8 Figure Coaching, Inc.

Business Consumer Alliance (“BCA”) urges individuals to use caution when considering investment and business opportunity seminars. Typically these seminars promise high earnings or easy money with little work. However many of these offers don’t yield the proclaimed results and individuals are often left with nothing but empty promises and lighter wallets.

~ Here is the pitch: You are often solicited by email mail online advertisements or a commercial promoting a seminar that promises to help you make a lot of money some even claim millions of dollars can be made. They claim the seminars will provide you with valuable information on how to invest successfully or operate a profitable business. The energetic atmosphere is set up to make attendants feel like anyone can make money using their program. They often have “success stories” and testimonials from individuals that state obtained gained wealth by following the program featured.  Even the promoters may claim to have gotten rich using their own programs.

~ Promotional materials and sales pitches often make over-the-top claims such as “Earn millions fast regardless of your experience or training.” Or they may say that the deal is a "sure thing" that will deliver security for years to come. To sweeten the pot they stress you can make big money only working part-time or out of the comfort of your home. Offers of extensive training and constant support are also made to entice attendants to buy into the programs.

~ Unfortunately many that choose to invest money into these opportunities find that the pay-off doesn’t match the promise and they don’t make the earnings claimed if they make any profit at all. Most find that it is almost impossible to recover their money.

~ BCA advises you to check out the business before you commit to anything. Oftentimes the promoters will claim you will lose out if you don’t make a purchase at the seminar. Don’t be fooled by high pressure sales tactics and sales pitches that insist that you “act now” before you have time to research the offer thoroughly.

~ If you’re considering a business opportunity ask for the one page disclosure document that sellers are required to give you. The Business Opportunity Rule provides other protections as well. If you’re thinking about buying a franchise the FTC offers tips to help you evaluate the opportunity before you spend any money.

~ While you investigate the business you’re considering talk to experienced business people and experts in the field before you invest any money. Ask for references that have used the programs and interview them. However it is wise to use some prudence when considering testimonials. Some organizers use paid “shills” to give glowing stories or pay celebrities to entice individuals to pay money for their programs. 

~ Ask questions and don’t buy from seminar representatives who are reluctant to answer your questions or who give very general answers. Legitimate business people are more than willing to give you specific information about the opportunity and their experience. Inquire about the amount of money you need to qualify for the investment or sales opportunity and ask about the company’s refund policy. Always get the information in writing. Be mindful that even if you have written confirmation of the company’s refund policy you may never recover the money you give to a dishonest seminar operation.