Levity, sarcasm, wit.....all difficult to relay and interpret on message boards.....
I just want to help others with the knowledge base that I have, and create a business while doing so. Putting yourself "out there" is always an invitation for others to comment and critique.

Just keep in mind my buddy Teddy's thought on the subject:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

— Theodore Roosevelt

Kevin,

Wow, I wish I could call “Teddy” my buddy.

Somehow I doubt if you and your buddy would see eye-to-eye on the idea of what constitutes a “worthy cause.” I do not believe he looked that kindly on those he disagreed with. He was far more than a mere critic to those he opposed.

Good luck with that endeavor of yours but I am not QUITE ready to declare that your image belongs on Mount Rushmore with the image of that buddy of yours.

Interesting insight and advice, I appreciate the input. While certain personalities take the route you do not approve (ie: Tony Robbins, Dave Ramsey, etc), they seem to be doing AOK as well.....
I'm not even close to the level that these others have achieved, but to discount using the person as the brand - What about Tiger?!?!? LOL, thanks again, and yes, I can take the critiques, in fact most of the time they help me see things I cannot on my own. Now,......tune in and see what I really have going on!

What about Tiger now? It is less than 6 days since your comment. Can you understand why I questioned you? I am old enough to be your dad and I have seen a lot of personalities take huge falls on things unrelated to their businesses. Now add Tiger to that list.

It took Sinatra years to recover to some things he was alleged to have done. Professional images usually are not quite as vulnerable.

Not sure what your point is.......I'd be happy to continue this offline, it's a bit inappropriate to continue it here. You can reach me easily, anytime.

Kevin,

Dave Ramsey??? Really??? He is one of the most irrational financial advisors in the media. It is his way or the "by way." He is a vigorous opponent of the HECM program.

Tiger is an entertainer, not a service provider. He sells products not service.

Tony Robbins delivers a philosophy and some psychology. He is an interesting personality with a following who have found help from what he has "preached." Very generation has had its Tony.

You forgot Dr. Phil, Oprah, Letterman, Leno, and a lot of others. Most of us are looking for a professional image not the image of an entertainer or mild "cult" leader.

Kevin,

Thanks for letting us know who kpr2570 actually is. At least I will have some idea who the person is using this alias is in the future. Is February 5, 1970 your birthdate?

Unless I am missing something, I am pleased to see you are no longer calling HECM proceeds, “tax-free.” It is clear you do accept at least some criticism in a positive and responsive way; many do not.

You know people who have told you once too many times: "believe me when I...." This is what you do with the term "good guys." It makes one wonder.

As to your website, it might be a good idea if you tone down your image on each page. Once a page is probably enough but then your face also shows up on each video screen. It might not be a bad idea if you find some intriguing photograph or graphic (but related) to use as your first image so the webpage is less about you and more about drawing someone into what it is you will be presenting in your video. Once the video presentation begins, seeing your image is a great idea.

It is hard for young entrepreneurs but it is always best if over time, your business is less focused on you and more on the brand. It is almost impossible to visualize how to achieve this goal in a personal services business but it is quite possible. I know many law firms where the named partners are completely in the background and those firms have a much more professional appearance. It is about time you at least tone down how much things are about you; HOWEVER, it should be clear that the website is about you and what YOU provide, not an easy mix.

Thanks Critic. I'll be happy to hear from you after you see something other than the free content that is available for anyone to see....the content and the presentation is certain to be something that our niche will find helpful, educational, and beneficial - even while I continue to declare that I am one of the good guys out there. I'll look forward to more "critic-al" commentary once you see the bigger picture next week! (and yes, lead generation will be a focus in all of the 2010 LIVE events.....)

This industry needs innovation like that being promoted by Kevin. He has a lot of good ideas that are well represented in his designs. It is content that gets away from him and he constantly needs to address. He loves to declare how he is a good guy and how great his ideas really are. While I certainly do not agree with all of his conclusions, his voice should and needs to be heard.

Kevin needs to cut out his own unique niche different from Reverse Fortunes, Valerie VanBooven, Sam Collins, or others. Finding valid leads drives our industry. Anyone who can help make that happen at a reason cost provides a valuable service. I hope this is a profitable venture for Kevin and look forward to seeing the success those who utilize his ideas achieve.