How do we tell the masses about BP...before they buy into a guru seminar???

Question

I have a lot of people reaching out to me that have paid for the Armando Montelongo course.  They know a good amount about analyzing properties and even have some good calculators that they may have paid for dearly. I am trying to figure out a way to start telling more people about BP in a big way.  Most people I ask about how they found BP: say I was searching for something RE related and I just stumbled upon the site.  I dont hear much with regards to word of mouth advertising even though that is the most effective type of advertising. I certainly do it to other like minded investors. I think we should have more BP related events and maybe a yearly EXPO.  Thoughts?

Will Barnard · Answer

I agree, the annual BP Summit should definitely start back up. That said, there is plenty of word of mouth advertising. Look at my profile, I have a lot of referrals recoded and hundreds more not recorded by the sire. Every time I am at a RE event or the main speaker, I always give BP Nation a shout out. I am sure I am not the only one who does this.

Will Barnard · Answer

Couldn't tell you. I never kept track of that so I have no idea. I can say that earlier on, when I would be at an event and ask for a show of hands who was on BP, the number of hands raised as small, now, half the room (almost) raises their hands.

Nancy Brook · Answer

We are originally from Billings, Montana, and have a home here still. We just recently sold two rentals and exchanged for four in Florida and Ohio, more than doubling the rental income. (Even had money left over after the purchases!) Billings, Montana market is not good for rental properties. House prices are high compared to rental income.

Bill Gulley · Answer

You can start any organization you like, you could ask BP members to it, but you can't have a "BP Meeting" without consent from Josh, he owns the BP name, logo, etc. so you can't just have an official BP chapter. For that, I'd bet there would be dues of some kind and part of those would go to Josh. Another issues is control over a chapter about what they do, liability for public gatherings, so, it's not that simple as an affiliate organization.

Now, if you want to call it XYZ and then say you'll cut admission fees for BP members I'm sure he wouldn't mind. :)

Bill Gulley · Answer

@Joshua Dorkin

could always host Saturday Night Live now that he's famous, I understand he has some experience there. That should help get the word out!

I think Josh has laid a good PR foundation getting some national exposure in publications, can't let up on that side of the media world. Newsflash!

He's probably pulling his hair out trying to address all the site snafus and growing what he has, having local BP Chapters is another business but would certainly tie in. That would mean he'd have to hire another manager!

Nancy, sorry the forums get snarky at times, but I talk up BP at every chance I get. :)

Bryan L. · Answer

@Nancy Brook and @Anil  Samuel

- Another advantage to paid coaching is the accountability factor.  Having someone to help hold you accountable to taking action (and the correct action).

But the truth of the matter is that most newbies/wannabies will never ever buy their first property at all - no matter what.  And I couldn't imagine chunking down serious cash and still not ever buying a property.  I wonder how in the world those people ever got their hands on that kind of cash in the first place.

Then, you also have this large pool of people who are newbies/wannabies who have never ever accomplished anything in their life at all.  I mean, they couldn't come up with a $100 bill if you offered to pay them a thousand for it.  They will never be successful in this biz either.

Anil Samuel · Answer

@Nancy Brook    I understand your position.  I look at BP the same way that I look at Google.  I know most of the information is on here, the onus is on me to find it or hope someone will comment on my post and provide a rational viewpoint.  I definitely agree that having a live person walking you through the process beats reading the forums all day any day.  This really stems from how you learn. I guess since I learn by doing not just reading it's more effective for me to just be around like minded individuals.  I will say there are a handful of extremely knowledgeable people here.  You have to sift through the noise and eventually you find a few diamonds in the rough.  The problem area I find with "coaching or mentoring" is, I know of a few people that have spent up to six figures and still have not done a single deal.  That really bothers me even though it probably shouldn't, then I really think people are getting taken advantage of.  To me coaching students can have all the hand holding they want/need in the world, but some are afraid to take that next step.  The coaching programs are good if you do what they say, and if what they say makes sense.  Just my two cents.

Nancy Brook · Answer

I'd say that there is a benefit to self education and a benefit to having an experienced investor "coach" you. One way saves money. The other way saves time. Love Bigger Pockets podcasts but the forums can become quite snarky.

Anil Samuel · Answer

Bill Gulley  I think having local city/state chapters of BP would be an awesome idea!  Let's make it happen...

John Hixon · Answer

@Anil  Samuel

I tell everyone I can about BP.  I found this site a little over a year ago and I love it.  Never thought I would find a place were people who are experts in REI will go out of there way to help you be successful.

I am with you in that I can't stand the guru paid courses. It amazes me that people will pay $30,000, $40,000 or more because they saw this person flip houses on TV.  And, from what I hear that person has little if any involvement in the actual coaching.

There are several BP members that have coaching/mentoring programs.  But, the ones I have seen are between $3,000 - $5,000.  All of the coaching is one on one, with direct access through the phone and email.  And, I can pretty much guarantee you that all of the BP members that have these coaching programs are far more knowledgeable than any Guru you will find.   These are also the same people that give excellent advice on the forums and if you message them they will answer any question you ask them in great detail.

How do we tell the masses about BP...before they buy into a guru seminar???

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