How Critical Thinking Can Help you Avoid Scams

| Posted: 11-07-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 19 | Rating: (51)

(?)

Let’s face it. The honest opportunities in online business are becoming harder and harder to find. The Internet is a sea of manipulative advertising that targets the deep-seeded desires that most of us have. We want something for nothing, even if that opportunity really does not exist. We want to make money overnight while sitting on the couch in our pajamas. We want thousands of dollars to appear in our bank account at the touch of a button. Honestly, it just does not happen that way.

Even if people are honest, advertising itself is a form of manipulation that slants our perspective. Scams are everywhere. Perhaps the secret we need most is a way to uncover what is a scam and what is a genuine opportunity. Using critical thinking skills will enable you to evaluate an opportunity and lower your risk of being scammed.

First, let me define what I consider a ‘genuine opportunity.’ I believe that what you get out of life, you must first put in. From experience, nothing comes from doing nothing. You must put in time, planning, strategy and effort and even money if you expect to succeed in your business, whatever it is. So I define a ‘genuine opportunity’ as that which gives you a basic business idea (maybe a product or service) which you can take and apply your time, planning, strategy, effort and money to make money. How much money you make depends on how much time, planning, strategy, effort and money you contribute. It also depends on the value of the product or service offered. If you have a bad product or service that nobody wants or needs, nobody will buy it.

The many scams that are circling the Internet take into account that you want something for nothing, so they advertise their opportunity as such. Many of these business opportunities are simply selling you on false promises. Some do not even have a product or service that you can promote. They lack that essential basic business idea.

Another sign of a scam is what resources and supports that are given or not given. Some of these opportunities offer training on how to use their ‘system.’ The scam opportunity, or source, will provide resources that they are affiliated with and promote them to you so that you can earn the source affiliate revenue. Actually, the honest programs do this as well. However, the difference is the value of the resource. Can these resources actually help you? Are there better ones available that were not offered because the source is not affiliated with them? Does the source offer a broad informative education for you to learn from, or is it simply targeted advertising in disguise?

Another item to check is who is offering the business opportunity. Do a little research on who owns the business. Are they an expert, or a self-proclaimed somebody? If you can find reviews or information on them from another, objective party, then that is a good sign. If all you find is the proclamations of the owner himself on how great his business opportunity is, I would look a little deeper before handing over my money.

When evaluating an opportunity, look at the proof that is offered that shows it is a viable business opportunity and whether that proof is verifiable. Many scams offer rows and rows of ‘testimonials.’ Look closer. Are the testimonials followed by “Mary from Detroit, Michigan” or by “Dick Weaver, www.dickswebsite.com?” Mary from Detroit will never be tracked down. You can easily and quickly go to Dick’s website. If he is legitimate, then you will be able to contact him through email or even a phone call. Given the choice between opportunities, the one that provides verifiable testimonials is the safer choice.

Finally, does the opportunity come with a guarantee and what is the quality of that guarantee? Do you have full access and at least a 30-day unconditional money-back promise? Take the time to check the online Better Business Bureau for more information. Unfortunately, most businesses are not members of the BBB so this is not always a fruitful search. However, if they are listed, you can feel much more confident in doing business with them, provided they have a positive standing. In addition to their guarantee, which I always like to save a copy of for reference, pay using Paypal or a credit card. This just gives you a little more security and can possibly help get your money back in case you need to exercise the money-back guarantee.

When evaluating a new business opportunity, critical thinking skills can help you to evaluate what is presented in more detail. Look for whether the advertising is based on vague and ambiguous claims, or solid, verifiable information. A real opportunity gives you a valuable product or service that you can apply your time, effort and money to promote. How much and how well you promote your business will determine how successful you are.

Rate this Article:

Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Tags: Make Money Online, How To, Strategy, Online Business Opportunities, Scam Business Education, Products

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/how-critical-thinking-can-help-you-avoid-scams-179843.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

Ruth Harris is a real entrepreneur who has taught many others how to start and promote a successful online business. Visit http://www.viral-business.com or http://www.iprofit.viral-business.com to learn more about making money online.

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

Who Said Make Money Online Can be Quick and Easy?
By: Toan Le | 25/04/2008 | Business Opportunities
From my personal experience, I understood that make money online is not an easy work. To be successful, we need to have certain knowledge, a bit of efforts is necessary. Staying focus and concentrating is important, otherwise, we'll just wasting times and money. However, trial and failure are also part of being success, to be able to make money online.

A New Meaning To The Way We Perceive Television
By: Andrew Smith | 07/03/2006 | Art and Entertainment
TiVo is a consumer video device that allows end users to capture their favorite television programs to an internal hard drive. Since its introduction in 1999, TiVo has attracted an ever-growing number of clients.

Tips to Help You Decide on the Best Merchant Account for Your Business
By: Warren Knight | 30/05/2008 | Business
Having a reliable merchant account is crucial for your online business for the long term. Get helpful tips on what to consider and how to decide which is the best merchant account for your business.

Online Business - Do your Homework!
By: Ingrid Tiessen | 30/03/2007 | Online Business
Okay, so you're ready to kiss your day job goodbye. Working online may be more trouble than it's worth. Or is it?

The Top 3 Keys to Fully Understanding an Affiliate Program
By: Donald Mckenzie Jr | 20/09/2007 | Home Business
Affiliate marketing has proven to be a highly successful way to make a living online. However, some people do not even know what an affiliate program is. This article will give you a full understanding on what affiliate marketing is.

Lifestyle How-To Magazines
By: Keane Beyone | 18/12/2006 | Internet
Online magazines are usually the complementary short version of a print magazine. Or a paid members-only subscription to an original magazine that is exclusively published online. Less frequently we see premium magazines online that are totally free or come with just an unobtrusive hint of advertising support. Now a premium and...

8 Steps to Designing a Newsletter for Your Direct Sales Business
By: Warren Knight | 22/05/2008 | Business
To stay ahead of competition, you need to have look into different ways communicating with your customers. One of the ways is to build an online presence by creating a newsletter. This article offers you 8 steps that you can follow to design an effective newsletter for your customers.

How to Make Money With Clickbank Affiliate Programs
By: Pawel Reszka | 18/08/2007 | Internet
Learn how to make some serious money with Clickbank affiliate network. Tips for affiliates on how to increase sales.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the newest product for sale by Apple?
By: computerwhiz | 28-10-2007
What is the newest product for sale by Apple? I heard something about another type of ipod (or musical device) that is coming out but I'm not sure if I heard correctly.

Upgrade to pressure flush?
By: HandyBob | 23-10-2007
Is there a cost-effective way to retrofit a grafity toilet to a pressure-assist flush?

Father needs help protecting children
By: tuotsjd | 20-10-2007
I wanted full custody of my 2 children due to neglect and physical abuses taking place between my ex and her boyfriend. I was put thru things that I thought people made up in books about fathers wanting physical custody. I was drained of everything and settled for joint. My ex buffaloed the courts. She has a new boyfriend of 2 years. My children are telling me horrible things going on (just as with her previous boyfriend)such as them hitting eachother and her moving them out 3 times. The only proof I have is what my children are telling me and the fact that the teachers at there school says both children are struggling. My children are afraid to talk because of what will happen to them and they do want to live with me. Should I stick with my original attorney or search for an aggressive one? Should I have a separate attorney for my children (8 & 10 yrs.old)? My children were severally maniputaled last time we went to court, literally grilled the previous night of court on what to say and not say. Can I stop this from happening? They live in Lancaster, CA. Is there any aggressive,strategic attorneys that you may recommend ion that are or L.A.? Thank you. D.Newman

How would I move Grass Wallpaper
By: jlaakso | 18-10-2007
How would I move Grass Wallpaper

Which child are you to your father in your family ...
By: mkgerard | 07-10-2007
Which child are you to your father in your family. Is this usage correct

We use from old type dies for holes at radiator ...
By: danial_lo | 17-09-2007
we use from old type dies for holes at radiator tube plate .now we want to use punch press dies.is it possible?

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Business Opportunities Articles

Easy Way to Maintain Your Success Path With Google Adsense
By: Supriya Kacholia | 06/09/2008
You have heard or read about how easy you can earn or make online money through the integration of Google Adsense to you website. In fact, this is true, to add Google Adsense to your website is that easy, you just need to sign up a Google Adsense account and then add the small pieces of Google Adsense codes into your website; that's it, you can start earn money from Ad clicks.

Internet Marketing Ideas for the Work at Home Mom
By: Ranju Kumar | 06/09/2008
Many work at home Moms are consistently searching for internet marketing ideas that can assist them in making their business successful.

So How Can You Step by Step Earn Money Online
By: Boris Tomson | 06/09/2008
Chances are that heading made most people move on. Articles about making money online or about How to Earn Money Online are a dime a dozen. People see what A-list bloggers

China Has Settle the Debute of Poultry Meat Exporting to Eu
By: Himfr Echo | 06/09/2008
Chinese poultry meat will soon appear on European dinner tables under a European Union (EU) decision, effective on Tuesday, to lift a six-year import ban.

How to Make Money With Affiliate Programmes
By: BRUCE WILLIAMS | 06/09/2008
Before making money from affiliate programmes, firstly, you have to consider if the product you are promoting or marketing is in High Demand. Secondly, Meets the Needs of a particular market niche. Thirdly, How easy it is for people to order for the Products or services, you can be able to determine this by ordering for the products or services yourself.

How To Use Keyword Research For Your Online Home Based Business Opportunity
By: Juhani Tontti | 05/09/2008
Keywords are the hooks with which web surfers can find the information they need. It is clear that more specific keywords bring better results for your online home based business opportunity.

Making Your Own Life With Wealth Masters
By: Ranju Kumar | 05/09/2008
There are probably lots of things that you want to accomplish in your life. One of the most important things is learning how to focus your own life and your own career so that you can make the money you need to make in order to succeed in the world around you.

Ron Medlin Reveals the Whole Truth About (the Reverse Funnel System).
By: Ron Medlin | 05/09/2008
Ron Medlin investigates the reverse funnel system, its founder, and the product it markets.

More from Ruth Harris

How Being Involved in your Community Can Help Grow your Business
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Online Business
Have an Internet business but no customers? Learn a free method to establish credibility for your business. This article explains how to become visible in your local community and how to enhance your online presence.

Setting Up a Legitimate Business Can be Quick and Easy
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Online Business
This section will show you the steps you will need to take to set up your online business to be legitimate so that you can make legitimate money quickly and easily. Review the following overview, then keep reading for indepth information.

To Make Money Online, you Need to Sell Something
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Business Opportunities
Research has proven that you will make more money with your own product or service. One way to research for products is to brainstorm. Just to put all the misinformation to rest, you will have to invest some money and time into your online business. Following these standards of scrutiny will ensure that you have a quality product that is ready to sell.

Building your Website: Don't Reinvent the Wheel
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Online Business
What is the best way to get your website up and running quickly? Learn about WYSIWYG editors and companies that offer easy site builder programs. Also, learn strategies to optimize your pages for higher search engine rankings.

How to Build your Business Through Forums: Using Forums to Promote your Website
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Online Business
Learn how to promote your online or offline business using Internet marketing forums. Find out how to access Internet marketing forums and how to become a part of these communities. Forums provide many opportunities for free advertising and product promotion that will help you build your online business. This also helps to build your money making email list and affiliate teams.

Online Business Ethics
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Online Business
Just as in an offline business, there are ethics and standards that should be followed. If you are starting an online business, you’ve probably spent some time online already and can see that there are hundreds of thousands of businesses...

Realize More Effectiveness by Creating Interactive Email Campaigns
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Online Business
Email marketing is a two-way street. If your prospects are not interested, they will simply unsubscribe and that’s that. It is critical to provide what they want versus what you want to give them

Planning is the Key Step in Designing an Effective Email Campaign
By: Ruth Harris | 11/07/2007 | Viral Marketing
Email marketing is the direct mail vehicle of the new millennium. It has proven to be an effective and low-cost advertising medium for online and offline businesses, both large and small. Email marketing allows easy tracking and measuring of results. More importantly...

Article Categories

Article Marketing

Article Notepad

Stop Duplicate Content

Term Papers

Follow ArticlesBase at http://twitter.com

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.23, 17)

How Critical Thinking Can Help you Avoid Scams

Article Comments

Related Articles

Got a Question? Ask.

Latest Business Opportunities Articles

More from Ruth Harris

Need Help?

Site Links

Webmasters

Business Info

Sign up for our email newsletter