What's A Guru?
Dale King
September 19, 2006
A few days ago, I proclaimed myself a guru on a popular Internet Marketing forum, and predictably, a few people chimed in to voice their displeasure, and strongly disagree with my self-proclamation.
However, I stand firmly behind my self-proclamation here's why:
Isn't the word "guru" subjective?
Doesn't it mean different things to different people?
Don't I have the right to call myself whatever I choose?
Follow me on this, if you will.
Before I built my website, I already had a concept and (USP Unique Selling Proposition) firmly in mind.
However, I needed a business model, so I chose GuruDaq.com
Here's the problem with GuruDaq as I see it.
They select gurus based on popularity only.
I think that's wrong.
That's why I have so many "gurus" on my website you probably never heard of before.
They deserve the spotlight too.
There are many, many talented marketers out there whom you've never heard of before, who are every bit as qualified and talented as the popular heavy-hitters.
They just haven't been around long enough to make their mark yet.
Many of them are like me, new to the Internet.
But does that make them any less qualified to teach and help others?
You may have your own definition, but that's my definition of a guru.
Because to me, that's exactly what a guru does. They teach and help others.
They have their own followers whom believe in their vision.
I mean, where is it written that a guru has to be established for a specific amount of time?
Where is it written that a guru can only be defined one way?
Where is it written that a guru has to be perfect?
Where is it written that a guru can't show their emotions?
Where is it written that a guru can't be an ass every once in a while?
Do you see my point?
I was taught at a young age that before you can become something, you first have to THINK you are what you aspire to become.
For example, many people consider Muhammad Ali the greatest boxer who ever lived.
But when he was young and just starting out, he told whoever who would listen that he was the "Greatest of All Time" long before he became the greatest.
In other words, he considered himself The Greatest in his mind, before he actually became The Greatest in reality.
People hated Ali for being so obnoxious.
Just shut up and fight they told him.
Well, as it turns out, Ali was right. He really was The Greatest, and now he's beloved by the whole world.
Here's another example:
Howard Stern proclaimed himself "The King of All Media."
Do I agree with that self-proclamation? No.
But I respect Howard Stern's right to Freedom of Speech.
As far as I'm concerned, the man can call himself whatever he wants.
I could care less.
One last example, Michael Jackson proclaimed himself the "King of Pop" long before the media finally picked up on his moniker.
Is Michael Jackson the King of Pop?
In my opinion, yes!
My god, the man has done things in music that we may NEVER see again.
However, you may have an entirely different opinion about Michael Jackson, but that's what makes the world go round, and that's the whole purpose of this article.
Back to my original questions:
Isn't the word guru subjective?
Doesn't it mean different things to different people.
Isn't it like asking, what's the best car made today?
Which fast food restaurant makes the best hamburger?
There really isn't any one right answer, is there?
I mean, isn't this all subjective anyway?
What do you think?
However, I stand firmly behind my self-proclamation here's why:
Isn't the word "guru" subjective?
Doesn't it mean different things to different people?
Don't I have the right to call myself whatever I choose?
Follow me on this, if you will.
Before I built my website, I already had a concept and (USP Unique Selling Proposition) firmly in mind.
However, I needed a business model, so I chose GuruDaq.com
Here's the problem with GuruDaq as I see it.
They select gurus based on popularity only.
I think that's wrong.
That's why I have so many "gurus" on my website you probably never heard of before.
They deserve the spotlight too.
There are many, many talented marketers out there whom you've never heard of before, who are every bit as qualified and talented as the popular heavy-hitters.
They just haven't been around long enough to make their mark yet.
Many of them are like me, new to the Internet.
But does that make them any less qualified to teach and help others?
You may have your own definition, but that's my definition of a guru.
Because to me, that's exactly what a guru does. They teach and help others.
They have their own followers whom believe in their vision.
I mean, where is it written that a guru has to be established for a specific amount of time?
Where is it written that a guru can only be defined one way?
Where is it written that a guru has to be perfect?
Where is it written that a guru can't show their emotions?
Where is it written that a guru can't be an ass every once in a while?
Do you see my point?
I was taught at a young age that before you can become something, you first have to THINK you are what you aspire to become.
For example, many people consider Muhammad Ali the greatest boxer who ever lived.
But when he was young and just starting out, he told whoever who would listen that he was the "Greatest of All Time" long before he became the greatest.
In other words, he considered himself The Greatest in his mind, before he actually became The Greatest in reality.
People hated Ali for being so obnoxious.
Just shut up and fight they told him.
Well, as it turns out, Ali was right. He really was The Greatest, and now he's beloved by the whole world.
Here's another example:
Howard Stern proclaimed himself "The King of All Media."
Do I agree with that self-proclamation? No.
But I respect Howard Stern's right to Freedom of Speech.
As far as I'm concerned, the man can call himself whatever he wants.
I could care less.
One last example, Michael Jackson proclaimed himself the "King of Pop" long before the media finally picked up on his moniker.
Is Michael Jackson the King of Pop?
In my opinion, yes!
My god, the man has done things in music that we may NEVER see again.
However, you may have an entirely different opinion about Michael Jackson, but that's what makes the world go round, and that's the whole purpose of this article.
Back to my original questions:
Isn't the word guru subjective?
Doesn't it mean different things to different people.
Isn't it like asking, what's the best car made today?
Which fast food restaurant makes the best hamburger?
There really isn't any one right answer, is there?
I mean, isn't this all subjective anyway?
What do you think?
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