Ask HN: What do you think about Tony Robbins?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1926838

by kolinko • 16 years ago

2 9 16 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Personally - some of his programs helped me a lot a couple of years ago. I'm now thinking of doing a business related to self-help, but I'm worried that people will start treating me as one of these people that sell Amway etc :)

In other words - if you're a vc - would you put a money in a sensible idea that deals with self-help (or treat seriously a person that worked with this for a couple of years)? If you're a tech/biz guy - would you have any objections before joining a startup that deals in self help?

Scott_MacGregor• 16 years ago

I think if you can make money with it, then it's a good business idea. I say go for it, and make a commitment to make it work!

kolinko4• 16 years ago

I'm not in the business for money alone. I want to do things that change the world for better.

jonhendry• 16 years ago

"I'm now thinking of doing a business related to self-help, but I'm worried that people will start treating me as one of these people that sell Amway etc :)"

Yeah, pretty much. A lot of those programs are like Scientology without the threats. ie, if you're not succeeding, it's because you're not doing the program right, but try my $5000 seminar, it might help. People end up spending so much money that psychologically they don't want to admit that it's a giant waste of money.

At least, that's my take. It's snake oil.

rms• 16 years ago

No, it's fine as long as you are serious and your product works. I would totally invest in you with my counterfactual VC fund.

Actually I'm also broadly interested in this topic and willing to talk ideas, feel free to send an email.

kolinko4• 16 years ago

Great - I'd love to discuss some of the ideas with someone. I'll pm you some time next week :)

smoody• 16 years ago

one thing you should probably do (this post aside) is not mention tony robbins when you're writing about the idea. the last thing you need, in the long term, is to provide a means for the tony robbins law machine to come after you for lifting his work. not that they would, but best to limit the connection in case there is overlap between his techniques and yours (of course a lot of his techniques are borrowed, but still). and i'm not saying that he can legally 'own' certain techniques for being hyper-goal-oriented, but anything is possible in today's litigation courts. and i wouldn't want to see tony robbins on the witness stand cleverly persuading a jury that i am guilty. :-)

kolinko4• 16 years ago

You're right.

mikecane• 16 years ago

Go buy and read the book SHAM first. Here's its website: http://shambook.blogspot.com/

kolinko4• 16 years ago

I didn't get the book, but there is a section about Robbins there (and a link to Randi's site) - it was an interesting read. Thanks

Ask HN: What do you think about Tony Robbins?

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