Reader Sanjay Pande sets the Internet straight on what it really means to be a “guru”:
The word guru is from sanskrit and doesn’t translate well to English. “gu” is darkness and “ru” is remover. It is usually associated with either the spiritual or knowledge or both and signifies someone who can help remove the darkness. It takes a “teacher” a long time before they’re accorded the status of guru. The presence of any ego or hubris of knowledge automatically disqualifies them as they’re still considered to themselves be in the dark.
But, then again you’re talking about gooroos, who are different anyway.
Which got me to thinking:
I am not in the business of teaching email or copywriting, I am in the business of being Ben Settle. That means, by default, there’s a lot of ego in my business, a lot of irrational self confidence in my business, and, dare I say it… a lot of darkness in my business as far as the term “guru” goes.
If I tried to call myself one, I’d be a fraud.
Here’s what else this means:
If you are going to use my non-guru email ways to build your own business, with your own personal brand (which I do), you can’t be a guru, either.
Why?
Because you, too, will be in the business of being you.
(And not behaving like your favorite Internet tough guy or boss lady or whatever.)
Anyway, I’ll end this email with this:
The October Email Players issue contains a very simple business plan of action I’m consulting one of my subscribers on now. It is heavily positioning based. And, heavily brand based, as well (via using my email methodology).
It’s a great “jumping on” issue for people new to my world.
Here’s the link:
Ben Settle
