Business Success Edge - Bait-and-Switch Attempt after I was publicly announced as the grand prize winner in their business challenge Reno NV

Date of Experience: May-June 2025

I'm writing this report to warn others about my experience as the Grand Prize winner in Alina Vincent's "Visibility Kickstarter Challenge." What started as an exciting win turned into a frustrating month-long ordeal that revealed serious problems with this company's integrity and business practices.

The Deceptive Prize Offer:

After completing all five daily assignments and being publicly announced as the Grand Prize winner (valued at $15,000 including $200 cash, coaching sessions, and promotional interview), I received an email from CFO Mike Vincent that immediately tried to change the terms:

• Offered only $100 Amazon gift card instead of the promised $200 cash prize
• Said full $200 was only available via PayPal (which I don't use)
• These payment restrictions were NEVER disclosed during the challenge

When I politely requested the full prize as advertised, pointing out that consumer protection laws require advance disclosure of prize restrictions, Mike Vincent became defensive and dismissive.

Unprofessional Leadership and Blame-Shifting:

What really shocked me was Mike Vincent's response when I referenced FTC guidelines. Instead of taking responsibility, he wrote: "After discussing it with our team, I realized there was an error on their part, and I should have caught it before sending my prior email to you."

This CFO publicly threw his own team under the bus in writing to an outside customer! What kind of leader does that? It showed me exactly what kind of workplace culture they have - one where leadership doesn't take accountability.

The Runaround Continues:

Even after Mike Vincent admitted the Amazon gift card "was not disclosed as a payout option in advance," he still tried to argue that California consumer protection laws didn't apply to their Nevada business. This showed a fundamental misunderstanding (or deliberate ignoring) of how online promotions work across state lines.

It took multiple emails, legal references, and significant time investment on my part to get them to honor the basic terms of their own promotion.

Retaliatory Behavior:

Here's where it gets really petty. After I finally received my $200 Amazon gift card and sent a professional email declining the remaining prize elements (due to their poor handling of the situation), they completely ignored my message and immediately kicked me off their email list.

My main email was cut off the day I sent my feedback. This is classic retaliation against a customer who dared to hold them accountable.

Red Flags for Future Participants:

1. They change prize terms after the fact - What's advertised isn't necessarily what you'll get
2. Poor leadership - Management blames staff instead of taking responsibility
3. Dismissive of consumer rights - They don't seem to understand or care about proper disclosure requirements
4. Retaliatory behavior - Criticize their processes and you'll be silenced
5. Lack of transparency - No clear communication about actual prize fulfillment procedures

Why This Matters:

I eventually got my $200, but only because I knew my rights and was willing to fight for them. How many other winners just accepted the reduced payout or gave up entirely?

Alina Vincent markets herself as a business mentor and success coach, but her company's practices show a lack of basic business ethics. If they can't handle a simple prize fulfillment professionally, what does that say about the business advice they're selling?  In my experience, Alina Vincent is focused on optics, promoting a polished public image rather than addressing problems or honoring promises behind the scenes.

My Advice:

If you're considering participating in their challenges or programs, proceed with extreme caution. Document everything, read all terms carefully, and be prepared to advocate strongly for yourself if you win anything. Better yet, find business mentors who actually practice what they preach about integrity and professionalism.

The business education space has plenty of ethical operators - don't waste your time with ones who play games with basic promises.