REVIEW: Wealth Magazine Investor Education complete money back satisfaction guarantee for its offers often presents on the stage of Get Motivated Seminars. The commitment of each organization to 100% customer satisfaction means customers can attend a Get Motivated Seminars event and sign up for a follow up workshop with complete confidence. Tampa Florida, Internet, Nationwide

---

*UPDATE: Recognized by Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Program as a safe business service both Wealth Magazine Investor Education and Get Motivated Seminars pledge to always resolve any issues, feel safe, confident & secure when doing business with both Get Motivated Seminars and Wealth Magazine Investor Education.

I just want to say that was a GREAT comeback to the original author.

From the website for Get Motivated, a person can send their WHOLE office for 19 bucks (or for individual tickets it less than a fiver) and "Lori" has the nerve to complain?? As mentioned by yourself and others, a person is not TIED DOWN to their seat when they first start so if someone becomes offended by the subject matter, then they only have themselves to blame for not walking out.

Wow! What did she think was going to happen. They all "bum rush" her and hold her down until the seminar ended? Or she needed to sit through it all to "get" her five bucks worth.

Five bucks to hear Rudy Giuliani, Gen Colin Powell, Dr Robert Schuller and others speak. If they came to Sacramento, I would definitely go to one of these. Sounds really interesting!!

I have attended three Get Motivated seminars and have found all three to be a solid value (I wouldn't have attended #2 and #3 had I not found this to be the case), although I did not always agree with every speaker.

Since I'm rebutting a first-time attendee's comments, I'll start with my experiences of the first "GM" seminar I attended...

1. The list of speakers were all reputable people, and I know that "the norm" (but not always the rule) in life is that reputable people only affiliate themselves with reputable organizations. The sheer number of reputable speakers appearing at the seminar spoke volumes to me that this is a reasonably reputable organization and a perfectly fine way to spend a day.

2. I arrived and found the very atmosphere to be motivating, even before any speakers appeared. There is something about being in a 20,000 seat arena full of people who either are or strongly desire to go somewhere in life and make a difference. This, alone, was worth it for me. Such an environment is so lacking in our society, and it is a shot in the arm for those like me who try so hard yet struggle so hard along the way to succeed.

3. Was I surprised to see that about every third speaker was focused relatively strongly on the demonstration of some kind of product (e.g.- investing expert Phil Town presenting a particular investing software program)? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended? Heck no. I found it to be new and interesting information that could benefit me to at least know about if not personally use, and in the four years since my first GM seminar, that has proven absolutely true -- in the case of the investing software, I haven't used the software, but I'm glad I know about it for comparison purposes alone. Furthermore, was I surprised about the sales pitch which offered a "buy now" type of deal that you'd lose if you didn't act now? Again, yes. Was I disappointed and offended? Again, heck no. If nothing else, the extended break that was taken immediately thereafter (so throngs of people would have a chance to "act now") was a great time to just mingle and network with people, as well as a chance to grab a bite to eat.

4. Was I surprised to hear so much spoken about faith by various speakers? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended. Heck no. I would expect people to speak from the heart, and if faith has been vital to the success of a few of the speakers (as it has...just read about TONS of successful people over the centuries), than I would absolutely expect them to speak on that topic. Did I find it preachy or overdone? Absolutely not, with the possible exception of one dedicated 1/2 hour session on the subject led by Mr. Lowe himself (Get Motivated's CEO)...but more on that in a moment. What it comes down to is: a very wise mentor of mine once told me, "if someone is offended by someone's faith or perspective on faith, then they're not very strong in their own beliefs." As the religious sort might say to that, I have found the truth of that mentor's wisdom to be profound and my reply to that is a hearty "AMEN!"

5. Was I surprised to find that there was one entire 1/2 hour session dedicated entirely to the subject of faith? No. Why not? Because, if attendees paid any attention, on the full page newspaper ad for the seminar, the informational packet that arrived in the mail, the ticket stub itself, and the agenda or program for the day's events that was handed out upon arrival all stated - albeit in small print at the bottom of the page, but not in a way that I would call "fine print" - that there would be such a session, and that attendance to that session was not mandatory (attendance to any session or the entire day, for that matter, was not "mandatory," which is why I agree with the comment in one post above, "get up and leave"). I saw that notice, and so I wasn't surprised about that topic not being taboo. The notices, as I remember, also had a polite way of saying something to the effect of, "Get Motivated does not wish to offend people on the matter of religion and faith, so you are free to leave the seating bowl during this session" -- mentioned, most importantly, BEFORE the fact, so there was NO bait and switch. Now that I think about it, I remember a VERBAL mention of this as well over the PA system before Mr. Lowe began his presentation. So the bottom line on the issue of how candidly, forthrightly, and repetitively this subject was spoken about at the seminar: I believe it was absolutely done in a way to merely share perspective, experience, and benefits, and not in a condemnatory, preachy way. Again, quite frankly, if anybody was offended, I strongly believe it was because it's their own oversensitivity and immaturity. Sorry to say that, but I believe it's true.

6. Did I find ANY of the three GM seminars I've attended to be a right wing propoganda fest? NO WAY! In fact, I found them to be quite politically balanced and relatively neutral, although perspectives were spoken from both sides -- some of which I absolutely do not agree with but can listen to without getting offended (again, the "strong in your own beliefs" wisdom applies, although this time on political convictions. Folks, put on thicker skin if you have to, for goodness sake -- people "get offended" about FAR too much these days...grow up and get over yourselves). Does the speaker lineup tend to lean a little right? Probably yes, but this is probably to be expected since the business world as a whole leans that way a little to begin with. My guess why this was such a matter of offense taken by "Lori from Tempe" is that - and I'm just guessing here, mainly based on the fact that she called the lineup "right-wing fundamentalists," which I would only imagine someone who is pretty far left would actually say - she is far left enough that people who are EVEN SLIGHTLY right of center seem FAR right of center to her. So, in my opinion, take her comment about "right wing fundamentalists" for what it's worth -- a grain of salt; take a look at this partial list of speakers who have appeared over the last 25 years of Get Motivated seminars (according to the 2006 25th Anniversary Edition seminar workbook):

- US Presidents: George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. (I could almost stop there; the relative political balance is obvious)
- World Leaders and News Makers: Barbara Bush, James Carville, FW de Klerk, Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Marlin Fitzwater, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jack Kemp, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Henry Kissinger, Mary Matalin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Scott O'Grady, Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf, Margaret Thatcher, etc.
- Entertainers and Journalists: Ed Asner, Dr. Joyce Brothers, James Brown, Dyan Cannon, Bill Cosby, Goldie Hawn, Larry King, Joan Lunden, Mary Tyler Moore, Chuck Norris, Deborah Norville, Marie Osmond (a Mormon...so much for the "Christian-only bias" in matters of faith being claimed in some posts), Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, William Shatner, Alex Trebek, Barbara Walters, etc.
- Several NASA Astronauts, etc.
- Tons of Business Leaders and Executives: Maya Angelou, Ken Blanchard, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Debbi Fields, Seth Godin, Ben & Jerry (OHHHhhhhh, Ben & Jerry, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of Left Wing Fundamentalists!!! Oh, brother...), John Maxwell, Suze Orman, Oliver North (OHHHhhhhh, Ollie North, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of War Mongers!!! Sheeesh...), Jim Rohn, etc.
- Tons and tons of sports personalities: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Ernie Harwell, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Torre, Troy Aikman, Drew Bledsoe, Terry Bradshaw, Mike Ditka, Dan Fouts, Lou Holtz, Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Bo Schembechler, Don Shula, Emmitt Smith, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkenton, Kurt Warner, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bobby Knight, Hakeem Olajuwon, Rick Pitino, Pat Riley, Gordie Howe, Muhammed Ali, Evander Holyfield, Peggy Flemming, Dan Jansen, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, Picabo Street, Jeff Gordon, Cale Yarborough, etc., etc., etc.

Yeah, that sounds pretty right wing to me, and fundamentalist too!!!

Lori, give me a break. Your claims don't hold water.

For the rest of you who haven't attended yet: go check it out...
- You might just learn one tidbit that will be worth going to 20 seminars of any type...that's all you really need to get out of it anyway.
- Go with an open mind.
- Don't go gullible, however -- don't get caught in the hype that probably can and does sometimes occur in such an atmosphere.
- Don't feel you have to "act now" on any "deals" presented -- if it's such a deal, it'll be there for you later again at some point; BUT, do listen to what the products are (if any are presented), and learn about them and from them -- the speakers ALWAYS have good lessons to give even if they do happen to be focussing a bit on a particular tool they use or recommend.
- Do listen to different perspectives, even on the matter of faith -- the light might go on for you on this subject, and that's nothing to be afraid of, and certainly nothing to get offended by if you are strong in your own beliefs -- even if they differ. The people who seem to get the most offended by mention of faith these days - people relatively on the far left - are the ones who preach "tolerance" and "celebrate diversity," so if they practice what they preach, they'll be open and respectful and level-headed (not taking offense) if this subject comes up, because matters of faith are part of many people's lives, and that certainly is a type of diversity we should all "celebrate" and "tolerate."

Whatever the case: good luck to all who are looking into these seminars, whatever you are looking for out of it!!!

I have attended three Get Motivated seminars and have found all three to be a solid value (I wouldn't have attended #2 and #3 had I not found this to be the case), although I did not always agree with every speaker.

Since I'm rebutting a first-time attendee's comments, I'll start with my experiences of the first "GM" seminar I attended...

1. The list of speakers were all reputable people, and I know that "the norm" (but not always the rule) in life is that reputable people only affiliate themselves with reputable organizations. The sheer number of reputable speakers appearing at the seminar spoke volumes to me that this is a reasonably reputable organization and a perfectly fine way to spend a day.

2. I arrived and found the very atmosphere to be motivating, even before any speakers appeared. There is something about being in a 20,000 seat arena full of people who either are or strongly desire to go somewhere in life and make a difference. This, alone, was worth it for me. Such an environment is so lacking in our society, and it is a shot in the arm for those like me who try so hard yet struggle so hard along the way to succeed.

3. Was I surprised to see that about every third speaker was focused relatively strongly on the demonstration of some kind of product (e.g.- investing expert Phil Town presenting a particular investing software program)? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended? Heck no. I found it to be new and interesting information that could benefit me to at least know about if not personally use, and in the four years since my first GM seminar, that has proven absolutely true -- in the case of the investing software, I haven't used the software, but I'm glad I know about it for comparison purposes alone. Furthermore, was I surprised about the sales pitch which offered a "buy now" type of deal that you'd lose if you didn't act now? Again, yes. Was I disappointed and offended? Again, heck no. If nothing else, the extended break that was taken immediately thereafter (so throngs of people would have a chance to "act now") was a great time to just mingle and network with people, as well as a chance to grab a bite to eat.

4. Was I surprised to hear so much spoken about faith by various speakers? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended. Heck no. I would expect people to speak from the heart, and if faith has been vital to the success of a few of the speakers (as it has...just read about TONS of successful people over the centuries), than I would absolutely expect them to speak on that topic. Did I find it preachy or overdone? Absolutely not, with the possible exception of one dedicated 1/2 hour session on the subject led by Mr. Lowe himself (Get Motivated's CEO)...but more on that in a moment. What it comes down to is: a very wise mentor of mine once told me, "if someone is offended by someone's faith or perspective on faith, then they're not very strong in their own beliefs." As the religious sort might say to that, I have found the truth of that mentor's wisdom to be profound and my reply to that is a hearty "AMEN!"

5. Was I surprised to find that there was one entire 1/2 hour session dedicated entirely to the subject of faith? No. Why not? Because, if attendees paid any attention, on the full page newspaper ad for the seminar, the informational packet that arrived in the mail, the ticket stub itself, and the agenda or program for the day's events that was handed out upon arrival all stated - albeit in small print at the bottom of the page, but not in a way that I would call "fine print" - that there would be such a session, and that attendance to that session was not mandatory (attendance to any session or the entire day, for that matter, was not "mandatory," which is why I agree with the comment in one post above, "get up and leave"). I saw that notice, and so I wasn't surprised about that topic not being taboo. The notices, as I remember, also had a polite way of saying something to the effect of, "Get Motivated does not wish to offend people on the matter of religion and faith, so you are free to leave the seating bowl during this session" -- mentioned, most importantly, BEFORE the fact, so there was NO bait and switch. Now that I think about it, I remember a VERBAL mention of this as well over the PA system before Mr. Lowe began his presentation. So the bottom line on the issue of how candidly, forthrightly, and repetitively this subject was spoken about at the seminar: I believe it was absolutely done in a way to merely share perspective, experience, and benefits, and not in a condemnatory, preachy way. Again, quite frankly, if anybody was offended, I strongly believe it was because it's their own oversensitivity and immaturity. Sorry to say that, but I believe it's true.

6. Did I find ANY of the three GM seminars I've attended to be a right wing propoganda fest? NO WAY! In fact, I found them to be quite politically balanced and relatively neutral, although perspectives were spoken from both sides -- some of which I absolutely do not agree with but can listen to without getting offended (again, the "strong in your own beliefs" wisdom applies, although this time on political convictions. Folks, put on thicker skin if you have to, for goodness sake -- people "get offended" about FAR too much these days...grow up and get over yourselves). Does the speaker lineup tend to lean a little right? Probably yes, but this is probably to be expected since the business world as a whole leans that way a little to begin with. My guess why this was such a matter of offense taken by "Lori from Tempe" is that - and I'm just guessing here, mainly based on the fact that she called the lineup "right-wing fundamentalists," which I would only imagine someone who is pretty far left would actually say - she is far left enough that people who are EVEN SLIGHTLY right of center seem FAR right of center to her. So, in my opinion, take her comment about "right wing fundamentalists" for what it's worth -- a grain of salt; take a look at this partial list of speakers who have appeared over the last 25 years of Get Motivated seminars (according to the 2006 25th Anniversary Edition seminar workbook):

- US Presidents: George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. (I could almost stop there; the relative political balance is obvious)
- World Leaders and News Makers: Barbara Bush, James Carville, FW de Klerk, Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Marlin Fitzwater, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jack Kemp, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Henry Kissinger, Mary Matalin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Scott O'Grady, Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf, Margaret Thatcher, etc.
- Entertainers and Journalists: Ed Asner, Dr. Joyce Brothers, James Brown, Dyan Cannon, Bill Cosby, Goldie Hawn, Larry King, Joan Lunden, Mary Tyler Moore, Chuck Norris, Deborah Norville, Marie Osmond (a Mormon...so much for the "Christian-only bias" in matters of faith being claimed in some posts), Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, William Shatner, Alex Trebek, Barbara Walters, etc.
- Several NASA Astronauts, etc.
- Tons of Business Leaders and Executives: Maya Angelou, Ken Blanchard, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Debbi Fields, Seth Godin, Ben & Jerry (OHHHhhhhh, Ben & Jerry, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of Left Wing Fundamentalists!!! Oh, brother...), John Maxwell, Suze Orman, Oliver North (OHHHhhhhh, Ollie North, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of War Mongers!!! Sheeesh...), Jim Rohn, etc.
- Tons and tons of sports personalities: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Ernie Harwell, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Torre, Troy Aikman, Drew Bledsoe, Terry Bradshaw, Mike Ditka, Dan Fouts, Lou Holtz, Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Bo Schembechler, Don Shula, Emmitt Smith, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkenton, Kurt Warner, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bobby Knight, Hakeem Olajuwon, Rick Pitino, Pat Riley, Gordie Howe, Muhammed Ali, Evander Holyfield, Peggy Flemming, Dan Jansen, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, Picabo Street, Jeff Gordon, Cale Yarborough, etc., etc., etc.

Yeah, that sounds pretty right wing to me, and fundamentalist too!!!

Lori, give me a break. Your claims don't hold water.

For the rest of you who haven't attended yet: go check it out...
- You might just learn one tidbit that will be worth going to 20 seminars of any type...that's all you really need to get out of it anyway.
- Go with an open mind.
- Don't go gullible, however -- don't get caught in the hype that probably can and does sometimes occur in such an atmosphere.
- Don't feel you have to "act now" on any "deals" presented -- if it's such a deal, it'll be there for you later again at some point; BUT, do listen to what the products are (if any are presented), and learn about them and from them -- the speakers ALWAYS have good lessons to give even if they do happen to be focussing a bit on a particular tool they use or recommend.
- Do listen to different perspectives, even on the matter of faith -- the light might go on for you on this subject, and that's nothing to be afraid of, and certainly nothing to get offended by if you are strong in your own beliefs -- even if they differ. The people who seem to get the most offended by mention of faith these days - people relatively on the far left - are the ones who preach "tolerance" and "celebrate diversity," so if they practice what they preach, they'll be open and respectful and level-headed (not taking offense) if this subject comes up, because matters of faith are part of many people's lives, and that certainly is a type of diversity we should all "celebrate" and "tolerate."

Whatever the case: good luck to all who are looking into these seminars, whatever you are looking for out of it!!!

I have attended three Get Motivated seminars and have found all three to be a solid value (I wouldn't have attended #2 and #3 had I not found this to be the case), although I did not always agree with every speaker.

Since I'm rebutting a first-time attendee's comments, I'll start with my experiences of the first "GM" seminar I attended...

1. The list of speakers were all reputable people, and I know that "the norm" (but not always the rule) in life is that reputable people only affiliate themselves with reputable organizations. The sheer number of reputable speakers appearing at the seminar spoke volumes to me that this is a reasonably reputable organization and a perfectly fine way to spend a day.

2. I arrived and found the very atmosphere to be motivating, even before any speakers appeared. There is something about being in a 20,000 seat arena full of people who either are or strongly desire to go somewhere in life and make a difference. This, alone, was worth it for me. Such an environment is so lacking in our society, and it is a shot in the arm for those like me who try so hard yet struggle so hard along the way to succeed.

3. Was I surprised to see that about every third speaker was focused relatively strongly on the demonstration of some kind of product (e.g.- investing expert Phil Town presenting a particular investing software program)? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended? Heck no. I found it to be new and interesting information that could benefit me to at least know about if not personally use, and in the four years since my first GM seminar, that has proven absolutely true -- in the case of the investing software, I haven't used the software, but I'm glad I know about it for comparison purposes alone. Furthermore, was I surprised about the sales pitch which offered a "buy now" type of deal that you'd lose if you didn't act now? Again, yes. Was I disappointed and offended? Again, heck no. If nothing else, the extended break that was taken immediately thereafter (so throngs of people would have a chance to "act now") was a great time to just mingle and network with people, as well as a chance to grab a bite to eat.

4. Was I surprised to hear so much spoken about faith by various speakers? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended. Heck no. I would expect people to speak from the heart, and if faith has been vital to the success of a few of the speakers (as it has...just read about TONS of successful people over the centuries), than I would absolutely expect them to speak on that topic. Did I find it preachy or overdone? Absolutely not, with the possible exception of one dedicated 1/2 hour session on the subject led by Mr. Lowe himself (Get Motivated's CEO)...but more on that in a moment. What it comes down to is: a very wise mentor of mine once told me, "if someone is offended by someone's faith or perspective on faith, then they're not very strong in their own beliefs." As the religious sort might say to that, I have found the truth of that mentor's wisdom to be profound and my reply to that is a hearty "AMEN!"

5. Was I surprised to find that there was one entire 1/2 hour session dedicated entirely to the subject of faith? No. Why not? Because, if attendees paid any attention, on the full page newspaper ad for the seminar, the informational packet that arrived in the mail, the ticket stub itself, and the agenda or program for the day's events that was handed out upon arrival all stated - albeit in small print at the bottom of the page, but not in a way that I would call "fine print" - that there would be such a session, and that attendance to that session was not mandatory (attendance to any session or the entire day, for that matter, was not "mandatory," which is why I agree with the comment in one post above, "get up and leave"). I saw that notice, and so I wasn't surprised about that topic not being taboo. The notices, as I remember, also had a polite way of saying something to the effect of, "Get Motivated does not wish to offend people on the matter of religion and faith, so you are free to leave the seating bowl during this session" -- mentioned, most importantly, BEFORE the fact, so there was NO bait and switch. Now that I think about it, I remember a VERBAL mention of this as well over the PA system before Mr. Lowe began his presentation. So the bottom line on the issue of how candidly, forthrightly, and repetitively this subject was spoken about at the seminar: I believe it was absolutely done in a way to merely share perspective, experience, and benefits, and not in a condemnatory, preachy way. Again, quite frankly, if anybody was offended, I strongly believe it was because it's their own oversensitivity and immaturity. Sorry to say that, but I believe it's true.

6. Did I find ANY of the three GM seminars I've attended to be a right wing propoganda fest? NO WAY! In fact, I found them to be quite politically balanced and relatively neutral, although perspectives were spoken from both sides -- some of which I absolutely do not agree with but can listen to without getting offended (again, the "strong in your own beliefs" wisdom applies, although this time on political convictions. Folks, put on thicker skin if you have to, for goodness sake -- people "get offended" about FAR too much these days...grow up and get over yourselves). Does the speaker lineup tend to lean a little right? Probably yes, but this is probably to be expected since the business world as a whole leans that way a little to begin with. My guess why this was such a matter of offense taken by "Lori from Tempe" is that - and I'm just guessing here, mainly based on the fact that she called the lineup "right-wing fundamentalists," which I would only imagine someone who is pretty far left would actually say - she is far left enough that people who are EVEN SLIGHTLY right of center seem FAR right of center to her. So, in my opinion, take her comment about "right wing fundamentalists" for what it's worth -- a grain of salt; take a look at this partial list of speakers who have appeared over the last 25 years of Get Motivated seminars (according to the 2006 25th Anniversary Edition seminar workbook):

- US Presidents: George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. (I could almost stop there; the relative political balance is obvious)
- World Leaders and News Makers: Barbara Bush, James Carville, FW de Klerk, Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Marlin Fitzwater, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jack Kemp, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Henry Kissinger, Mary Matalin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Scott O'Grady, Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf, Margaret Thatcher, etc.
- Entertainers and Journalists: Ed Asner, Dr. Joyce Brothers, James Brown, Dyan Cannon, Bill Cosby, Goldie Hawn, Larry King, Joan Lunden, Mary Tyler Moore, Chuck Norris, Deborah Norville, Marie Osmond (a Mormon...so much for the "Christian-only bias" in matters of faith being claimed in some posts), Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, William Shatner, Alex Trebek, Barbara Walters, etc.
- Several NASA Astronauts, etc.
- Tons of Business Leaders and Executives: Maya Angelou, Ken Blanchard, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Debbi Fields, Seth Godin, Ben & Jerry (OHHHhhhhh, Ben & Jerry, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of Left Wing Fundamentalists!!! Oh, brother...), John Maxwell, Suze Orman, Oliver North (OHHHhhhhh, Ollie North, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of War Mongers!!! Sheeesh...), Jim Rohn, etc.
- Tons and tons of sports personalities: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Ernie Harwell, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Torre, Troy Aikman, Drew Bledsoe, Terry Bradshaw, Mike Ditka, Dan Fouts, Lou Holtz, Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Bo Schembechler, Don Shula, Emmitt Smith, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkenton, Kurt Warner, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bobby Knight, Hakeem Olajuwon, Rick Pitino, Pat Riley, Gordie Howe, Muhammed Ali, Evander Holyfield, Peggy Flemming, Dan Jansen, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, Picabo Street, Jeff Gordon, Cale Yarborough, etc., etc., etc.

Yeah, that sounds pretty right wing to me, and fundamentalist too!!!

Lori, give me a break. Your claims don't hold water.

For the rest of you who haven't attended yet: go check it out...
- You might just learn one tidbit that will be worth going to 20 seminars of any type...that's all you really need to get out of it anyway.
- Go with an open mind.
- Don't go gullible, however -- don't get caught in the hype that probably can and does sometimes occur in such an atmosphere.
- Don't feel you have to "act now" on any "deals" presented -- if it's such a deal, it'll be there for you later again at some point; BUT, do listen to what the products are (if any are presented), and learn about them and from them -- the speakers ALWAYS have good lessons to give even if they do happen to be focussing a bit on a particular tool they use or recommend.
- Do listen to different perspectives, even on the matter of faith -- the light might go on for you on this subject, and that's nothing to be afraid of, and certainly nothing to get offended by if you are strong in your own beliefs -- even if they differ. The people who seem to get the most offended by mention of faith these days - people relatively on the far left - are the ones who preach "tolerance" and "celebrate diversity," so if they practice what they preach, they'll be open and respectful and level-headed (not taking offense) if this subject comes up, because matters of faith are part of many people's lives, and that certainly is a type of diversity we should all "celebrate" and "tolerate."

Whatever the case: good luck to all who are looking into these seminars, whatever you are looking for out of it!!!

I have attended three Get Motivated seminars and have found all three to be a solid value (I wouldn't have attended #2 and #3 had I not found this to be the case), although I did not always agree with every speaker.

Since I'm rebutting a first-time attendee's comments, I'll start with my experiences of the first "GM" seminar I attended...

1. The list of speakers were all reputable people, and I know that "the norm" (but not always the rule) in life is that reputable people only affiliate themselves with reputable organizations. The sheer number of reputable speakers appearing at the seminar spoke volumes to me that this is a reasonably reputable organization and a perfectly fine way to spend a day.

2. I arrived and found the very atmosphere to be motivating, even before any speakers appeared. There is something about being in a 20,000 seat arena full of people who either are or strongly desire to go somewhere in life and make a difference. This, alone, was worth it for me. Such an environment is so lacking in our society, and it is a shot in the arm for those like me who try so hard yet struggle so hard along the way to succeed.

3. Was I surprised to see that about every third speaker was focused relatively strongly on the demonstration of some kind of product (e.g.- investing expert Phil Town presenting a particular investing software program)? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended? Heck no. I found it to be new and interesting information that could benefit me to at least know about if not personally use, and in the four years since my first GM seminar, that has proven absolutely true -- in the case of the investing software, I haven't used the software, but I'm glad I know about it for comparison purposes alone. Furthermore, was I surprised about the sales pitch which offered a "buy now" type of deal that you'd lose if you didn't act now? Again, yes. Was I disappointed and offended? Again, heck no. If nothing else, the extended break that was taken immediately thereafter (so throngs of people would have a chance to "act now") was a great time to just mingle and network with people, as well as a chance to grab a bite to eat.

4. Was I surprised to hear so much spoken about faith by various speakers? Yes. Was I disappointed or offended. Heck no. I would expect people to speak from the heart, and if faith has been vital to the success of a few of the speakers (as it has...just read about TONS of successful people over the centuries), than I would absolutely expect them to speak on that topic. Did I find it preachy or overdone? Absolutely not, with the possible exception of one dedicated 1/2 hour session on the subject led by Mr. Lowe himself (Get Motivated's CEO)...but more on that in a moment. What it comes down to is: a very wise mentor of mine once told me, "if someone is offended by someone's faith or perspective on faith, then they're not very strong in their own beliefs." As the religious sort might say to that, I have found the truth of that mentor's wisdom to be profound and my reply to that is a hearty "AMEN!"

5. Was I surprised to find that there was one entire 1/2 hour session dedicated entirely to the subject of faith? No. Why not? Because, if attendees paid any attention, on the full page newspaper ad for the seminar, the informational packet that arrived in the mail, the ticket stub itself, and the agenda or program for the day's events that was handed out upon arrival all stated - albeit in small print at the bottom of the page, but not in a way that I would call "fine print" - that there would be such a session, and that attendance to that session was not mandatory (attendance to any session or the entire day, for that matter, was not "mandatory," which is why I agree with the comment in one post above, "get up and leave"). I saw that notice, and so I wasn't surprised about that topic not being taboo. The notices, as I remember, also had a polite way of saying something to the effect of, "Get Motivated does not wish to offend people on the matter of religion and faith, so you are free to leave the seating bowl during this session" -- mentioned, most importantly, BEFORE the fact, so there was NO bait and switch. Now that I think about it, I remember a VERBAL mention of this as well over the PA system before Mr. Lowe began his presentation. So the bottom line on the issue of how candidly, forthrightly, and repetitively this subject was spoken about at the seminar: I believe it was absolutely done in a way to merely share perspective, experience, and benefits, and not in a condemnatory, preachy way. Again, quite frankly, if anybody was offended, I strongly believe it was because it's their own oversensitivity and immaturity. Sorry to say that, but I believe it's true.

6. Did I find ANY of the three GM seminars I've attended to be a right wing propoganda fest? NO WAY! In fact, I found them to be quite politically balanced and relatively neutral, although perspectives were spoken from both sides -- some of which I absolutely do not agree with but can listen to without getting offended (again, the "strong in your own beliefs" wisdom applies, although this time on political convictions. Folks, put on thicker skin if you have to, for goodness sake -- people "get offended" about FAR too much these days...grow up and get over yourselves). Does the speaker lineup tend to lean a little right? Probably yes, but this is probably to be expected since the business world as a whole leans that way a little to begin with. My guess why this was such a matter of offense taken by "Lori from Tempe" is that - and I'm just guessing here, mainly based on the fact that she called the lineup "right-wing fundamentalists," which I would only imagine someone who is pretty far left would actually say - she is far left enough that people who are EVEN SLIGHTLY right of center seem FAR right of center to her. So, in my opinion, take her comment about "right wing fundamentalists" for what it's worth -- a grain of salt; take a look at this partial list of speakers who have appeared over the last 25 years of Get Motivated seminars (according to the 2006 25th Anniversary Edition seminar workbook):

- US Presidents: George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. (I could almost stop there; the relative political balance is obvious)
- World Leaders and News Makers: Barbara Bush, James Carville, FW de Klerk, Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Marlin Fitzwater, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jack Kemp, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Henry Kissinger, Mary Matalin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Scott O'Grady, Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf, Margaret Thatcher, etc.
- Entertainers and Journalists: Ed Asner, Dr. Joyce Brothers, James Brown, Dyan Cannon, Bill Cosby, Goldie Hawn, Larry King, Joan Lunden, Mary Tyler Moore, Chuck Norris, Deborah Norville, Marie Osmond (a Mormon...so much for the "Christian-only bias" in matters of faith being claimed in some posts), Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, William Shatner, Alex Trebek, Barbara Walters, etc.
- Several NASA Astronauts, etc.
- Tons of Business Leaders and Executives: Maya Angelou, Ken Blanchard, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Debbi Fields, Seth Godin, Ben & Jerry (OHHHhhhhh, Ben & Jerry, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of Left Wing Fundamentalists!!! Oh, brother...), John Maxwell, Suze Orman, Oliver North (OHHHhhhhh, Ollie North, that proves it, Get Motivated is full of War Mongers!!! Sheeesh...), Jim Rohn, etc.
- Tons and tons of sports personalities: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Ernie Harwell, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Torre, Troy Aikman, Drew Bledsoe, Terry Bradshaw, Mike Ditka, Dan Fouts, Lou Holtz, Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Bo Schembechler, Don Shula, Emmitt Smith, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkenton, Kurt Warner, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bobby Knight, Hakeem Olajuwon, Rick Pitino, Pat Riley, Gordie Howe, Muhammed Ali, Evander Holyfield, Peggy Flemming, Dan Jansen, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, Picabo Street, Jeff Gordon, Cale Yarborough, etc., etc., etc.

Yeah, that sounds pretty right wing to me, and fundamentalist too!!!

Lori, give me a break. Your claims don't hold water.

For the rest of you who haven't attended yet: go check it out...
- You might just learn one tidbit that will be worth going to 20 seminars of any type...that's all you really need to get out of it anyway.
- Go with an open mind.
- Don't go gullible, however -- don't get caught in the hype that probably can and does sometimes occur in such an atmosphere.
- Don't feel you have to "act now" on any "deals" presented -- if it's such a deal, it'll be there for you later again at some point; BUT, do listen to what the products are (if any are presented), and learn about them and from them -- the speakers ALWAYS have good lessons to give even if they do happen to be focussing a bit on a particular tool they use or recommend.
- Do listen to different perspectives, even on the matter of faith -- the light might go on for you on this subject, and that's nothing to be afraid of, and certainly nothing to get offended by if you are strong in your own beliefs -- even if they differ. The people who seem to get the most offended by mention of faith these days - people relatively on the far left - are the ones who preach "tolerance" and "celebrate diversity," so if they practice what they preach, they'll be open and respectful and level-headed (not taking offense) if this subject comes up, because matters of faith are part of many people's lives, and that certainly is a type of diversity we should all "celebrate" and "tolerate."

Whatever the case: good luck to all who are looking into these seminars, whatever you are looking for out of it!!!

Why would anyone go to a seminar expecting them to change you. Only you can change you they may give you some new tools and all it takes is a few different dance steps to change the end result. I will go to every seminar I can regardless of what it costs. Just attended albq today and it was GREAT. and a side note a good majority of the crowd felt the same way that God is first in your Success or you will have no success. Jeff Albq

I attended a GetMotivated! Seminar in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 17, 2008. I had no great expectation of the Seminar but it turned out to be great!!!!! It was an absolutely wonderful day!!!!! For $4.95 you simply can't go wrong. Plus the speakers all seemed to actually care and weren't just collecting a fee. I was amazed!

I'm the owner of an advertising/public relations firm and the seminar staff did an incredible organizational job. It wasn't political; it wasn't shameless peddling of materials and it wasn't prosyletizing, though some speakers candidly shared their heartful convictions about God in their lives. And, really, that's the way it ought to be. Our country wasn't founded by a pack of cowards who were ashamed to admit the obvious--God created us and we need His help.

Phil Town was great, bright and likable. His seminar material was a real eye-opener for me, a classic buy and hold type of investor.

The gal from Arizona who complained about the GetMotivated! Seminar obviously has a lot of chips on her shoulder and would probably have been better off seeing a therapist first so she could receive the input without all her baggage.

Any time I attend a seminar, and the speaker uses the phrase "AWESOME!" more than once, or in the context that "WOW, ISN'T IT AWESOME YOU ARE ALL HERE!", I walk. What a crock of crap.

I went to a Get motivated Seminar today and I am LIVID!!

I acutally paid money for this and before I knew it they were preaching to me.

I thought I was going to learn about business, instead I was asked to pray.

How pathetic these people are that they would resort to these tactics to try to convert people.

Whatever you do, DO NOT attend these seminars.

I have attended ten Get Motivated Seminars in the last 12 years. I have taken my employees and my teenage son, finding the time spent there as time well invested.

Do I always like all the speakers? No. My politics don't align with the woman who complained. I wasn't thrilled to see Mikhail Gorbachev or Ed Asner, but I didn't accuse Peter Lowe of running a left-wing, Democratic Party front.

Everyday I work, I use the principles and tips I learned at a Get Motivated seminar. I am more productive, better organized, and my sales have definitely gone up using their teachings.

You never know how many days you actually have left. Don't waste one of them on nonsense. Get up and leave.

If they challenge you, tell them this is not what you are interested in. They can't stop you from leaving.

BTW, what exactly do you think happens at free seminars? Do you think anyone is going to pay money for a location, and then give out vital information for free?

One word is the tip-off for what you can expect: FREE.

Anytime you hear free, you know, or should know, that the actual event will be the complete opposite of free. Free means that somebody is planning to cheat you out of something.

Had you stayed longer, you would have seen the seminar turn into a high-pressure sales pitch complete with individual crooks ready to twist your arm until you agree to buy or sign something.

Some free deal that is!

Interested in sales & marketing, goal achievement, time management, increased productivity, etc? Did you ever think of trying the library? They have tons of books on the subject. And they're free. Hey, there's that word free again!