When I built my first website and started searching for ways to make money online, the Six Figure Mentors was on my list of programs to check out. Of course, I had the same question you probably have... are the Six Figure Mentors a Scam?
We've seen the gurus before, promising freedom and riches. I've seen my fair share of scams, and maybe you have to. Many look just like this. A charismatic millionaire showing us luxury lifestyles and Lambos.
Disclaimer:
Please note, I am not a member or an affiliate for The Six Figure Mentors. This review has been researched with information and testimonials that are available online in the public domain. Any conclusions drawn by myself are opinions.
Who Are The Six Figure Mentors?
The Six Figure Mentors was originally founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Stuart Ross, joined later by another online marketer named Jay Kubassek in 2013.
They claim to sell a proven "digital business system" that creates a lifestyle that serves you... rather than you serving it.
There's certainly some controversy surrounding the Six Figure Mentors, as you might expect from a company that promises riches.
Some would say it's too good to be true, that they're building their lavish lifestyles by spending your hopes and dreams? Maybe...
The real question is whether than can they bring you along with them.
Five years is an eternity in the online business world, and since the Six Figure Mentors have been around since 2013, there may be some evidence saying yes... they can bring along.
Is Six Figure Mentors A Scam?
Let me just say it.... yes, Six Figure Mentors is a scam.
It's a scam cooked up by British Intelligence to fund a millionaire lifestyle and hide one of their secret agents, Stuart Ross (if that's even his real name), in plain site.
Wait... what?
Stuart Ross, founder and front-man of the Six Figure Mentors was born and raised in Britain, Berkshire.
And, it's no coincidence that Berkshire just happens to be the home of the Sunningdale Preparatory School for boys, where two innocent-looking bullies, Peter Scaramanga and John Blofeld attended in the early 1960's.
Scaramanga and Blofeld went on to become well-known international criminals of the era... Ernst Stavro Blofeld and Francisco ‘Pistols’ Scaramanga.
Stewart's mentor, another agent... also a tall, suave 'playboy type' who melts women's hearts with his British accent and good posture... just happens to be the very same intelligence agent who years earlier... took down the Berkshire villains, Blofeld and ‘Pistols’ Scaramanga.
You may have heard of this him... his name is Bond. James Bond. 😀
Alright... my sincerest apologies. Among all the things you'll read today, product reviews will probably be the most boring. So, I hope you don't mind me adding a little fun in the hopes that enjoyed this one. 😀
Actually the story about Peter Scaramanga and John Blofeld is partly true.
They are real people, they did attend Sunningdale Prepatory School in Berkshire (and the pictures above are also real), however... as villians, they were author Ian Flemming's INSPIRATION to create Bond bad guys Ernst Stavro Blofeld and Francisco ‘Pistols’ Scaramanga.
As far as Stuart Ross' story goes? Well, his bio says he born and raised in Berkshire, and claims to have dropped out of college at the age of 18 to become an estate agent.
But everyone knows that "estate" agent is just code for "secret" agent. 😀
The Six Figure Mentors Scam - For Real
Alright... back to being serious...
To answer the question, no... the Six Figure Mentors is not a scam.
I can understand why you'd think they're a scam, and their flashy marketing strategies certainly justify your suspicion. But, Stuart Ross and Jay Kubassek have created a program here with real value.
The problem (if you can call it a problem) are their sales videos.
I get why they make the “look-how-awesome-my-life-is” videos, but are they really that effective?
In my mind, when a guru is recording a carefully crafted monologue, while cruising in his or her half-million dollar car, I'm thinking...
- It’s probably a rented car, and...
- They are scamming people of hard-earned money, and...
- Who do they think they're impressing?
Well, the truth is, the videos do work. I don't necessarily agree with them, but self-development and make money experts have been using this "lifestyle marketing" approach for decades. Someone must be impressed...
Heck... I don't own a Lambo (or even a Ferrari for that matter 😀 ) so if I'm being completely honest, I'm kind of impressed as well.
Getting back to the videos... these are beautiful people in exotic locations, talking about how great their lives are with their cars, mansions (I've even seen some with bundles of cash) casually placed the background.
"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't realize the camera was pointed at my 20,000 sq ft estate and collection of Land Rovers."
Yes... everything about The Six-Figure Mentors just screams "It's a scam!!!".
But it's not.
The Six Figure Mentors have some legitimate training here. You're not going to like the price tag, but it's real... and for some people it works, which is more than can be said for a lot of other make-money-online programs.
The Six Figure Mentors Training
The library of training modules is quite good. Whether you’re interested in learning about Facebook marketing, Google Adwords or Blogging… The Six Figure Mentors have you covered. Here’s a screenshot of the different courses they offer.
That's no small list.
Each module is a series of small videos, followed by a quiz. If you get one or more of the questions wrong, you will be forced to watch the video over again before you can move on.
What makes these training systems good (or bad), is how they’re structured. Sure, you could spend hours on Google and YouTube and learn most of this for free... but it would be overwhelming.
You'd spend twice as much time figuring out what to learn, and then just as much time searching for the information.
When you pay for courses, you're paying for a shortened learning curve, guidance on what you need to learn, and having the information structured in a step-by-step manner that's usable.
The Six Figure Mentors consolidate these lessons into a format that makes sense for someone just starting out.
The problem, however, is the cost.
Grab A FREE Copy of the Indie Start Up
The online profit model for those starting from absolute zero.
The Six Figure Mentors Cost
First, let me say... the price is both good and bad, depending on how you look at it. As a Six Figure Mentors member, your primary objective (because it pays the largest commissions) will be selling the Six Figure Mentors.
The high cost is what enables the high commissions... which is what makes that lavish lifestyle possible.
To their credit, Six Figure Mentors have changed some of their entry pricing for 2018.
It used to be $29.95 just to fill out an application and get a peak inside.
Now they offer a one month "test drive" followed by a $25/month fee. This is what they call the Student Access membership.
Twenty-five bucks a month may not seem like much, and you are getting some value for it... but that's not going to bring the six-figure money you came here for.
At least... not for those just starting out. You will get some introductory training, access to the members-only site, some video tutorials and the opportunity to speak with a consultant.
Be aware however, although there is value here, this entry level membership is a qualifier... and ultimately part of a funnel designed to motivate you on to the next level... the Essential Membership.
This one is $297 to join (sometimes discounted to $197) and then followed by monthly payments of $97/month. To be honest, although they have the cheaper option, this one.... the Essential Membership, is really their basic membership.
Now it begins to get serious. The next level (but not the top level) is the Elite Membership which is a $2500 per year add-on.
In addition to the training you get with the Essential Membership, this one adds recurring webinars featuring online experts and leaders, as well as a system set-up certification.
I must admit... I have no idea what a "system set-up certification" is (in this context) or why it's relevant to mention as part of a $2500 per year add-on. Do you need to get set-up every year?
Anyway... the Six Figure Mentor products and price levels are complex, which is because they're tied directly into the commission structure for getting new people to join.
I mentioned earlier that the high prices were not necessarily bad... and that's because once you're in and selling Six Figure Mentor memberships... your commissions are also high.
If you notice... there are some DEA products listed above. I'll explain more about those in a moment. I just wanted to point out that the reason you can make $2000 on a single sale is because even a modest commission rate (ten percent) pays $2000 when someone buys the $20,000 DEA Black (listed above).
These multiple levels allow a steady (and gradual) upsell sequence with multiple products. It keeps people engaged in their sales funnel, and once you're in for a few hundred... it's hard to cut your losses and turn around.
The DEA (Digital Experts Academy)?
So... we've talked about the 3 memberships... Student Access, Essential, and Elite.
You are already into the thousands, but what if I told you those were only the introductory memberships?
The Six Figure Mentors use a very specific type of online marketing...
Sales funnels (also called marketing funnels). The key to making them work is creating a sense of urgency and need. The answer to success is always at the next level, so you keep moving through the funnel.
And, as already mentioned, they are not teaching you anything you can't find in more affordable programs.
The big ticket items on that price list are Digital Experts Academy packages.
The Digital Experts Academy is an education and training program, also founded by The Six Figure Mentors, Stuart Ross, and Jay Kubassek.
This is the crown jewel of the Six Figure Mentors, a big brother so to speak... and if you want to join the Inner Circle, you need the Digital Experts Academy.
There are 4 Digital Experts (DEA) membership options... and for a lack of a better term, this is where the rubber meets the road.
You've already spent thousands as a Six Figure Mentor member. Now... you are faced with the Digital Experts Academy.
I need to be clear here. I'm not judging whether or not they are worth it. That depends on you, your level of commitment and how well you can execute on what you learn.
I'm just saying, the average person may find these prices daunting.
- DEA Silver - $3000
- DEA Gold - $8000
- DEA Platinum - $11,000
- DEA Black - $20,000
Remember when I said earlier that Six Figure Mentors was one of the programs I had considered? These prices are what changed my mind.
Don’t have thousands of dollars to spend? Check out my number one recommended program to make money online.
Is The Six Figure Mentors A Pyramid Scheme?
A pyramid scheme is different than a scam, although some might disagree. It's true, they're not mutually exclusive... a scam can also be a pyramid scheme... and a pyramid scheme can also be a scam.
But they are not the same thing.
While a scam is a deliberate attempt to deceive or defraud someone of money... a pyramid scheme is a business model based on recruiting, with new members being promised payment upon their successful recruitment of more members.
Six Figure Mentors shares some characteristics of traditional pyramid type businesses, or MLM's. Whether or not it's a scheme however, I'll leave it to you to decide.
Some, who have had bad experiences with MLM's may hold some pretty strong opinions of multi-level-marketing already (I know I do), and I'm not here to change to your mind.
Their Six Figure Mentors compensation plan is multi-level, but it stops at the 2nd Tier.
So... tier 1 affiliate members are simply paid a commission for the sales they make, the same as any affiliate program.
The Tier 2 affiliate program however, pays both the affiliate AND the affiliate that brought them in.
So, although there is a multi-level compensation structure, it’s not exactly a complete pyramid.
The effect however, is similar to an MLM. For example; if you sold a high-priced membership to “Bob”, it’s in your best interest to teach Bob how to sell memberships as well, because you make money from his sales.
But what if Bob has no interest in selling memberships?
Maybe he doesn’t have the money for advertising. Or maybe Bob wants to use his online training to market his personal business and not contribute to the perpetual cycle of self-promoting the same product he just bought.
The pressure however is going to be about selling more Six Figure Mentor memberships and products. It's all about getting someone else in.
Through meetings, presentations and coaching, Bob is finally persuaded to sell memberships. And now his financial motivation is to convince his new members to do the same.
And because you have literally thousands of dollars invested, your motivation to recover that money is extremely high.
The cycle continues.
Having that 2nd tier of commissions creates a system where everyone’s common interest is to keep selling memberships. So, in that sense... it's not entirely different from a multi-level-marketing scheme.
I'm not saying you shouldn't join, or even that there's anything wrong with it. I have my opinion, but that's all it is... an opinion, and I'll leave it at that.
What I Like About The Six Figure Mentors
- There is some legitimate and in-depth training here.
- It seems like they have good one-on-one coaching (but beware... especially in the starter memberships, “coaches” are also there to close sales).
- They’ve been around since 2013, and have built a legit business. An impressive one actually.
- If you can afford it, especially in the Digital Experts Academy... a lot of emphasis is given to creating a community and building member relationships.
What I Don't Like
- The flashy sales strategy and tactics. Maybe they work, but it's not my thing. Knowing how hard it really is to build an online business, in my opinion, only sets people up for disappointment when they see rich people describing exotic vacations and cruising around in supercars. Especially since potential members are not yet aware of the cost.
- Ultimately, it’s a membership re-selling membership system... with steady upsellss. Even if there's a real educational product, this type of system gets exhausting, and those who can't afford the higher priced levels are made to feel (intentional or not) that the membership they currently have is not enough.
- One thing we didn't talk about because it's a big enough topic on it's own... is that their marketing system is based on paid advertising model. In addition to your membership fees, you will be spending thousands on paid promotions.
- Overall price. It’s simply way out of reach for most people, and many will blindly go deep into debt to pay for it.
Final Thoughts...
The cost of joining the Six Figures Mentors overshadows everything.
Yes, there may be some decent training here, but that’s not what they're selling. If it were... the $297 + $97/month Essential membership would be their top shelf product, NOT the basic one.
In fact, there are many products out there with just as much training if not more... for significantly less.
The upper echelon of memberships are what bring you into the Six Figure Mentors and Digital Experts Academy community. But more than that... they are the big-ticket items that enable the big-ticket commissions.
If you can afford it (without going into debt), and the Six Figure Mentors resonates with you... this may be the online home you've been looking for.
I feel responsible however for saying you must be committed. As mentioned above, once you're in for a few hundred... it becomes hard to change course, cut your losses, and turn around.
Going forward is going to require more money. That's not a judgement of the Six Figure Mentors' platform... it's just a head's up because I know this is out of reach for many people reading this.
Someone has to pay for your Ferrari (one day)... but not before you help to pay for their's first.
My Top Recommendation For Making Money Online
Six Figure Mentors certainly has the potential to help you reach your goals. And, as I mentioned... it was one that I considered. In fact, I had a $10,000 credit card in my hand, specifically for the purpose of learning how to make money online.
When I learned that 10K wouldn't even get me close to their top memberships, or cover a paid advertising budget... I backed out and started looking elsewhere.
But, with all the scams out there, legit systems are hard to come by. I spent several months researching and testing different programs and finally found one that changed everything and started me down the path of earning an online income.
I hope you found my Six Figure Mentor's review helpful, and if you have any questions, comments... or even a mini-review of your own, please share in the comments section below.
Cheers,
Jay
Yeah I would stick with what I know works over something like the six figure mentors. The flashy sales strategy and tactic are a big turn off for me. Its a sure way to have you spending money and end up in debt in my opinion. I agree the cost over shadows everything. Do you know where I can get better training elsewhere. For way less money, lol, and way more value in training, mentorship and support?
Hey Jamie, my recommendation is Wealthy Affiliate, but it depends on what you’re looking for. From what you’re saying, I’m confident it would be the right place for you. But Six Figure Mentors does appeal to some… flashy sales strategy aside, it has potential. It’s just the high cost that’s out of reach for most people. Not to mention the paid traffic which requires a big marketing budget.
Thanks for stopping by and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.
Jay
Hi there, fantastic review, really in depth and concise, and also enjoyable to read. I found this extra interesting because I actually almost joined the six figure mentors, which obviously would of been a disaster as there’s no way I could afford those ridiculous prices! Nobody should be charging that much for any online course. I’m glad you had a link to Wealthy Affiliate. The training is amazing, easy to follow it’s NOT EXPENSIVE. Thanks.
Hi Stefanie, thanks for your comment. I try to make myself available as often as possible inside Wealthy Affiliate. If there’s anything you need help with just let me know 🙂
Jay
Great review of the Six Figure Mentors program. I had begun to look into them when I found your review.
I must say I am a bit disappointed to find that they are just another membership sales platform.
I am looking for a real system with real training, not some sell it to your neighbor pyramid game!
Thanks for the heads up!
Brendon
Wow… I’m really glad I read this. I have a friend who has been talking a lot about 6 Figure Mentors and now I can tell her the truth behind this business. I checked it out myself because I was worried she would get scammed. What I didn’t like about it is it really is just a membership re-selling membership system like you said. I think it’s also way too much money and I didn’t see anything if a person can cancel. Are the users hooked into a DEA?
I will be bookmarking this to pass on to my friend to read and hopefully she doesn’t go for this.
Thanks for writing this!
Hi there. I just finished reading through your 6 Figure Mentors review and just thought I would drop you a quick comment to say thanks. Wow, this system really knows how to drain your wallet!
I was looking into the 6 Figure Mentors some time ago and dismissed it, simply because of the flashy look as you pointed out in this review. I figured it was just another scam.
What I didn’t realize was the pricing of this thing! Oh my word, there is no wonder that people end up in debt with these things. Good training or not, nothing is worth risking this sort of money in my opinion.