DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY!!

deeann said...

This seminar is a huge Ripoff. What do they really care if you are "motivated" or not? LOL Yeah..they are all motivated alright...right into their pockets.$$ What ever you love the most is what you talk and preach about the most...and with the Lowes...it is all about money, weath, famous...their God.

Barry said...

Tamie, I just today went to the latest Get Motivated seminar. I am Jewish and though I have no problems with Christians, or any other religion professing their faith......HOWEVER...... this is billed as a BUSINESS SEMINAR..... I repeat a BUSINESS Seminar, not a Christian business seminar. How to get he most out of your business, is all well and good, but leave religion out of the equation. There are plenty of non-Christians who successfully run their own business... I do not need to hear G-D Almighty, and faith and "HE" did this for me, and "HE" did that for me..... This was my second and this is the last Get Motivated Seminar I will attend because it is so slanted towards religion and the Christian right. It was getting more and more uncomfortable as the day progressed and I left early. Enough was enough.

David Satisfied said...

I went to the Get Motivated Seminar in Fort Lauderdale. I had a great seat, it started on time, every scheduled speaker spoke live and in person.

I think we are intelligent enough to decide if we want or don't want to attend a seminar that is offered.

In what other venue can you hear Colin Powell, Rudy Giuliani, John Walsh, Dan Marino, Dwayne Wade, and others speak in person for $4.95?

As for Zig Ziglar, I saw it as perhaps the last time to say goodbye to a living legend.

Ken Stephens said...

Thats why we have refered to this as a free country, at least until now. If you don't want to go, Don't. I will assure you that not a single person will miss you.

Ken Stephens said...

I'm sold after reading your responce. I'll be at the event in New Orleans.

Connie said...

I just attend the Get Motivated event in Boise Idaho. Alot of the concerns that I had going into it were confirmed. I specifically did not investigate the event before hand, as I wanted to let my instincts lead the way. Only afterwards did I google Get Motivated to either confirm or dispell my own thoughts. I agree with those that say it is a scam. But also think that there is some sort of "subversive" under tone in regards to the whole right-wing christian beliefs that were prevelent through out the event. It's just something that I can't seem to put my finger on...just a feeling of something just not right. It's true the event was "free" more or less. And that part of the "deal" is to get you to buy or sign up for something. But my question is....who is funding or fronting these events. It's expensive to rent a arena of the size required (in Boise there were 10,000 people who showed up, approx. And who pays the speakers? Where is the money coming from? That is what I want to know? Does anyone have a clue as to where the funding is coming from to suppoort these events?

miya said...

you've made good effort if you have got motivated to try Phil Town’s day trading seminar since my 401K has been taking a royal beating. good effort thank you so much.

Annoyed said...

Sean- I am also Catholic, And while I don't think the way to share our belief is to go around "shoving it in people's faces" as you stated, I would say that you are not as confident in your faith as you profess. You said that you strongly respect the faith of others. To be a Christian and especially Catholic, we respect others but not other faiths. As our FIRST Commandment states "I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me". Its this exact hypocrity that gives our religion its "arrogance" as others above said. This waivering between what is "right" and what is "politically correct" is the cancer breeding disfunction in our society today. May I remind you that this county is Founded on Christian values, and our currency states IN GOD WE TRUST. So I'm sorry my Catholic friend that you are more concerned with others feelings than you are about being true to whats in your own heart.

Giddy said...

I found the post below about James Smith of James Smith Company and Kari Michaelsen the emcee of Get Motivated.
It is a shame that Tamara Lowe is running a show with these scandals.

There should be a boycott of this seminar by all the respected speakers.

James Smith just sells his classes and is definitely not a speaker.

Kari Michaelsen is only an announcer.

But to have them anywhere on the show is an insult to Colin powel, Rudy Guiliani, Krish dhanam, Sara Palin etc.

Obviously there are no morals at Get Motivated!!

READ THESE POSTS!!


2 days ago by giggly

This is crazy.

James Smith was a speaker at the Luxury Homes seminar in Vancouver on April 23 2010 and Kari Michaelsen flew in with him and stayed with him.

I found the below post on another website.

Debbie C said

March 18, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Fort Lauderdale
My boyfreiend and I attended the seminar in Fort Lauderdale. We found it real cool with Collin Powell ans Tamara Lowe. I really liked Tamara. She was very motivating telling us about her own hard growing up. I found inspiration in that as I am also from a family that went through hard times.

Kari Mikelson stayed at the hotel in Weston that my boyfriend works the late night shift at for 2 nights. She announces at the seminar.But we did not see her at the seminar when we went.

We were so excited!
My boyfriend said that the real speakers would come and stay there too.He said that the names were not on the list for security reasons maybe. I really wanted to talk to Tamara after I heard her that day.
Nobody came and stayed.

Only the tall real estate guy James Smith came both the nights but did not actually check in at the hotel.
Later we found out that the others stayed at the fancy resort hotel a couple of miles away.
I was SO disapointed!!!
The speakers should realy let people meet them and talk to them. Specialy Tamara Lowe.

Eduard said...

Eduard FROM 2 POSTs ABOVE!!!!!



With reference to James Smith and Kari Michaelsen's traveling together and Atlanta Airport.

NOTE: The date on the above post is yesterdays. This post was written on April 17 2010.

There might be confusion about the date as the POSTING date was May 5.

To add to the provided information about James Smith and Kari Michaelsen:

Delta staff told me that they were at the airport Delta terminal traveling together 4 times between March 23 and March 30 2010.

Ken Hartley said...

Anne, you've listed a lot of things as "facts." What proof do you have of James having a "mistress"? Did you observe this personally? How do you KNOW or are you assuming? That's quite an accusation that puts you in a position of liable. If you're going to be so dogmatic about your Christianity, you might look up some scriptures on gossiping, too.

Sherry Jones said...

I must reply to Ms Butterfly and her assertion that this is America, a country that believes in God, so it is perfectly acceptable to make others uncomfortable...such a typical Christian mentality! Ms. Butterfly: there are approx. 40-million, yes million, nonbelievers in this country, and only 10 percent of the population, of this country, go to church on a weekly basis. You are not in the majority so please shake up your tunnel-vision and look at reality and maybe, just maybe, become a little more sensitive.

CindyS said...

James Smith and James Smith Company are nothing but liars. They take people's hard earned money with false promises and LIES.

PROOF of there lies is on their OWN website. Jamessmithcompany.com has testimonials that are LIES. T testimonial should be all TRUTH. They mislead people. Do not give him your money. He lies.

A testimonial on the website is by Kari Waldock saying she and her husband learn from James Smith. She says that her husband and James Smith are like long lost brothers who bonded immediately.

LIES LIES LIES!!

Her name is Kari Michaelsen. Her EX husband is David Waldock who divorced her soon after he married her in 2002 when Kari was almost 42 years old and they had a son Nickolas.

Ask David Waldock or check public records to find out the truth. She is divorced and has said in the testimonial on April 12, 2010 that she is married and her name is Kari Waldock.

ALL LIES!!!

Kari Michaelsen has been in NO legal relationship other than a few years of being married to David and he divorced her too.

Kari Michaelsen worked for James Smith Company
Kari Michaelsen works for Get Motivated Seminars Tampa Florida and
Kari Michaelsen now works for Gregg Amerman ofPure EdgeUtainment
1005 Alderman Drive Suite 203. Alpharetta, GA 3000

Kari Michaelsen is MC of Get Motivated and that shows the Peter and Tamara LOwe couple do not care about morals!!!

Kari Michaelsen will be a speaker for Gregg Amerman and teach WHAT???

How to have lots of broken relationships or never keep one or giving her son Nickolas a broken home or breaking James Smith's marriage of 30+ years and making his family hurt????

Any other lesson from a person who lies without any shame about being married when she is divorced.

BEWARE!! The testimonial video on the Jamessmithcompany.com website will be removed right NOW. This is how they hide and cheat and take people's money!!

Ken Hartley said...

Again, you're making accusations as facts and you have none. Kari and David were not divorced in 2002. I know. I was at an event with them TOGETHER in 2009. I know them. They're married. You're wrong. Get your facts straight.

MarkS said...

Distressed Friend

I am writing this because I feel that it is very unfair to Kari Michaelsen to be made to look bad. Kari and James Smith have a very special friendship.

Kari and James respect each other and care about each other very much. It is not right to make Kari look bad. She is a sweet spirited woman and is very caring and kind. She loves her son a lot.
She does everything she can to give him a good family life. Kari has not even let her divorce affect his growth.

Kari goes out of her way to fall in with James's plans and follows his itinerary even when it is very difficult to match flights and makes longer journeys all the time just for him. Multiple times she has made last minute changes or plans and never complains to him.

Even when James Smith came for the classes to LA in March Kari was very flexible. She picked him up at the airport on March 6 night and went with him to his hotel. On March 7 she moved in with her bags and took the early flight to El Paso next morning. James joined her there fr the Get Motivated. On March 9 she left El Paso by an early flight but they met in Phoenix and flew back here together and he stayed in his hotel. She came home on March 11 morning and then went back that night to the hotel. James left on March 12.

All of these took a lot of trouble on her part to organize and plan. Kari is always trying her best to make things easy for James since he is always traveling for shows or classes. She neds appreciation and not accusing.

Kari has always put James's family before her own. She stayed on in Jacksonville for the eve and morning of her birthday and left only on November 4 noon when James left to drive to Orlando. She did this because James wanted to spend time with her.

Kari did not complain when James's son Justin went to Denver for the Get Motivated seminar on October 13 in 2009. Justin shared James's room and that meant no privacy for James and Kari as James did not visit her room as usual. Kari had to fly with James to Springfield the next day and she did that so that they could get their time together.

Kari was great when James asked her to stay on in Orlando after the Get Motivated seminar on November 10 2010. She waited till early morning for James to spend time with her because he was with his son Brynson for the evening.

On March 11 this year (2010) James took his son Ryan out for dinner to celebrate Ryan's birthday and Kari had to wait till about midnight before she could go to James's hotel.

Never has Kari complained and she always tries to spend an extra day at the Get Motivated locations to suit James Smith.

Please appreciate her loving and giving nature and stop making her look bad. That is all I as for.

Anna said...

This "motivational" conference demotivated me to the point of never wanting to visit anything like this again. Don't get me wrong; some of the speakers, especially Rudy Giuliani, were very inspiring, and, had the remainder of the day been in kind, I would have walked away happy and content. But then, I listened to Tamara Lowe, and was genuinely appalled. Let me assure you that I have no problem with people being outspoken about their religion, but certainly NOT at a business event! Granted, I could have walked out, but why should I have to consider that at a conference like this?

I am Roman Catholic by upbringing, but have found my Christian church leaders (much like those in other religions), to be arrogant, intolerant and condescending towards other beliefs. Not so strange, as in my personal opinion, most organized religion excludes those who are not of the same faith. Why do we do that to each other? Why would my beliefs be purer or truer than someone else's? I have a feeling we are all praying to the same deity, albeit we perhaps call it by a different name! The bible, like any holy book, can be interpreted to the likes of the reader, and sometimes even rewritten to be more to our liking! We seem to forget that this book was an oral delivery before it ever got written down, and entire passages have been altered or even completely thrown out because they did not sit well with the church rulers of the time. And then to think we all seem to believe that WE are the only ones living according to the Lord's own words!

As far as my history knowledge goes, the "one nation under God" part was not officially added to our Pledge of Allegiance until 1954. The original said: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" (should that not include religious liberty and justice as well?), and the "in God we trust" motto was not added on to our money until 1957! Don't forget that our great nation was forged by immigrants from all over the world, with different religious viewpoints (not even mentioning the fact that the native population had it's own beautiful beliefs!).

Personally, I think it is never wise to combine politics with religion; we've been fighting wars over religious issues for centuries, and it seems we will never learn. My atheist friend often says: "Would it not be funny to find out one day that there was no God after all, that we made it all up so we could be right and righteous, so we could steal and oppress and kill in his name and all be simply absolved in the end?" I don't know if that would be funny at all actually, but have hopefully lived my life not by what some church dictates to be the one and only truth, but by remembering that we are all in the same boat, we all bleed when we're cut, and we may need one another badly before it's all said and done. Respect breads respect, love inspires love, hatred only cultivates more hatred. The pest of the human race is intolerance, ignorance, and indifference. Yelling dumb catch phrases and preaching your own sermon at a business convention are not so very helpful in that regard!

Janice Harvey said...

I attended the seminar in Knoxville yesterday and was appalled by the blatant pandering to the religious and political right. It was shameless. I did not get motivated - I got disgusted. I called the DNC and made a donation as soon as I got home.

Deeann said...

This message is to Ken Hartley. I wasn't aware that "pastors" idolized football, especially when many games are played on Sunday, the day of Christian worship.

Ken Hartley said...

I have no clue what you're talking about, Deeann. I don't idolize football. There is nothing in my posts to indicate that.

AJ said...

Amen!

C W said...

I am so glad I found these postings. They just saved me a lot of time and money! I was under the impression that this was a business motivational seminar, not a Christian rally. I've heard all that before and am not interested. Thanks especially to Anna for her insightful comments.

DeeDee said...

Agree. I was totally offended with the whole "Christian" angle coupled with $$. Reminded me of Amway. I agree with Ghandi. In my opinion Christ rocks, the Religious Right looking for a quick buck? rockheads.

Jason said...

well said sir.

Jason said...

More or less agree with most folks who posted comments. Just came from one of these in Raleigh, NC... being a pretty skeptic-rational minded person from NJ I noticed the real 'motivation' right away. Look, its all EXPECTATIONS, that's it. If you want to discuss religion, fine with me, but just not at a 'business seminar.' Get your religious fix at church. If you want to discuss politics, there are proper outlets for that. And if you want to buy 'magical' financial products, there are infomercials for that too. All these things have a proper place SOMEWHERE ELSE.

I was just overall unpleasantly surprised by the content (and lack there of) regarding this conservative, right-leaning 'seminar' (I love the quotes lol), lot of fluffing of own egos, selling and preaching.

And if your into that sort of thing (to which I am not) you might as well attend a full fledged tea party rally, at least no one is trying to up-sell you there lol.

Jason said...

I concur fully. Appalling and pandering, I'm surprised I didn't see tea bags and people dressed like up a Washington and Jefferson like at those rallys! lol

Ann said...

In the 1930s a lot of people used to love to hear Hitler and Mussolini.

I suppose people back then thought these speakers were motivational and inspiring, also.

If you think this is stretching associations, consider Colin Powell lying before Security Council of the U.N. about Iraq on the 5th of February, 2003. (I'll say nothing about how Phelps avoided getting busted for marijuana charges, because of his celebrity status.)

About invoking God, Nazis did the same with no problem, as did the slave-owners in the U.S. historical South. God and the Christian bible can be used everywhere, by whomever for whatever.

I personally get more motivated thinking about how I can help others, not myself.

I recommend reading Michael Moore's letter on Labor Day (2010). For me, that's is quite current, inspiring, motivational, educational and it's free!

jack straus said...

I have been to two of these because i was told to by different employers. The first time the Christian part was billed as a special message that one could leave. That changed by the 2nd one i attended that changed. But both were nothing but sales presentations for u to buy something

Cheng said...

Blimey Jack, the seminars you attended can't have been very motivating. Lantana's post is 18 months old.

Cheng said...

Christians eh? Gotta love 'em!

GoodGrief said...

This glory-hallelujah bandwagon is rolling back into Dallas (with satellite broadcast to Ft. Worth) on October 19, 2010. It's all well and good for those who want to play hookey for the day.. but these things are a real BITCH for those us who actually have legitimate business to attend to in and around these venues.

I wish someone would do a scientific cost study of these things to see if they're a net gain or drain on society. I'll wager my Aunt Fannie's dowery it's the latter. Ultimately, they're huge money makers for thre promotors, speakers, flim-flammers and bamboozlers at the direct expense of the attendees.

IMO, people can indulge in this sort of rah-rah crapola on their own time and in their tax-free clubhouses (i.e. places of worship/ delusion).

Cheng said...

Hold on...results of latest scientific cost study just coming through.
Yep! Aunt Fannie's dowry just got a little bit bigger. Congratulations Goodgrief. Pity the odds were so low!

not surprised said...

Just stop!! don't be upset at Christians because as a human you are easily tricked into doing something you would not normally do. Anyone who believes that well accomplished speakers will offer advice for $4.95 per person without an infomercial twist deserves to be mislead. If you really want to send a message to these legalized extortionist then simply DO NOT BUY anything. Do the math if they get thousands of people to buy their hypnotic messages they will create their own wealth ten fold. How do you stop it, you ask? DO NOT BUY ANYTHING!!!! watch how quickly these seminars come to a halt. Have you ever attended a time share tour (same approach).
Leave the Christians alone they found a tool to reach out to millions of people and make money doing it.
I can't wait to hear some poor jerk petitioning to the Supreme Court about how they lost everything because they were hypnotized

Deb Mac said...

I had to get up at 4:30 AM for this stupid thing in Atlanta yesterday! And sit in a hard, plastic stadium chair for 8 hours. Got dragged in by my boss. They hurled Jesus and the flag at us all day too. Almost seeming to insinuate that if you're patriot and love the Lord, YOU WILL BUY OUR STUFF!

Honestly, does the Ziglar family have no shame? Dragging poor old demented Zig out there and making him parrot the same lines over and over again until we were all just embarrassed to be watching it?

Smitty said...

I attended the same "seminar" in Atlanta, although I use that term loosely. I expected a sales pitch - just not "buy this or you will go to hell," which is what it felt like to me. I certainly did not expect to be almost commanded to become a born-again Christian! Highly offensive. I felt horribly embarrassed for Mr. Ziglar, too. Although I enjoyed a couple of the speakers, I will do all I can to get the word out to people about exactly what this snake-oil sales scam is. I have already filed a complaint with the BBB demanding a full refund for this disaster.

Smitty said...

Thank you, Barry, for stating this so well. A business seminar should be about business. I attended earlier this week - and regret it deeply. The event (I refuse to call it a seminar) I attended did NOT and I repeat NOT indicate that the gospel would be presented and that attendees would be expected to recite a prayer accepting Jesus as their savior. I was angry beyond belief, but too invested in the day to walk out. Perhaps I should have. Regardless, the event should have been billed as a Christian Business Seminar. I've already filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau about this train-wreck of a seminar. Long story short, I agree with you wholeheartedly and commend you for speaking the truth of the matter aloud.

Smitty said...

Bravo! Well said. In reality, most of the founding fathers were actually deists, as opposed to Christians. I wish people would research before making the assertion that America is a Christian nation. America is a nation of religious freedom and diversity - unless viewed through the tunnel-vision (as you so eloquently phrased it) of a Christian.

Ken said...

Then you simply weren't listening. They said it right before the session began. You act as if somebody quoting Christian beliefs is damaging. I thought you liberals were supposed to be inclusive and open minded??

And as to Jefferson's "Deism", I'll let him answer in his own words in his letter to Benjamin Rush on April 21, 1803:

"I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus."

Disagree with Mr. Jefferson.

George Vieth said...

I was at your site and did not want to disturb you. I would like to talk about doing some business. PLease give me a call

Carol Dillon said...

Exactly... what Jefferson was saying was that the DOCTRINES that Jesus professed were fine... they had nothing to do with religion per se or whether he was the son of God. I'd like to see the pseudo-Christians today actually live by His doctrines... then perhaps those of us that don't buy into all the "Blessed Be" garbage would wouldn't be so nauseated. Nothing flags a scam to me quite as fast as a business person leading with or advertising that they are a Christian business. LIVE your principles, don't wear them like they are a uniform.

Irish said...

Ken, I am embarrassed for you. I looked up the letter you referred to and it does not say what you "quote" at all!

Here is what Jefferson actually said in that letter: "I am a Christian, in the only sense in which he wished anyone to be: sincerely attached to his doctrines in preference to all others, ascribing to himself every human excellence, and believing he never claimed any other."

I think that the REAL Jefferson would fully agree with Carol's point.

Ken said...

If Jefferson is "sincerely attached to the doctrines of Jesus (who else is he referring to??" then that makes him a Deist??? Whatever. Believe what you will. You took that sentence out of context, Irish. What he said in the prior sentence was: "They are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from that anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions." In other words, I am not anti-Christian, as so many people today are.

It is those revisionist, biased, beliefs that is turning our country into the moral and financial wasteland it is. It is so funny to listen to you liberals whine about tolerance and then show such anti-Christian bigotry. (i.e. "Don't pray in public to Jesus. Buddha, Mohammed are ok, but not Jesus) And yet, the Christians are the "hypocrites." Again, believe what you will. I have a degree in history. My knowledge isn't based on what I googled on the internet.

You did what was best, Irish: walk out. That's your right. Now do what's best for everybody else: Let this go. You don't know what you're talking about.

Joe Joe said...

Who cares what James Smith does in his personal life? The question is, does his training work? Personally I don't know, but I don't see how his personal business should be dragged into discussions about his business activities.
BTW, I'm not a supporter of James Smith, nor a detractor, just not understanding the connection. I've known many guys who were great business men but didn't have such a great personal life. Everybody can't be successful in every aspect of their life and I think a persons personal life should be that, personal.

Heather said...

It is important that people are honest. If a person is not successful/practicing integrity in their personal life, they should not be giving advice about anything other than their area of success, until they are on the right path in their personal life and can be honest about it. James Smith sells himself not only as a successful business man but as a successful husband and father, so it IS important what he does in his personal life. The fact that his son works with him is a positive for him, and I think if his wife was by his side in public, that would also be a plus for him because of the message he is proclaiming.

tty said...

I agree...I went to the one in St. louis...Was very good...although Colin Powell came across as a bragger and a self esteem problem. To try to take credit for removal of the Berlin Wall "iron Curtain" is really stretching his worth...Lou Holtz was great...Kurt Warner and Gulliani were great, and good to see Laura Bush. For those that attended other seminars in Atlanta, it's unfortunate. The St. Louis seminar was good and just mentioned the goodness of Jesus and pointed out the advantages in following him...if people don't want to attend and buy things they should not blame others for their weadnesses...