Aren't marketers just glorified manipulators? 🤔

Seth Godin once said, "all Marketers are liars" and when you really think about it, marketers are also manipulators, too. I've always had this dilemma in my head because on one hand I don't want to manipulate people, but if I have a product or content that I know will help people, then shouldn't I do what I can to get people in front of it?
Manipulation is BAD...right? But can manipulation actually be used for good? Can you be authentic, and also use strategies and tactics that force a decision and get people to buy things?
We as humans do not like to feel like we are NOT in control, but every day we're met with things that we didn't even know were a part of some sort of manipulation strategy: a sale at a store, a title and thumbnail on KZbin that KZbin pushed into your homepage - all things created to try to get us to do something, even if we don't know exactly what's happening.
So in this video, at the end of a sale that expired at midnight, I share some thoughts to begin this discussion for you, to encourage you to do good with the power that is marketing, because it can definitely be used for bad, too.
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[@DanCurrier]

Manipulate: “handle or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly or unscrupulously.” … worded as a subset of this definition: “Influence cleverly” - We all know there is a fine line and intention is everything. If you influence someone into an action that helps them then no harm done. I think the slippery slope is when some marketers convince themselves everything they do, good or bad, can be justified in the name of helping. This title plays on the emotion that “manipulation” evokes and therefore influences viewers to watch something potentially helpful. Sometimes people need help getting out of their own way

[@amazingmrjesse3995]

I sold cars for 16 years. Negative manipulation was common around me. It was hard to distinguish between positive and negative manipulation. Now, since i have been an entrepreneur, i understand it much better. At the same time i have terrible imposter syndrome and i am constantly asking myself if i am being a scamer telling people and possibly charging people for my knowledge, or am i giving people the information needed to improve their life at a slight cost. Its a tough battle in my head.😖😖

[@karatjuicepodcast]

I appreciate this perspective. I think that if you are adding value to people. You should not feel bad about giving them the CHOICE to buy into what you are offering. Keep up the great work Pat! Your videos are very helpful and insightful.

[@inbetweenutube]

Slave owner: You are a free man! But if you leave, you will be captured by the neighboring plantation. Best you stay here and work for yourself, your choice.

[@karatjuicepodcast]

@@inbetweenutube Not sure of how you jumped to that analogy but it’s a free country and you have a right to your perspective. Even though it lacks awareness.

[@inbetweenutube]

@@karatjuicepodcast One company, Coca-Cola, owns 4000 drink options. If you are a "conscious " consumer there is "honest tea" "Vitaminwater" if you feeling "healty" "DIET Coke if you are watching your weight 4000 choices to choose Coca-Cola

[@karatjuicepodcast]

@@inbetweenutube I don’t see a problem with that. To the other companies, make better products. People have access to the internet, google, Amazon. People can choose any product that they want.

[@TheSchoolOfGuitar]

Great video Pat, I think that "manipulation" exists on a wide spectrum as well..people tend to feel more manipulated in certain scenarios than others. A midnight close with a 3-email sequence sent day of close is pretty ok, a marketer spending over 1/2 of a webinar instilling scarcity and fear into viewers in order to sell them, now that's definitely closer to the darker fringes of "manipulation". It was refreshing 2 years ago to tune into one of your own webinars and see that they were completely driven by value instead of fear inducing tactics! I enrolled in "Email Marketing Magic" as a result and would recommend it.

[@ClearCallMinistries]

Here’s a thought. What’s the difference between persuasion and manipulation? I believe persuasion helps people to see the benefits of acting now on something great for them (for their benefit…if used for good and not evil). Manipulation I believe is more like coercion or forcing against their will (playing with their mind). (Though you present it differently here) Maybe persuasion is more respectful of choice than manipulation or twisting of people. What do you think? But I certainly get the idea or context you are presenting this in. Thanks.

[@reneeanthony9048]

I ask my marketing students this question during the first week of class as a Discussion Forum. I'll be adding a link to this video for them to watch before commenting. Great content! Great discussion! 👍

[@sipspodcast7482]

This video definitely caused me to think in ways that I haven't before. Great job! - Trae Miller, Host of Sips Podcast

[@ParmyBaddhan]

I'm fine when other people sell products or services that will benefit me because I want to change my life. However when it comes to selling my products or services I have problems which led me to learn more about marketing and sales. Marketing has a negativity attached to it because you only hear negative stories about it on the news. With enough repetition you believe that marketing is evil and everyone who is selling something just wants your money. Yet when it comes to our basic needs such as food we will happily hand over our money, without a second thought. Something to consider. I think it's important to do your homework on the seller of the product or service you are interested in purchasing. Do your due diligence. In this case Pat is legit. The dude has helped so many people including myself.

[@AhmetKaan]

*To all the dreamers out there, don't ever let the world's negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and right people, ANYTHING is possible...*

[@waitzr4]

Hey Pat! What's the best way to get in touch with you? I'm 4 episodes into my podcast and would love to pick your brain. I've been following you for a while now! Love your style, my friend!!!

[@AhmetKaan]

*Life is like a video game and you are the main character of that game. You can either waste time on the game or improve your character. The choice is yours.* *-Joe Rogan*

[@themisguidedpodcast]

Would love to interview you on my podcast. What’s a good email to reach out to?

[@scottstrong8087]

oftentimes I don't think of manipulation as being bad because it's manipulative. I think of it as being bad because it's obvious and the people being manipulated often don't see that, or if they do they're OK with it because it suits some aspect of their paradigm. One of the challenges I've had with marketing is thinking to myself "people BUY stuff because of this tactic? REALLY?" But then I see it working in the real world and it's just as normal as everything else.

[@fabiGBOtown]

Why does every video seems to apply to me? Either we are a lot alike or you're a mind reader. I was called a "master manipulator" for well, all my adult life. I was a self employed salesman and a very good one at that, always top 3, which made me feel as you explained, like a crook basically but, i knew that i was ultimately giving people the opportunity to afford and take their kids to all the attractions here in Orlando so i always felt good about my work. It led to a lot of "hate" from peers or jealousy, depends how you look at it. Ultimately, the company was acquired, I was offered a position as a manager, I tried but ultimately was not satisfied by working for a paycheck, then sickness, then I lost everything and now im rebuilding, wonder if ill always be known as that master manipulator.

[@MichaelWilliams-lo3ix]

Awesome

[@protagonist52]

great vid

[@dragon.7191]

yes...

[@AngelaSams]

We help people take the action they know they want to take. ;-)

[@mancavelobo]

Wouldn’t you say were you all in a sense manipulated and manipulating? For example just wearing a suit is part of manipulating people to see you as professional and business orientated even if your are or far from it

[@LearningWithEkaterina]

Can the world be a healthier place?

[@ciprodriguez]

It's called Influence

[@2002Sheer]

Yes! Also, persuasion is a more positive word.

[@WorstDeveloper]

I highly disagree with you. 99.99% of all marketing is used in a horribly manipulative way. They overpromise and underdeliver. And don't get me started on social media sites and apps. Did you really use that as a positive example? People are more depressed than ever due to the manipulation going on there.

[@Emmywu]

Sorry but I’ll have to disagree. Using manipulation for “good”? That crosses into a blurry line where bad practices are being justified by the marketer - which is something we see more and more. Predatory marketers don’t struggle with feeling bad. They honestly think they’re doing good by selling people into their programs. Just as bad politicians think they’re doing “good”. There is much more to this equation. “Intent” is not measurable, nor is it unfalsifiable which ultimately means this entire argument is just word salad. If you really want to change this trend, we should whole heartedly commit to non-manipulative strategies and come up with new language and new ways of marketing. Saying people will benefit from your program, thus manipulation is okay is irresponsible and reckless.

[@MsMergal03]

😁

[@HardcoreMotors]

With this video you're trying to justify manipulating people to give you their money- by manipulating them. LOL. Desperate times...

[@patflynn]

There no reason to justify anything, I’m bribing truth to the matter and showing it for what it is. If you feel otherwise though, well that’s you and i respect that. Already my students are getting value and so I’m not worried.

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[@zara7554]

Access to good information is what we investors need to progress financially and generally in life, here's a good one and I am grateful.