There are some phrases I’ve learned to back away from.

I met a very nice, kind, outgoing person the other day. This person was attending a “leadership conference” in town.

Really? Interesting. Leadership and professional development is actually my line of work. Which leadership conference is this?

I don’t remember this person’s answer. But it involved a barrage of clichés about property and coaching.

Interesting.
Who were the speakers?

The person looked at me like, “what do you mean?” Apparently, it’s a large variety of speakers who give motivational talks about financial freedom and building your assets.

Okay.

This person came for this particular “leadership” conference with on a bus from Texas full of other conference attendees. People are here from all over the country.

What did you learn at this leadership conference?

I continue to inquire.

Lots of superlatives and “mind blown” type of statements. Nothing specific.

Until the end.

Something is mentioned about “revenue sharing” and “residual income”.

Ahh. The catchphrase.

Now I know.
This conference is not a “leadership” conference. This conference is about making money by some means that is probably akin to a pyramid scheme under the thin veil of some sort of barely-legal, multi-level marketing. Lot’s of hype and pictures of what could be. A handful of the higher-ups getting rich. The rest left with a fragile hope they too might get there. Retire early. Move to the Caymans. Something like that.

We end the conversation cordially. I’m asked if we can be Facebook friends.

> Sure.

I say it reluctantly. I know what’s coming.

My theory is confirmed a few days later when I get a message (calling me by the wrong name) asking questions about why I’m interested in revenue sharing and residual income and how that could impact my family.

I don’t respond.

This person is bright, intelligent, and full of dreams. I can only hope that bus full of young people will learn that leadership is not about manipulation and figuring out valueless ways to create piles of money.

Here’s what I would say to my new “friend.”

Leadership doesn’t equal sales. Quit following the money. Money isn’t the leader. You are.

Create real value. (Don’t make up fake value.)
Answer this question: What is the real change in this world I want to see?
Leverage every resource you have to create that change.
Draw others to your vision.

That’s leadership.

It’s also a pretty darn good way to start a real business.