The amazing power of deadline, group pressure, embarrassing punishment (and a little power boating)
It’s the final day of the Elite MasterMind group meeting down here at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, FL. I’m up at 7:33 AM writing this post partially because of the reason I stated in the post. Let me explain and back up a little bit…
I’ve had both the Millionaire MasterMind group and then the Elite MasterMind group down here for their final meetings. And sandwiched in between was a day of Power Boating. We took these 1400hp offshore rockets out on the water and got to drive. Pretty cool. Here are a few quick videos that pretty much sum it up (including Perry Belcher on water safety)
(Note: there may be a few spots remaining for the MasterMind group and more details are here)
Okay back to the point at hand…
We are t-minus 37 minutes away from an 8 AM must-hit deadline yesterday’s Elite MasterMind group threw done at 3 members, Justin Tupper, Paul Evans and Chuck Batson.
What started out as bit of a joke has become a pretty powerful catalyst to create action. I was listening to Justin Tupper present on his new golf info product created by a top PGA instructor along with his son his one of the best professional golfers in the world (taught by his Dad). Justin was showing everyone his 98% completed site and I blurted out a very subtle, “Get this son-of-a-bitch out!”
He nodded his head but I didn’t stop there.
I told him he had an 8 AM deadline to change the headline to what we decided on, change the pricing and get it out there to Beta test. (Side note: If you’re a golfer this looks like an amazing golf instructional program to help your game and give you bragging rights over your buddies.) Justin came back with an excuse about the programming on this shopping cart not quite done and little bit of backpedaling.
Must-Hit Deadline
I told him if he really and truly set the 8 AM deadline he’d figure it out. We’ve had forms that got sent to us which contained customer info and we processed them manually. There is a way around everything is you got your back against the wall. And that’s just one of the things a must-hit deadlines forces you to do – it shatters your excuses. You get creative and get things done!
Group Pressure
Now the other big aspect of what happened was a public commitment to the group. In this case it was the MasterMind group who he was accountable to. There’s a big difference on commitment levels ranging from low to high based on how public something is. For instance a deadline inside your head usually won’t work at all (we think it does). A deadline written down for your own eyes only may or may not work. But a public deadline made to either an individuals or group that will have positive pressure on you – that’s almost a sure-lock to get it done!
And there’s one more component I gleefully added…
The embarrassing punishment
I told Justin that if he didn’t have his site ready by 8 AM and taking orders I got to go into the Hard Rock store and pick-up any outfit I wanted to make him wear. I was eyeing some really short hot pants and a skimpy girls tank top for him. This is where it gets good. There’s something about a truly embarrassing punishment that now takes the deadline, group pressure and really mixes it to a whole new level. The MasterMind group got a big laugh out of imagining Justin down at the Black Jack tables wearing his little girlie outfit!
Everyone enjoyed doling out the deadline and punishment so much so that we gave it to two of the next MasterMind presenters too that had been procrastinating on a few things. Chuck Batson on his Raw Food Diets site and Paul Evans from Nichelogy on his 2009 ‘Raw Results’ training. I’m really proud of Chuck acting on the group’s suggestion for a much better hook for his raw food diet site right away – the hook he had sitting under his nose was the story of how his Mom lost 36 lbs on the diet. We told him to make that the squeeze page and I’m happy to report it’s up this AM. (If you’re interested in losing weight and feeling more energetic you might want to try it. I’m thinking about it. Don’t worry you don’t have to eat veggies 24/7 – it can be as simple as one meal to make a difference.)
Based on the feedback and advice we gave both them they also had to get things out there by 8 AM or else face the wrath of the group and the enjoyment of wearing a cute ensemble from the Hard Rock.
Does this stuff work?
It’s 7:57 AM as I wrap up this post and the meeting starts at 9:30 AM so I’ll know my answer soon – but if I had to place a bet – I’d bet they all did it! Last night leaving the tables Justin’s site was not working right – but I got an email from Justin sent me an email at 4:54 AM this morning with the finished link to his site for a “Twitter” release.
Speaking of deadlines the stuff works on me too because I wanted to get this post out before my meeting started. I could have slept a few more hours (would have helped after playing Black Jack until 2 AM last night) but I had my own deadline. (And no, there was no outfit involved for not getting this blog post done) 
Actually I’ve got one more deadline-related item and that’s a marketing tip it’s somewhat transparent.
A simple, but very often overlooked, tip t is set a deadline for your offers and you’ll be surprised at the response. Easy formula to remember is no deadline and no offer = no sale. So taking my own advice (and letting in behind the curtain a bit) there is a looming must-hit deadline for you…and that’s January 15, 2009.
That’s the Early-Bird deadline for the Underground® Online Seminar 5 going on next month, Feb 20-22, 2009 in Washington, DC.
This is huge because you’ll save a full $1000.00 before the price increase but more importantly the biggest bonus of all will vanish if you miss this deadline. When you sign up before the early-bird deadline you’ll receive a special red VIP ticket and confidential password. You must have both in order to gain admittance into a private, closed-door dinner and Casino Royal night I’m holding on the first night of the Underground® 5 seminar.
It’s THE ideal time and place to cut JV deals, build relationships, and do high-level networking most people never have access to.
As you might remember this event is not bringing in the same usual “suspects”. I’ve managed to uncover a secretive group of real-people making real money online *NOT* selling “how to make money online” info. And because of the unique concept – it sells out every year!
But you don’t have to believe me it’s so good – listen to why some of my MasterMind members (who are 6 & 7 figure earners) continue attending each year:
And I also posted some videos from 2 of the featured “Rogue Agent” speakers giving you a little taste of what’s in store for you in DC.
Trust me – you need to be here at the Underground!
Okay there you have it – I think there are some real gems in here to get whatever you’ve been procrastinating on DONE! Stop analyzing and just set a deadline, get some positive pressure and maybe, just maybe, buy yourself a skimpy outfit from the Hard Rock!
I’ll leave with one more video -here’s me in the 3rd row of the Billy Joel concert at the Hard Rock Sunday night. My cousin, Sophia, works here and got us down there – pretty cool:
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January 9th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Yanik -
Great post. Thanks for sharing this with us. You’ve really done so amazing things lately by bringing the power of MBI to those of us who can’t attend just it.
Here is another example from your group and the great success you have had. There is absolutely power in setting a “must-hit deadline.” I felt the effects of it personally this past year when my newly formed mastermind group challenged me to fill and launch my membership site in 30 days. I had no content – lots of ideas – lots of direction – but I had been sitting on for a long time.
I hesitated when my mastermind threw this deadline down, but fortunately I stepped up to the plate. Not only did I make the deadline, but I beat it by 5 days.
Everything certainly is possible if you put your mind to it, have the right supports, and pressure in place to support you.
I love the FUN you added to the embarrassing punishment had Justin not reached the deadline. Keep blogging like this and I’ll be following closely.
Looking forward to the latest issue of MBI, and thanks for sharing!
Rory
http://www.ADHDFamilyOnline.com
January 9th, 2009 at 11:20 am
This is an interesting read on motivational factors, and how folks are pushed to their most competitive edges when placed in a group environment and with some major embarrassing forfeit. The fear of failure apparently is the greatest in such circumstances and provides the greatest impetus. Was reminded of earlier times when friends gathered to play games and we were most passionate to win when the forfeit’s the most undesirable.
Yup, timely reminder to bite the bullet, set some goals and not procastinate any longer!
January 9th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Yanik -
Looks like everyone had an awesome time. Relaxing sounds like the best way to Mastermind.
Best, Granny-Guru
January 9th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Deadlines are great motivators. I have scheduled workshops to create a deadline to prepare the material and product, and made other public commitments to motivate myself to get something done NOW.
Another thing that is helpful to me is having an accountability partner. Each day, we email each other a list of what we accomplished that day. Neither of us wants to say, “I didn’t get anything done today,” or that we only did a couple of inconsequential things, so we push to get more done. It works!
The emails make a great record of our accomplishments. Over time, the emails have also turned into a journal of not only my accomplishments, but my thoughts, plans, goals and commitments.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hi Yanik,
Great post!
I find the same is true with my clients — when they commit to getting something done in a group, that commitment pulls them forward and they’re more likely to achieve their goal quicker than if they simply wrote it on a list.
After all, it’s all about results!
Sandy
The Get It Done Guru
January 9th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Yanik – Since I was on the Steve Harrison call with you I have been checking out your stuff – and it all looks very good. I have a couple of web sites – the karinya one (above) and another http://www.healthcareinfosystems.com and http://www.e-medstick.com which I am going to use your materials for. You might check these out. The http://www.karinya.com site has to date over 24 million visitors and needs to be redesigned. The others I plan to redesign so they will all be more effeective. Would you have any comments?
Thanks, for your comments,
Best regards,
Larry
January 9th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Yanik,
You’ve always had great information and I love how free and open you live your lifestyle. Definitely an inspiration.
I’ll be at the Underground one day!
Donovan “DFitnessguy” Owens
January 9th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
This tis true. I practice telling my deadlines to other all the time. Not just staff either. You can kind of get them (staff) to understand if you switch it. I share it w/ people who hold me to it. I’m not at the punishment levels yet lol.
January 9th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Thanks for the tips — and I think you’re correct. When your back is up against the wall and you HAVE to do it, you do it. And, in the same manner as facing an embarassing moment, if you don’t want to let yourself (or someone else) down, you also get the work done.
January 9th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Pretty Killer content man. I have a quick question. I have built my MLM Business old school and have been watching and studying you and Mike Dillard for a few years now. I am not as web savvy as I would like to be but can follow step by step directions well. I would very much like to achieve the same success as you have obtained. With all the information flooding on the internet and all of the things you have published, where do I start from ground zero. Do you have a start up for dummies that can take me from ground zero to success with some hard work on my part? I am not afraid of work, just dont know what to buy and where to start. Help Please.
<p>Joshua Boxer
* Joshua, your best first step is Moonlighting on the Internet. Buy it on Amazon. It’s a great step-by-step book *
January 9th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Yanik,
This comes at a pretty timely place for me. I have been sulking around this IM thing for years now and am pretty excited about my current idea.
I bought the domain months ago. Uploaded WP last week but have nothing in place except for a few people saying it is a good idea.
I asked on of my friends to hold me accountable today after reading your post. I now have to have a business plan in place by the 15th of Jan (like that date don’t you).
Thanks,
Will
January 9th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hey Yanik,
A newsletter I get on fitness quoted yesterday Parkinson`s Law- A task will take whatever time you allot for it. Your mail today dovetails right into it. Thanks. lb
January 9th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Who wrote the HTML ? For this copy
January 9th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Yanik,
Such a great, simple and transformational concept!
How many “goals, needs, wants, etc..” do we have that we are THIS close to finishing?? In my life (now..of course..I LOVE my Mom) I have watched my incredibly talented artist Mom have sooo many projects up in the air and never finish most of them!?? It’s so frustrating to watch anyone with talent not truly realize their goals and see the final product. I believe part of that habit is a fear of criticism. Having your project always “in the works” means you haven’t put your stamp on it yet, and it can’t really be “judged”.
Being in the restaurant world, we’re judged minute by minute, and as my parents always taught me, if you mess up, or something is wrong, admit it, fix it, and move on! It has worked for me for some 23 years in my business.
Yanik, I’m always intrigued and happy to read your content, keep up the great work, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
January 9th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Yanik – whilst reading your blog I noticed your Wish List – inspiring. I shared your “Wish List” with my daughters. One of them, she is 15 has a wish list and after hearing some of your has added them to her list – thanks for the inspiration. I havent a Wish List and my daughter has told me to do one. I shall do it by 8.00am tomorrow.
** That’s awesome! I love hearing that. Now comes the part of making it happen and scheduling it. -Y.S. *
January 9th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
great post Yanik – my goal is to one day be with these level of people in a similiar high end mastermind group.
keep the good content coming
cheers,
Daniel Munday
January 10th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Yanik, great stuff!
I procrastinate too. But lately, I have been so busy providing Maytag Neptune owners help so I find I don’t get all of the honey do items completed. Did I mention I have a 40 hour a week job in the electronics manufacturing industry, too?
I started this side business with a simple repair kit and ebook three years ago to repair the control board when the door latch wax motor fails saving Neptune owners about $400. Now, I offer a replacement bearing and seal kit and I even started a tool rental program to help Neptune owners change their bearings and save about $900 (or more if they buy a new washer & dryer)… I discovered a new product to offer that is just phasing in as the repair kit is phasing out.
In the beginning, I figured the control board repair kit would fade out when all of the front loaders were upgraded with the new wax motors and I would have to start another niche company. But now the bearings are catching on.
In your business, if you really stop and think about other products and services you can offer it might scare you how much potential business you can add to your sales revenue.
Yanik, I have to give you credit as I absorb all of your emails I receive and the material from other Internet marketers I have purchased. Over time, it seems that my marketing awareness has dramatically changed and it is much easier to come up with new products and services to offer my customers.
If you are new to Internet Marketing… hang in there and keep learning!
** Jeff – that’s awesome. Way to find a specific niche and offer up some great solutions to that tight marketplace. Well done. -Y.S. *
January 10th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Great post, Yanik! Thanks for sharing with us! Keep touched! Elitsa
January 10th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Sounds amazing and I agree – I always need a tight deadline in order to get anything accomplished. I hope I can join you on a seminar.
Sheryl Matthys
January 11th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Great post…serious marketers get serious results…great advice, great insight.
Doug G
January 12th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Hi Yanik,
I enjoyed your blog immensely, especially the part on being held accountable and having to hit deadlines. As many of us know, life can always get in the way of all good intention, but usually when you hit your deadlines things become easier. Thanks for the blog
January 21st, 2009 at 9:07 am
Yanik,
Just letting you know that Twitter is branding you as a spammer with a twitter tweet dated 1-21-09. I know that’s not the case so I thought you might want to check it out.
Todd
* Thanks. I wonder if it’s one of my numerous impersonators we’ve been shutting down. My only Twitter id is http://www.twitter.com/yaniksilver *
March 10th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
When I approached Walt Laurel ( a student of Ken McArthur’s) back in August of 2008 to let him know bout or first, original website, he gave me a deadline.
The site is a blog-driven, charity-based site dedicated to the men & women of our Armed Forces. He was very interested in what I had to say.
So I was giving him excuses about this and that (since I am an idea man).
He looked me sternly in he eyes and let me know, by no uncertain terms, that he was very interested in our site. So interested in fact that he wanted to interview me for his blog talk radio program, but…
…only if I built the site within the month. Otherwise, i lost his interest.
Well, that’s all the motivation I needed. We had it built, and up and running in a few weeks. In fact, we increased it’s Alexa ranking nearly 16 million positions in it’s first three moths. And that’s with out optimizing the site for keyword, or without having an e-mail opt in list.
In closing, deadlines can be OK, but only sometimes.
Best,
-K
April 12th, 2009 at 5:50 am
I found this to be even more insightful the second time I read it to be a motivator to set some more definitive deadlines. Without a plan, it’s just not possible to progress.
Thanks Yanik!