I’ve decided to tell you about a difficult situation I’ve been experiencing lately, but I want to tie it into a quick lesson… after all, the main objective of this website is to provide you with Internet marketing tips.
Let’s start with a flashback to the 1980’s…
From what I gather, the phrase “never let them see you sweat” originated from a deodorant commercial in 1984. While I may have been exposed to it as a 5-year old during commercial breaks between Saturday morning cartoons, I certainly have no recollection of it.
I do, however, remember hearing this phrase spoken from the stage at an Internet marketing seminar several years ago. Apparently after serving its duty as a deodorant slogan, “never let them see you sweat” became a business principle of sorts.
The idea is that you should never let your ________(fill in the blank) see you “sweat”, because it is basically a sign of weakness. This includes customers, prospects, fans, followers, competitors, subordinates, and bosses… just to name a few.
In other words, you don’t want to let any of those people see your weak side, because it will affect their opinion of you.
The speaker at the Internet marketing seminar was teaching that you should never appear to be frazzled or portray a lack of confidence in the projection of your image to your online prospects and subscribers. Instead, you should always appear to “have it all together”.
There are times when this makes sense. Anyone in a leadership role (whether it be a parent, T-ball coach, or President of the United States) must instill confidence in the minds of those he or she is leading. To this end, there are times that it is appropriate to hide your emotions and appear to have it all together.
I would even go so far as to say there are situations in which you should never let them see you sweat. For example, if you’re in a war, you shouldn’t let your enemy see you sweat. Revealing a weakness could mean instant death.
If you ever have to hire a lawyer, you probably don’t want one who sweats profusely and exudes a lack of confidence in the courtroom.
I’m also aware that marketing can be likened to war, but I propose that the concept of “hiding your sweat” is overrated as it pertains to business.
Things to consider when hiding your sweat…
First, there’s an inherent problem with never showing weakness. The problem is that we’re human. We have weaknesses.
To confess weakness is to accept that you are human. This can have a positive effect, because humans can relate to other humans. As a marketer, this can be advantageous in gaining trust and portraying authenticity.
I will admit that revealing weaknesses can also have a negative effect upon a business. I remember a few times in recent years that the stock of the Apple company plunged as a result of negative news about Steve Jobs’ health. Last month Apple lost $10 billion of market capitalization in 5 minutes, possibly due to a health rumor.
Those are serious consequences, but publicly traded companies have an obligation to their shareholders to reveal certain “weaknesses”. To avoid doing so could be unethical at best, criminal at worst. Therefore, revealing a weakness can actually be a sign of integrity.
Second, it’s a myth that showing emotion (ie. letting them see you sweat) is always a sign of weakness. While much of our society does believe this myth (and unfortunately this may result in negative consequences for leaders who show emotions publicly), there are plenty of examples of leaders who have dispelled it.
I watch very little TV, but last week I turned it on and caught the second half of an episode of Undercover Boss. This episode featured Sheldon Yellen, the CEO of Belfor– a huge international company. Throughout his undercover experience, some of his own weaknesses were revealed (inability to use power tools, disconnection from his own employees), and his emotions ran wild… this guy cried like a baby on national TV!
While this may have been interpreted by some as a sign of weakness, I’d be willing to bet that his display of authenticity did more to instill confidence in his employees than any motivational speech he could have possibly delivered. It appeared that his employees loved him more for it, and were more committed to the company as a result.
This goes along with what I wrote earlier this year about authenticity. It’s no longer enough to say you’re real. You have to BE real.
So next time you’re faced with concealing a weakness versus showing your humanity, keep these ideas in mind and remember that it may or may not be best to hide your sweat.
OK, that’s the end of today’s lesson…
In case you hadn’t perceived it already; I wrote the above article as a way of processing my own thoughts, and justifying my decision to share my own weakness with you.
The reason I haven’t written much lately, and haven’t created any new lessons in the past few months is because I haven’t had the energy to do it.
I’ve been experiencing what is probably best described as Adrenal Fatigue. In case you’re curious about it, there is a very good article explaining it here: http://www.lammd.com/articles/adrenal_fatigue.asp
I’ve had several symptoms, including a severe lack of energy. Those of you who know me, know that I’ve enjoyed an active lifestyle which included frequent exercise, fishing, windsurfing, playing with my kids, etc. Lately, I’ve only had a few hours of workable energy per day, and it’s barely been enough to take care of myself and keep up with email, let alone do the stuff I enjoy.
In my case, I believe this condition is most likely the result of many years of poor sleep habits, constant blood sugar spikes, and internalizing my stress and anxiety.
Various medical tests showed that my adrenals simply aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do… resulting in various chemical imbalances in my body. For example, I’m not producing much cortisol, which has several physical ramifications. To aggravate the situation, my adrenals are compensating by producing too much epinephrine (adrenaline), which results in a lot of anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms.
I’m following what I believe is a good treatment plan, and I expect to make a full recovery!
Of course it’s been tough in the mean time. My wife is expecting our 5th child any day now, and I’ve had to grapple with the question of how am I going to help and support her like I did at the birth of our other four kids?
So you can see why I’ve put business stuff on the backburner. By the way, other than neglecting this website, my business is just fine, and I think it would run for many years with minimal input on my part. That’s one of the benefits of building the type of business that I teach in my lessons! 🙂
(Note: I do not anticipate my coaching club being negatively impacted during my recovery. Paul and Jeff already handle most of the time-consuming elements of it, and in any case that I’m unable to be on a coaching call, they’ll be there.)
OK, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way…
I want to convey that I know life is hard for EVERYONE. Your pain is probably worse than mine, and it’s a part of our human experience.
I’ve had friends and relatives die in the time that I’ve been writing tips on this website.
I’ve also had subscribers die, and I’d be willing to bet that not a day goes by without some of my subscribers experiencing a tragedy of some sort. With over 60,000 subscribers around the world, it’s pretty much a given.
I also know fellow Internet marketers who have been through, or are currently experiencing MUCH more difficult circumstances than I am. Some of them are battling cancer, chronic diseases, and some have already died.
So this is NOT about me complaining. It’s also not about seeking sympathy. Prayers maybe, but not sympathy. I’m thankful for all that I’ve been given, and I KNOW that I am indeed blessed.
This post is about me being a little more real with you. I say a “little more”, because there are certainly other things that I haven’t shared with you about my life.
In the past couple years, I’ve been compelled to be “more real” when it comes to my public life. Perhaps this is a step in that direction.
Showing my sweat to keep myself humble?
I’ve probably participated in our culture’s collective move toward Internet-enabled narcissism more than I would like to admit.
The phenomenon of online narcissism is well documented, and you’ll see it everywhere if you look for it. People use their blogs, Facebook accounts, twitter accounts, and other public-facing avenues of communication to control their image. They provide only the information (status updates, pictures, etc) that they believe will best conform their image to the way that they want it to be seen.
Went on a cool vacation? Post it. Had a great dinner? Post it. Hung out with a celebrity? Post it. Got angry with your child or spouse, lost your temper, and broke something? No one needs to know.
I despise it, and yet I’ve been a purveyor of it. In one respect I’ve even taught it.
So yes, this is me keeping myself humble. Believe me, I’d much rather be known as the energetic windsurfing family man, than the tired Internet marketer who burned out his adrenal glands.
I also had one more ulterior motive for sharing this with you. I knew it would give me an excuse to share my faith with you too.
OK, this is where I’m gonna hijack this conversation and get “religious” on you…
No, I’m not turning this into a religious website. Based on the demographics, I’m aware that I have thousands of subscribers who are Muslim, Hindu, and no-doubt countless other faiths represented. I’m not here to force my convictions upon you, and I never will.
But I didn’t want to share my pain with you, unless I also shared my hope with you. In fact, it wouldn’t be right, because it would be a totally incomplete picture.
I believe that there is a spiritual realm that supersedes the physical world as we know it.
In spite of how I feel, I’m actually healthy and strong. In spite of what our society says, perception is not reality. In spite of what my doctor’s reports say, there is a greater truth to be found.
Of course many religions share this sentiment, as do believers in the Law of Attraction, which has become so popular in the Internet marketing world. But here’s where I part ways with those folks…
You might think I’m crazy, but I believe that approximately 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ (the actual son of God) came to earth, died on a cross, and came back to life again. That’s reality. And if that’s true, then the Bible is totally validated, and it’s true too.
The ramifications are huge. The Bible says that the same power that raised Jesus from death is available to me, and in fact is already inside of me (Romans 8:11)! While it is controversial even among Christianity, I believe the most accurate interpretation of the Bible proves that Christ’s atonement included healing for sickness.
I’ve seen first-hand that God still heals people today. In our church we see people healed every week. Some are healed from small things, and some are healed from big things like cancer and heart disease. We’ve seen numerous verifiable x-rays and doctor’s reports which have confirmed miraculous healings.
I share this to let you know that not only has my healing been paid for by Christ; yours has too.
The following is a song called “Name of Jesus”, which is on a music album by my sister-in-law that I executive produced a few years ago. To make the video I used scenes from The Passion of The Christ. So if you’re offended by the blood of Jesus, don’t watch…
This song has been inspirational to me lately, and I hope it is for you too.
As always, you are welcome to leave your comments below.
Have a great day!
Great article, Eric. You are in our prayers. And my babysitting offer is still open, if the price is right.
If the price is right, I mean; you get what you pay for, and I am the best, and then there’s the commute, and…
Sorry. Just get better and remember that even a bruised heel can crush a serpent’s head.
Cheers, Dave
Hi Eric,
Been receiving your Tips for ages and never commented before. Thanks for being so open about your present situation and your faith.
My wife has ME/CFS so we are familiar with the total exhaustion and other things that go with these kind of conditions.
Take it easy for as long as you need. You have already provided so much more than many marketers could ever produce in a lifetime and most of it for free! — Thank-You —-
Bless you for all your past work and your wife for her support to you. I look forward to when you are recovered, and maybe the Lord will lead you in new directions or further empower you in the old ones.
Remember Romans 15v13
Blessings
Roger
Eric-
Hang in there. Thanks for being an example of “sweat exposure”. You are masterful at keeping it real, while leading. Let us know if we can do anything to help.
-Travis and Family
(Down the road in Westminster, CO)
Thanks Dave
Blessings to you and your wife
Thanks bro I appreciate it
Hi Eric,
I’ve been receiving your emails for over a year now and while I have unsubscribed from many other marketers, your Christian values and what you stand for has encouraged me to stay subscribed to you.
Jesus is indeed your healer, as a friend told me recently God is not a halfway God, He said it on the cross: It is Finished! The Bible also says that by His stripes we WERE healed. It’s already done in the spirit, just receive and walk in it by faith, in Jesus Name! God bless brother and remember that your rest is in Him.
Oh Eric, I’m so sorry to hear about your adrenal fatigue! I just went through a really nasty bout with it myself at the beginning of the year, and it really set me back. Not even having the energy to sit up and work at a computer is unbelievably disheartening. Like you, I used to be very active (I could hike 10 miles a day with a pack, no problem), so it really blindsided me when I couldn’t hardly climb my own stairs! I’m glad to see that you’ve found capable medical care, and I wish you a speedy recovery!
Love and prayers,
Linda
Of course, I’ll be praying for you. To both you and your wife, take care.
Eric,
Thanks for being honest. Most top Internet marketers never reveal any signs of weakness and it makes the rest of feel that we’re not good enough or dedicated enough to do what they do.
I suffer from the same type of health issues that you do and it has radically changed my life. I have had to learn to accept the fact that “my best” will never be as much as other people can do but that it is enough for me. At least with Internet marketing we have the opportunity to work less and still earn a good income.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jenny
Eric–
Good stuff. I applaud your comments.
I recently underwent sextuple (that’s 6 for non-Lation scholars!) bypass heart surgery.
(Talk about an energy drain!)And I’m 70!
So I know the feeling!
But all is well, I’m strong again and starting a new Internet business.
Whether people are Christian or other, there is a falling off of spirituality in these times and anything we can do to foster it is welcome. Be well.
Keep the faith!
Re: the spiritual part – I worship the sUn too (nuff said, I think)
Re: the marketing lesson – I’ll go one further: when it comes to building a marketing organization…if you’re too polished, too perfect, you’re dead meat. You have to at least APPEAR to be human or nobody will believe they even have a chance.
Hi Eric, a long time fan and reader of yours from Lagos, Nigeria! Greetings and thanks for this post. I too am praying for you.
Eric.
I don’t often leave comments, but felt compelled to send you best wishes and prayers. You always keep things real. You are a real genuine caring and sharing human being, and that is what makes you stand out from the rest. Focus on getting well and know that many care about you. Sending you blessings and healing thoughts.
Linda
God bless ..You, your family and your business.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for sharing your story. One of the most powerful “Being-Real” strategies you can master is to confide in someone (or a group of people).
The Law of Reciprocation is as much alive as the Law of Attraction and I am sure that your connection with your subscribers will grow deeper and more meaningful as a result of your genuine transparency.
Here’s to your living life at 100%!
Dave
I really appreciate your openness and honesty. We all have our crosses to bear in life and just when I think I am at the bottom, I see that, in reality, I am a very fortunate person and I am thnakful for what I have. Thanks, again!
Thank you
Wow, Eric. I don’t believe its ironic that I stumbled upon your blog today when I’ve just been searching for supplemental products to help my own adrenal fatigue. I’m also a follow of Jesus Christ and my best thoughts and prayers are headed your way. You are one of the few marketers I feel let’s people in to see the real you. Best wishes!
Blessings on you and your family. Thank you for using your pain to share the healing power of Jesus.
Hey Eric
As I always say: “Shit happens…”
Hang in there and get better soon.
Rian
I am inspired to want to be like you,
a freind in california
All the best!and thanks for the tips video and song.
Eric,you made my heart smile. Why? Because of your openness, humility and willingness to share your faith. Now you will touch more people because of this. I honor you, I pray for you and I am your sister in Christ. You will be fine because the truth of Christ is already at work in your body. His grace is sufficient for all you need or do. God bless your family and your online career.
Sorry to “hear” about your troubles Eric. You’ll get through this, just take your time and focus on getting better. 🙂
Thomas.
Have received a great deal from you over time.
Just want you to know that i am thinking of you and wish you all the best
Thanks
tony
Will keep you and your family in my prayers. I too have 5 children (all within 6 years) so I know those early years are tough. Best wishes for a quick recovery, and glad to see you sharing your faith.
I have Chronic Fatigue (since 1991) and I know how you feel. I’ve worked 13 years hard labor doing office furniture and almost 12 years at University Nevada Reno. I have normal days and very bad days. But we make it each day through the Lord Jesus Christ. Our illness makes us more dependent on him. I still use energy pills as jobs don’t care about your problems. I had a (ex)wife that is bi-polar /schizophrenia with two small children to take care of during those 22 years. Going to Doctors wasn’t an option and all they want to give is psycho drugs that you couldn’t work on. At 53, it also gets harder. Getting rid of all sugar helps as well as keeping a diary. With losing my job at the end of June, I have stress and anxiety and yet I have peace and reassurance in the Lord. Here’s to two years of unemployment after 25 years of straight working!
I just want to express a huge thank you for the many easy to follow tutorials over the years. The information on your site have helped me, and I sure many others, find answers to questions both large and small. And now in your time of need, you continue to provide inspiration to the public.
Many are praying for your quick recovery.
God Bless and thanks for being real 🙂
Everyone needs to be aware of the signs of the return of Jesus, it is time for our savior to take us Christians from what humanity and greed have created on this earth, we have destroyed our planet and abused the miracle of life that was a gift to us, the time is now to spend more time with family and start respecting Mother Earth and Life itself.
Get well soon Eric. I had a NDE from a storke in 2002 and it changed my life for the better forever. EVERYTHING changed. I’m calmer now that I know there’s an awesome indescribable place we are headed. Go with God.
Jon
Eric:
Thank you for sharing your personal story.
If you are open to assistance, please contact me. I have appreciated all the help you have provided over the years. Possibly, you would allow someone to return the favor.
Best to you and your family.
David
Eric,
Thank you for sharing – it takes a lot of strength to be real to the world and I admire you for taking this bold step.
I keep you and your family in my heart and prayers.
Blessings to you and your family.
I believe in healing and I am standing with you as well, because of His unmerited favor we HAVE His healing through faith.
Have you researched anything on deer ticks or some foreign bug you may have picked up in your travels? Read up on earthclinic.com. A lot of good info.
I just joined the coaching. Will you stand with me on our family’s financial healing through this endeavor? My husband has been unemployed for over 2 years and I love IM.
May God’s richest blessings be yours today and forever.
Wow Eric! You can really lead from the heart; that was a “down to earth” testimony on your circumstances. Thank YOU for all the help and encouragement your ‘tips’ have given me over the years. I wish you and your family a peaceful and prompt recovery from you current woes.
Eric – thank you for sharing your experience. When I got cancer 18 years ago, I kept it hidden for a long time. When I finally put it out there, I was amazed at how many resources showed up making life a whole lot easier. Thanks for taking your leap of faith. Funny, your blog showed up in my mailbox just after my Leaping in Faith article was published for Best Life Design. I hope in a small way it helps you in your journey http://bit.ly/mQmi3T. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Eric you know I got you covered with my prayers and support. You have proven yourself over the last few months of knowing you to be more of a mentor in my eyes as well as a business partner. We all face life’s problems… How much easier could it be if we just open up our life for some good honest help from those who support us and care for us. By no means are you a weak individual. On Eagles wings you soar…
Hey Eric,
I will definitely say some prayers for you and I appreciate your sharing of faith. I believe the way you do and I’m in agreement with you that you will be healed.
I always enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the good work.
This movie (The Passion of the Christ) is absolutely sick, in my opinion. I can’t understand why God let all those things happen (if there is God at all. Nobody knows).
Eric,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers. You’re a great guy, amazing marketer, and have shared information with us that has truly helped my business.
I wish you all the best as you recover/heal from adrenal fatigue. There’s a guy in California that specializes in this – if you want his name let me know.
All the best!
Kate and family
THANKS ERIC, FOR ALL THISE ADVICES , AND I APPRECIATE YOUR LIFE LESSON
Thanks for publishing my insignificant opinion without filtering it out this time.
Thanks. Actually I have looked into Lyme disease, and possibility of parasites picked up from my various travels… because the symptoms are similar, and also can lead to adrenal fatigue. If the treatment plan does not work then my doctor says we’ll look for parasites. I wish it were a parasite because it would be an easy answer, but I think my situation is a result of long-term habits which must be changed.
Your Sister-In-Law is very talented Eric as are you Sir. I have recommended your site here countless times as the content and the value of your content is second to none in my opinion.
You have also heard the saying “Pride comes before a fall” well I believe that your faith has led you down the “sweat” path as a means of avoiding that outcome my friend.
I truly wish you a speedy recovery and would like to thank you for all that you do whenever it gets done – We can all live with that!
Kindest Regards,
Graham Price
Hi Eric,
Your post was timely to me. It’s easy to forget that everybody suffers – that I’m not alone and I’m missing the bigger picture.
Thanks,
Dan
You deserve the best Eric. I wish you good health. The song is beautiful and I can understand why it inspires you. Your video editing was awesome. Get well. Enjoy some time out with your family, especially the new arrival. All the best and take it easy.
Thanks Eric, Your faith comes through in your general approach and comments. I’ve recognized it for a long time. But you are right. There’s more to life than making money. It’s not “who has the most toys wins”. Having a faith and letting that shine through is important.
You are a “little” younger than I however you are a great example being all you can be.
“What lies behind us & what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Don’t ever sell your saddle because life is a long long ride Eric! The best to you and your family…
Hey E-man!
I hope you feel better and make a FULL & Speedy recovery… Also, congratulations to you and your wife for your upcoming new BABY:-)
God Bless You All!
Dr. Michael (The D.O.C.)
“Keep On, Keeping On…”
cool article, thanks!