Posted on Monday, 22nd December 2008 by CopywritingCat

Google Adwords Genius Perry Marshall loves to stir up controversy. He has great products and nobody knows more about Google Adwords, so he can claim Great Bragging Rights

Copywriter Ryan Healy isn’t shy either. Together they’re a volatile mix.

Last week, Perry posted “help wanted” notices for an Affiliate Manager and a Content Czar. To apply for either position, Perry requires a $25 application fee. Ryan thinks it’s a great idea because Perry won’t have to go through so many resumes. If you’re willing to pay $25 to get considered, you’re serious.

Here’s what I posted to Ryan Healy’s blog.

I don’t know if it will get past moderation or not but here goes:

Sorry, Ryan, I would have to disagree. As I recall, Perry didn’t post salaries for the jobs, so it would be hard to make a good business decision about whether to apply.

Top employers like to hire people who will be enthusiastic and loyal once they’re on board, but who also don’t *need* the job. They have many opportunities and many irons in the fire.

Perry sweetened the pot when he talked about PR opportunities. But go-getters make their own opportunities. If they spend $25 they want to know what they’re getting.

Busy, productive people don’t give away their time in unproductive “get-acquainted” calls. And they’re not going to invest in an application fee or spend huge amounts of time on a proposal.

I would think it’s better to look at those who have bought from Perry (or better, those who sold his products and services as affiliates: they’ve already shown they can sell his stuff). Then poke around their websites and invite them to apply.

Comments (3)
Posted in copywriting, mentors

3 Responses to “Perry Marshall and Ryan Healy Stir Up Controversy (And I Jump In)”

  1. Ryan Healy Says:
    December 23rd, 2008 at 07:45

    Hi Cathy,

    Thanks for your follow-up post. I can see your perspective, and appreciate you for having the guts to publish a contrary opinion.

    Maybe I’m doing things wrong in my business, but I do a lot of “get-acquainted” calls after somebody qualifies himself by reading my sales letter and completing the form at the bottom.

    I think it’s how we build trust.

    Then again, everybody is at a different place in business. So what’s good for one person may not be good for another.

    Ryan

  2. CopywriterCat Says:
    December 23rd, 2008 at 09:05

    Thanks, Ryan! I won’t refuse to talk to someone who calls, but I was influenced by teleseminars and articles by Dan Kennedy and Michel Fortin. As you said, everyone has a model that works.

  3. Connie Ragen Green Says:
    January 1st, 2009 at 09:06

    Cathy,
    I agree with what you said to Ryan. Why would someone pay $25 to apply for a job that was not described well? It just doesn’t make good sense.

Leave a Reply