I wrote about the Learning Annex’s Real Estate Wealth Expo in my earlier post, Experts Predict Market Drop, Yet Donald Trump Wants You To Buy Real Estate - Does This Smell Fishy?
Now, Reuters is reporting that the Learning Annex is paying Donald Trump a record amount - $1.5 million per one-hour talk, plus expenses.
You can buy used copies of Donald Trump’s books for as little as fifty cents. And, if you can’t spare that change, you can get most of them for free from your public library.
So, should you spend hundreds of your hard-earned dollars - and a whole weekend - to attend the Real Estate Wealth Expo? One Wealth Junkie reader, webjanet, doesn’t think so. This is her review:
I just had the fortune of attending the Learning Annex REAL ESTATE WEALTH EXPO.
First of all, the seminars were little more than a series of infomercials for the speakers personal books and “business systems” - most costing $1,000 or more. (They might cost $2,500 but they would tell you the Learning Annex made them give a deal!)
They also refused to tell you when Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki or any of the other speakers were appearing until you got there on Saturday because of “scheduling and security concerns” and yet they had 50,000 schedule books miraculously printed and ready to hand out at 8am on Saturday when they told you to be there. And you find out the Trump does not appear until 6:30pm Sunday and Kiyosaki on Saturday morning.
They purposely try to keep you there, because once you have been to 1 or 2 “seminars” you realize you wasted your money, your time, your gas, the parking fee, because you could have learned as much in your local library.
I was terribly disappointed! I actually hoped to LEARN something. I didn’t expect to get rich, but as a new real estate investor, I wanted to learn SOMETHING. Anything.
Obviously I was a big sap, like all the other lemmings. But I would never trust Trump, or the Learning Annex again.
Have you attended the Real Estate Wealth Expo? Tell us what you think!
December 1st, 2005 at 12:33 pm
Why did you go to the Expo in the first place?
What were you looking for?
February 19th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
She’s right. I just attened the 2006 expo pumped and excited to learn but by the end of the day, all my energy is completely sapped and I come home thinking…was that ALLLL?! It is really a series of advertisements. Iti s a shame many wasted their money running like blind sheep towards the slaughter house–I mean, sales booths. Can’t blame the rich shepards though– I’d do it too… anything for money. Fortunately, I got my ticket free.
November 10th, 2006 at 8:33 pm
The Learning Annex is promoting a Real Estate & Wealth Expo across America that promises to make you a fortune. It’s a Scam. The Learning Annex uses celebrities like Donald Trump, Mark Burnett, and others to reel customers in, and instead of the 72 seminars that were promised Anaheim customers, the Learning Annex Real Estate & Wealth Expo had under 60 seminars and not one taught anything. Instead, each seminar was used as a vehicle for selling information that was promised to be taught at The Learning Annex Expo. The worst part of the Expo was witnessing the thousands of people who were taken advantage of. People who need money the most were charged thousands of dollars for products they were told would make them rich quickly. And here is the kicker…The Learning Annex promised all customers a full refund if they didn’t like the products. They don’t refund your money. We need to stop The Learning Annex’s fraudulent practices.
Have you been scammed by the learning annex? e-mail me or call me at 310 403-1774
http://www.MindEarth.com
November 13th, 2006 at 11:35 am
I don’t know if I can be more clear than these people who have already commented. This is a SCAM. I felt dupped after I went on Saturday in Anaheim. I did not buy any programs, but paid for the expo, so I am pissed. I agree, the saddest part was the people who were buying $1,000 - $10,000 programs without hesitation. If I could punch out the speakers there legally, it would have been a blood bath.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:50 am
Thank you for your comments. Though I have not personally attended the Learning Expo event it really concerns me that recognizable names like Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, Suze Orman, and Anthony Robbins are participating in this event that seems to be providing little value yet costs quite a bundle to attend.
November 17th, 2006 at 10:40 pm
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!
Clear enough?
I agree that real estate is a good investment but don’t believe the hype that it can be easy.
I attended a FREE Learning Annex seminar in NYC the weekend before the RE Expo with speaker Ron LeGrand.
It was an all day infomercial to sell a $5,000 course (which included a commitment from your to attend a week long class in Chicago). Bottom line, this guy is a hard money lender that gets people to pay him to learn techniques to look for deals that he would “invest” in with you and then take 50% of the profits!!! Why?!? If you have a great RE deal any other hard money lender would be thrilled to get 15% interest. This guy found a way to make you do all the work (and it’s a lot) and then take 50% form you!
Stay away from this!
Donanld Trump is a whore! He is selling “Trump vodka”. He doesn’t believe in drinking alcohol so when asked why, he said “if I didn’t, someone else will”. That’s right, he’ll do anything for a dollar! And of course he will tell you where he’s building because it’s in his interest to get people to by RE in those areas, it raises HIS property values!
THINK PEOPLE, THINK!!
November 19th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
I attended the Learning Annex 2006 Real Estate Expo in NYC and all I can say is…THANK HEAVEN I didn’t pay full price. It was a total waste of time. The best speaker was Jim Cramer. He gave you information that you could actually use and didn’t try to sell you anything. Tony Robbins was good too, but I had to leave and couldn’t stay for the end of his “speech”. Who knows he may have had something to sell too.
I didn’t even bother to go see Donald Trump. There should have been a disclaimer printed on the advertisements stating that this is nothing more than 90 minute sales pitches!!
November 20th, 2006 at 10:53 pm
Lets do a class action and SUE THE LEARNING ANEX- It is very simple- it is false advertising, they should be paying US! This is just a scam to sell over priced stuff- We bought stuff and it is worth less than a good book. I am returning all of it. The LEARNING ANNEX even tries to HIDE the return form- no joke, it is taped down so you can not find it unless you peel it from the back of another form!
I want to sue them to return all the money they have ever collected for any tickets and any programs. The Learning Annex is a FRAUD!
If there is a lawyer out there willing to take them on contact me at atlarge.mrb@gmail.com
November 28th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
I was considering going to the Wealth Expo in Boston this weekend. Thanks for all your reviews. Glad I found this site. I am not going to waste my money!!
February 7th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I saw the infomercial last night. The whole gang is coming to Toronto on March 24th 2007. Last night the tickets were on sale for $99 (185 left)!! This morning decided to check out their site and it’s now $69 (27 left)!! then decided to do a bit of digging and thank to the power of people via internet, found out the truth about the event. Thank you all for taking a time and leave your feedback. I won’t be attending although I’m a big fan of Anthony Robbins but will pass the expo to perhaps see him in one of his seminars. with respect to riches making money off of people in manners of such: well, I cant really blame them. It’s me who should be smart! and for those who’ve lost money, just get their material from free sources like libraries and so on… it will make you feel better.
cheers,
Johnny from Toronto
February 8th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Flew to Boston from the Philippines to attend the Learning Annex Real Estate Wealth Expo in Boston last Dec 2006- to put it bluntly, you’re basically paying to listen to a series of OVERPRICED INFOMERCIALS- literally! Each & every seminar ends with a sales pitch for products priced at $2500-up,what’s worse is the products that were being sold could be purchased much cheaper price elsewhere or you could get for free just through research…I felt really bad for those who were unaware of this & fell for their sales pitch =( I must say- the sepakers were excellent SALESPEOPLE through & through! I was really disappointed I expected so much more from these so-called well-respected “leaders”.
February 13th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I was also thinking to attend the expo, but got suspicious, especially after they give huge discounts for VIP passes. The price came down from $500 to $70…
There are also many reports on ripoffreport.com
February 20th, 2007 at 2:18 am
You know, most of these types of “seminars” are usually frauds. It’s just too bad that respectable people who sell their wares, elsewhere, and are looked up to in so many other areas (Orman, Robbins, Trump), that it is a crying shame that the people who look up to them are the same ones who throw away THOUSANDS on useless information, believing blindly that they are getting ‘those elusive secrets’ for paying all that money, when all it becomes is a continua bump up job for even more money. A long time ago, I bought into one of these types of ’systems’, and had a somewhat expensive lesson (I stopped payment and became part of a suit). What it did was give me a healthy (chuckle) dose of skepticism about antying peddled in the middle of the night. Just do your homework and research—you’re bound to find some chinks in the armour of these “great” seminars. LOL.
February 23rd, 2007 at 3:00 am
I just made a biggest mistake of my life and got the tickets. I should have checked out site like this first. I called back literally within a minute but they have a no refund policy. That’s a shame I’ll be flushing little bit over a hundred for a possibly useless sales seminars… They try to subscribe me to some computer program, too. The first phone guy was not going to give any discount even though it was advertised cheaper in the info-martial. When I called back I said “um, I heard it is a scam. Can I get my refund?” Then the lady said “why do you say that, ma’am.?” Anyhow, I will post some more after attending the seminar in mid April. * sigh *
February 23rd, 2007 at 11:29 pm
I have become a victim of 8 hour torture as how you can make money.Ron Legrand seems real but he is real fake and the biggest scammer in the country.he charges about $5000 for a boot camp .it is sad.it is not easy to make money real estate.His system will never work in Atlanta market.I know the market.I did real estate in Goergia.There are plenty of people who have cash to buy big discount real estate.the competition is real and brutal.No easy money.you have to work hard.if you luck ,you will make it.you get his old recycle idea for less than $30.get book and read.there are plenty good real estate book that teach how to buy real estate.if $5000 to spend on RON,PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.YOU NEED HELP.YOU CAN PUT $5000 DOWNPAYMENT OR YOU CAN INVEST IN IN RETIREMENT FUND.I AM HOPING TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY LEGAL RECOURSE TO STOP THIS HIGH PAID SCAMMERS.
February 23rd, 2007 at 11:33 pm
I have become a victim of 8 hour torture as how you can make money.Ron Legrand seems real but he is real fake and the biggest scammer in the country.he charges about $5000 for a boot camp .it is sad.it is not easy to make money real estate.His system will never work in Atlanta market.I know the market.I did real estate in Goergia.There are plenty of people who have cash to buy big discount real estate.the competition is real and brutal.No easy money.you have to work hard.if you luck ,you will make it.you get his old recycle idea for less than $30.get books and read.there are plenty good real estate book that teach how to buy real estate.if $5000 to spend on RON,PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.YOU NEED HELP.YOU CAN PUT $5000 DOWNPAYMENT OR YOU CAN INVEST IN IN RETIREMENT FUND.I AM HOPING TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY LEGAL RECOURSE TO STOP THIS HIGH PAID SCAMMERS.
February 24th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Come on, people. Shouldn’t this be an equal-opportunity website? Everyone can complain -but attendees can get good information from some of the speakers, then decide what to take to heart and what not to. I saw Donald Trump and Suze Orman and thought they were terrific and motivating. No, I didn’t run up to buy anybody’s expensive program afterwards - but that is just common sense. There was some interesting and motivating information. And yes, Donald Trump would say to buy real estate - because isn’t it true that if the market is bad now, we could get some good deals. Also the exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall were great. You get to see properties in Hawaii and Costa Rica and Florida and Vegas - and talk to people about it - not just surf the internet. I agree that some of the speakers are out to sell their over-priced programs - but hey, that’s life! You just have to weed out the wheat from the chafe. I think it’s a great event and will go back this year. Can’t wait to see Tony Robbins - see, I have always been a skeptic of these motivational speakers - but you can’t knock success - and I’m hoping to get something out of it. You get out of something what you put into it. There can be lots of good information you are missing - without paying the extra big bucks.
February 26th, 2007 at 6:25 am
well, thanks to my friends john (hien) and tiffany (trang) i was lured into buying myself a vip ticket for $99. now, i wonder if they’re affiliated with the learning annex people. i think not because they bought their tickets that cost twice as mine. this morning when i got my ticket, they felt they been had. i kinda felt sorry for them and i knew it was too good to be true but i still bought it just to join them for fun.
what joyce said is correct. our learning depends on how we look at things. thanks to your feedback, i look forward toward them giving me motivation and their salesmanship. the ability to sell is really important. since these speakers really had a lot of people fooled into buying their overpriced stuff, they must be surperm salesman. so, i guess i’ll learn on how to give good sales pitches. well thanks to you all for sharing your experiences. i also like to give a special shout out and final thank you to my roommate john and tif.
man, i could have save that $99 to pay off some of my debt.
THANKS JOHN!
February 26th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
It seems to me that your gratitude is laced with ridicule. I would accept your thank you’s if only you had not mentioned that I had paid one and half times your price. I now expect that after this seminar that you will succeed in making your millions. After you do so, please give us the money back so we can pay our bills =). As for the motivation, one cannot help others unless we help ourselves. Why the hell you think we’re going for?
Tyffani and John
February 27th, 2007 at 3:52 am
People….. I have attended 2 Expos now and I will probably attend another….
If you do your research, u can get cheap tix for the events as low as 25 bucks….
The way I look at this is that If I as an RE investor can learn ONE single thing that can help me in my investments… then it was worth the 100 bucks etc….
NOBODY can make u buy a course…… obviously each speaker is there to make cash for themselves, thats their job… but if u took the time to listen you can get bits and pieces of info from each speaker that are worth something….
Biggest advantage to the EXPO IMO is the networking u get out of it….
As per the ATL guy…. Legrands course works and it works in ATL… I’m here doing it and so are tons of peeps at GAREIA
February 27th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Thank you all for saving a wasted weekend. It all sounded amazing but there is no way I’m going after all these comments. I have to say that I’m freaked out that big names like Robbins and Trump would sink so low. Guess money is everything.
March 1st, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I drove three hours to listen to the many speakers at the learning annex when it was held in Atlanta, Feb 2007. It was one BIG waste of time, just one long series if sales pitches. The classes also overlaped, so you couldn’t stay for the end of one without missing the beginning of another. I knew that we had been scamed when we arrived and the lobby was full of cheerleaders with tight shirts, screaming peppy cheers and beating inflatable sticks together. What kind of serious investors event would do such a shameless thing. They might as well have been screaming “Look at my boobs and write a big check for this useless crap that we are pushing, you stupid suckers”. I was actually interested in “Ron LeGrand’s course” until I did a little research and found that he spends his entire year traveling to siminars instead of buying real estate himself. He averages 100 bootcamps and 150 siminars each year, according to his own web site. Not much time left to work with student/partners with that schedule as promised in his sininar. Ron LeGrand also sell another course with his daughter called basically “How to sell the suckers anything by putting on siminars and bootcamps”. What a rip-off. Its amazing that some dirt poor redneck hasen’t shot him for stealing his life savings. Another speaker, Don Burnham, I read on the internet has been ordered by the state of Florida never to sell his crooked courses again. He then changed the name of his corporation and is at it again. I hope that this gives a little insight to others and saves someone else from the mistake that we made in attending the Learning Annex siminar.
March 6th, 2007 at 2:40 am
Hey all.
I have to say that there seems to be a whole bunch of people out there who expect something for nothing, (or almost nothing - $200 or less).
My take on this sort of an event is that if you can get to listen to Trump, Robbins, Foreman, Montana or the like for this price, GO! GO! It’s kind of like listening to the radio. You know, the commercials pay for the radio to be broadcast for FREE. Sure these guys are trying to peddle their wares. And yes, some of it is going to be less than valuable to many of us. But, don’t judge too soon. You never can tell, the “free” part of the seminar and “sales pitch” may be of some use as well. I have been investing in RE for over 25 years and continue to pick up bits of information that’s either new or that I’ve not put into action. Some of it I’ve overpaid for and some I’ve picked up in conversation with renters that lived in my properties.
You may be out a few bucks to attend an event like this. Maybe you won’t get your million dollar idea. However, you can be sure of one thing… if you don’t take any chances in life, you’ll never accomplish much of anything.
My advice. If you can get to one of these events. GO! Bring lots of business cards and collect lots of cards from other attendees. Make friends. Make business contacts. Enjoy the atmosphere. These are the dreamers of the world and they can make all the difference in the value of your time spent. You never know who your next investment partner may be. You certainly won’t be meeting them in your livingroom.
Sorry to burst the complaining bubble here but the world is out there waiting for those of us who are willing to get out and do something about our dreams.
A famous quote to end on, (I’ve always been told that that’s the best way to end),
“THE ONLY TIME THAT WE SEE OBSTACLES IS WHEN WE TAKE OUR EYE OFF OF OUR DREAMS”
Go out and dream HUGE!!!
Nathan
March 7th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Hey those counters on the website to buy tickets are totally FAKE! They must be based on timers and cookies…
I went on this morning starting to read more, the counters were at 28…
as I read, the counter went down to 23.. then down to 18.
A window popped up saying I can get 2 for 1, $99 for 2 tickets, so I decided to take it…(you know, while there were still tickets available according to the counter). I went back to the website a few hours later, and the counters were back up to 28! With no refunds or cancellations, how does the counter go back up?
IF that’s not a sign of a scam weekend coming up, I don’t know what is.. I joked with my wife about this being the next Tom Vu scam, but with reputable names.. and I think that might actually be true! (But Tom Vu’s seminars were free!) Heck at lest my ticket was only 50 bucks.
That being said, I’ll go in with a TOTALLY open mind, and try to sponge up some decent information in between all the sales pitches.
Fred
March 7th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Hey All,
Thanks Nathan!!!!!
I am going to take a guess that all the people who have talked bad about it have not reached a level of success.
This event has to be paid some how and our $100 is not going to cover it.
I have been to many other seminars which are free or next to it, they pay by advertising. Take the good stuff and grow. Meet many people.
If I network with 1 person, I made more then my money back.
Network = Networth
Mukul
March 8th, 2007 at 2:29 am
Come on people, all these get rich seminars etc should do nothing but raise red flags! Thank God for the internet or alot more people would be scammed! Just the other day I received a pair of complementary tickets to the Learning Annex that were mailed to my house. I received a second pair of complementary tickets at my office too. Go figure.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Okay, so I went Saturday and Sunday in Los Angeles. I recognized pretty quickly that most of the courses were there to sell you materials. I was amazed how many people were suckered into buying their materials. What I figured out is that pretty much everything is available at Amazon, for pennies on the dollar.
I bought my tickets through the popunder on the learning annex website which gave me 2 for $50. I noticed that the day before, it went down to 2 for $25. This would be the only way to buy tickets to this event. I couldn’t believe anyone would pay full boat. Hell, the Learning Annex sent me 4 extra tickets, which I gave away to people who were trying to buy tickets onsite.
I took notes on commericial real estate, tax planning, apartment buildings, free govt. money, etc. When the pitch started for the materials, I bolted. Any of the keywords, I looked up online afterwards.
The expo did get me to think about real estate and what I want to do. However, what I decided is to take a legit course on commericial real estate from UCLA- something that’s created to pass a license.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Another quick thought, it seemed liked besides there were many people there whose sole purpose was to scam the people eating or waiting for classes. Some really friendly young guy from Noveau Riche Unitersity talked me up. I met up with my friend later who was chatted up by another person for Noveau Riche University. I would stand in line, and the person in front of me would talk about something they were involved in, and give me a card. Then I noticed that the person never attended the sessions, just got into lines to chat people up on their own personal scam.
March 12th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Hi Everyone, I just recentely attended my first Wealth & Real Estate Expo this past weekend on 3/10 & 3/11 in LA. Now I totally agree with everyone that all the seminars were a big sales pitch to sell the speakers products. Still I did learn a lot of valuable information that I took from the speakers. All the speakers were good and had at least one thing you could take from it. My personal favorite was Patrick James and how to really lower your taxes. So my advice for everyone is that you should all go, not with high hopes of finding the secret to being a millionaire, but go as a student soaking up all the valuable information that you can. FYI, all the speakers offered their products/courses for $995 it seemed. I only attended 3 seminars, and all 3 gave that price at the end.
March 13th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Networking and education are priceless. I get frustrated when people “knock” a paid seminar because they feel they shouldn’t be charged for the information. Don’t we encourage people to save their money to go to college. To me, what I can learn from a successful investor is just as valuable as what I learned in college. And whilte it’s true that there are tons of free books and free information in the library, the problem remains that most people don’t have the commitment to follow through. And books don’t talk back. So money spent on a seminar is well spent if one thing can be learned and questions can be answered by a live person, who has experience. How many people do you know who got rich reading a book? Not many, because the don’t follow through. Maybe investing thousands of dollars creates a more “committed” person. Stop blaming and start doing.
March 13th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
I would like to thank you all for your comments. As a interent community we should stick together since we have the same goals, in this case trying to get rich. Now, I can make a sound decision as to wether I should attend this wealth expo or not. Both sides (pro/against) have valid points. Thanks to this website, my eyes have been opened. I will keep you posted on how the expo went, if I do decide to go on March 24th & 25th in Toronto,Canada Hopefully I will find tickets for less than $99. Now that I know it is possible to get them for less.
Regards,
fazooli2002
March 14th, 2007 at 3:02 am
Beware! Learning Annex will bill you $39.95 monthly for some “web service” they hide in the fine print of the regristration page and they DO NOT ANSWER their phone number, EVER! I have been trying for weeks to get them to stop charging my credit card and they will not stop!
March 14th, 2007 at 11:05 am
These seminars offer nothing of value.
All you get for your 2 days of sitting and listening to a few dozen speakers is an elaborate series of back-to-back informercials, each one offering its own set of courses in various ‘get rich quick’ schemes, with most of them costing upwards of $1000. These seminars are designed for suckers who are indeed desperate to make money, but do not know how. These courses will not teach you. The average person will not make any money from real estate as the claims made by these speakers would otherwise suggest.
This is no different than the fraud Tom Vu of a few years ago, who claimed to make so much money flipping real estate for huge profits. The fact is that he never made a dime doing so. Yes, he did make a lot of money, but it was not from the buying and selling of real estate. It was from selling his over-priced useless courses to those gullible enough to buy them. This is no different!
Think about it. If you had the ability to make millions of dollars a year in any business, would you be willing to teach the process to others for a few hundred, or even a few thousand dollars? I really don’t think so! I think is time to wake up folks and stop giving scammers your money. That is why they are rich, and most likely, you are not.
March 14th, 2007 at 11:14 am
To Tim …
“Beware! Learning Annex will bill you $39.95 monthly for some “web service†they hide in the fine print of the regristration page”
I agree! Call you credit card company and they will issue a chargeback. What the Learning Annex is doing is nohing but fraud, and neither Visa or M/C will tollerate it.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:12 am
I attended this conference last year in San Francisco, paid for 3 courses, did not receive the materials for 1 course, decided to return all courses (because I did not have time to invest and to apply), and I got all my money back, although more than a month later. Several speakers were trustworthy successful business people. Did I feel I wasted my money? No. I was not ripped off by the speakers since I got all my course money back. I did learn bits and pieces of information that helped me research more on the subject of interest to me, especially the subject of Asset Protection. I did not buy the course on Asset Protection, but I found one of the best lawyers to help me since I was made aware of the subject. We cannot get rich and make money overnight. Everything takes hard work and dedication. Will I attend this type of seminar again. Sure, but if I can have free tickets
March 15th, 2007 at 2:32 am
Continued to my comment above - Based on my personal experience, the Learning Annex people I contacted were very nice to help me get my money back, although it took quite a few phone calls because they must be busy “selling” many conferences. Some speakers let us open some diskettes in the package they sell to view/keep. I appreciated any free information they offered. There are some critical diskettes that you cannot open the shrinkwrap if you want your money back later. I think that my opinion about this conference is fair, as I am a six-figure female wage earner with a FICO score of 850.
We cannot expect to be a millionaire instantly by spending $100 or so over one weekend. True wealth takes a lifetime of dedication, commitment, savings, and sincere service to people around us, regardless of what field we are in - even real estate. Wealth built on scams and other people’s disadvantages/sufferings won’t last and God will make us pay for it dearly.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:43 am
To Sonia …
“Based on my personal experience, the Learning Annex people I contacted were very nice to help me get my money back”
Do you work for the Learning Annex, or for any company associated in any way with any of their seminars or speakers?
March 15th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I want discount tickets can someone please e-mail me if they have any. Please & Thank you
March 15th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Discount tickets please e-mail me if you know where to get them
Thanks!
March 15th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
It is really unfortunate that everyone here is so negative. I paid $30 for my expo ticket and it was well worth it. These seminars are for beginners in real estate investment. You could certainly get the information from “free books at the library.” But most people don’t have the discipline to sit down for an entire weekend and read books. This past weekend was entertaining and educational. Even if you picked up only a few pointers, that alone would certainly exceed the ticket price. It shocks me that people would use the word “scam” to describe an a Learning Annex event that costs so little. For me, the $30 was worth the encouragment and excitement that the event provided.
March 18th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
i did not attend the seminars because of the reviews i read. there is no easy way to get rich. work hard, live life to the fullist and make educated business decisions. i just want to thank the people who made the reviews so that i didnt waste my time and money. thank you.
March 19th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I’m absolutely amazed that on a website for people who want to be wealthy that most of the comments are so shallow and short-sighted.
Creating wealth is neither easy nor quick. No one can teach you enough detail in a short seminar to be a complete education.
It goes without saying that you will have to take a follow-up course to learn the intricacies of any program if it to be effective. Thinking otherwise is simply unrealistic.
The two things that I’m looking forward to about the Toronto Wealth Expo are: getting to see and hear truly successful people and benefit from their positive energy; and having a chance to decide whether one or more of several dozen programs are the right fit for me to use in my future.
I went to more than twenty wealth seminars before “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” struck a chord with me. Since finding that program just one and a half years ago, I have bought a five-plex, bought 10% of the company I work for and more than double my sales at my ‘day job’.
Get out there with an open mind and see if any of it resonates with you. If it doesn’t, you’ve only risked a hundred bucks!
March 19th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
I attended the expo yesterday in San Francisco. I got the tickets for my husband and I free. So, we went. Due to my nature as a Software Engineer, I am very skeptical of any easy money. I felt the expo was alright. I picked a few important advice and tips. Be prepared to feel like you have been through a TimeShare promotion (you know what I meant if you’ve been to one of those.) with high sell pressure at the end of each talk. As long as you don’t buy anything and leave the room when the speakers starts selling, you won’t lose. The speech from Donald Trump was frank and funny, I thought. I’d like the fact that he is politically incorrect.
March 20th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Haven’t been to the Expo yet, but have been called three times by a Learning Annex sales rep trying to get me to sign up for 1yr+ of access to their site.
I have the free 14days access for buying the Expo ticket. The website info is simplistic and really useless. You could learn much much more on the free areas of MotleyFool.com.
Also, Learning Annex charged 10% as Ontario PST sales tax 0on the ticket, whereas the actual PST rate in Ontario is 8%. This seems a rather silly and mean way to skim some extra money.
I believed Learning Annex was legitimate and above board because of its prominent advertising in The Globe and Mail (Canada’s national newspaper) and itsassociation with Trump and Robbins. Apparently, it isn’t.
March 21st, 2007 at 11:55 am
Unfortunately, I bought the tickets prior to my partner finding this site. I most likely would have changed my mind, especially now with his negative comments about spending his week-end listening to what others (from this site) call a scam. But now that I spent the money, I also am taking a position of picking up some good tips. Afterall, it is a fairly inexpensive form of entertainment, if you look at the cost of other forms of entertainment. (Bar Hopping) The only thing that really bothers me is not receiving a schedule of keynote speakers.
Just a thought!!! If any of you plan to attend Toronto March 24th and find out the keynote speaker schedule - if there is any way to access this site - please - please - let us know. You would be doing a huge service, not to mention aiding in the reduction of a great deal stress from accompanying partners.
March 21st, 2007 at 12:48 pm
If anyone has any educational materials, books, audio, video that they purchased at the Learning Annex Real Estate Expo and you want to get rid of it, please contact me.
StansRoom@aol.com
This expo can be educational but this is just a weekend of live infomercials.
March 21st, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I attended the SF expo this last weekend. I was thinking going when I saw a flyer in my mail saying I could get in for $49. But then 2 days later, I got another flyer that said if I called this ’special’ number with the ’secret’ pasword, I could go for FREE! I figured what have I got to lose. I just lost my mother last month and am now inheriting her house. I thought it would be beneficial to liaise and network and find out some useful information for someone in my position. My first impression the first day, was WHY THE CHEERLEADERS!! This put an amateurish slant to the whole thing and started to resemble those high pressure timeshare presentations I’ve been on. Then came the speakers, one by one, and for goodness sake, I felt like I was in some kind of religious revival meeting! Any minute I thought the speakers would ask us to ‘come forward and give our lives to Christ’ or the almighty dollar in this case! Question time was out of the question. There was no opportunity to ask questions whatsoever. The hustle and pressure tactics were unbearable. Yes, this all was one big infomercial. Plus the hall was kept extremely cold with the air conditioners blowing full blast. When I asked someone who looked as if they could help if they could turn down the air conditioners, I was told that they purposely were set on high ‘to keep people awake’! I replied that instead of keeping people awake, it was driving people out of their seats, which it was. The big question is: HAS ANY OF THE LEARNING ANNEX STAFF RESEARCHED THE BACKGROUNDS OF ANY OF THESE SPEAKERS??? I almost, ALMOST…. got caught up in one speaker’s charm (James Smith), but a little wise voice inside me told me to check this all out on the internet when I got home, and not to hand over thousands of dollars and jump in that fast. Boy, am I glad I did hesitate! Upon doing some research later that night, I found that half the speakers are scam artists, with complaints to the BBB from people all over the place, and in fact, one fellow, Don Burnham,is being investigated by the Michigan Attorney Generals office who has placed a ceast and desist order on Global Resource Network (AKA International Association Of Investors) -Attorney General Office 1-517-373-7117, Case Number 98-182. As for James Smith, check out this website:
http://ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff226021.htm.
Anyway, what a waste of time. The only thing I did enjoy was Trump and his refreshing political incorrectness and bluntness and the pizzas they were selling there! I have now lost respect for the Learning Annex, and will never go to another one of these crazy 2 day frenzies.
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:31 am
I agree with both arguments. For the most part, the speakers just told you enough to suck you in. I was amazed to see hundreds of individuals RUNNING to buy these products. It did not matter which speaker…hundreds of people were RUNNING to buy their stuff. I also thought some of it was helpful.
For the reduced price of my VIP ticket, I sat three rows from Trump & and got to meet Kiyosaki. Personally, this made the trip worth it (with the exception of Trump’s choice words—F this and GD that in front of 20K people). I also thought the Investools speaker was pretty good. As far as all of the real estate stuff goes, it was of little value to me. They did have Trump speak last to ensure that everyone stayed as long as possible.
I did, however, have some dealings with the Learning Annex with respect to another issue. During my seminar in early 2006 (Dallas), they offered a free eBay seminar (the guy did not show up). Therefore, we were invited back to Dallas for the seminar. During the ½ day seminar, we were asked to buy the full system for $999. I had liked what I heard, so I bought the system (important note: they don’t force anyone to buy it). The next week, I went to the course…nobody showed up…in fact…the Learning Annex had never even booked the hotel. While there were 20 other people waiting around with me, we called the Learning Annex. Since it was on a Saturday, we had no luck. After approximately three weeks, I received a call from the Learning Annex offering a replacement class (I already had the workbook and DVDs). I declined, since their drop shipper (doba.com) had wholesale prices that were higher than what the same items were selling for on eBay. After another month or so, I got my $999 back and got to keep the workbook.
Just remember folks…nothing in this world is quick and easy (except for negative things—getting into debt, bad relationships, etc.). The things that are worth your time will take time to achieve. Just keep plugging. My eBay profits are decent and my ecommerce website (www.egockle.com) is doing well, but they will not make me rich over night. The things you learn from this type of seminar are simply little bits and pieces that you may not have known before. We are all trying to get ahead, but it takes time! Personally, I would like a comfortable retirement (not Lamborghini comfortable…althoughthat would be nice). While I’m in my early 30’s, it is evident that I will not ever see Social Security. Therefore, I must make it for myself. If you listen to 100 speakers at one of these seminars and gain 1 thing you didn’t know before, then it was worth it. For most of us, getting rich is a long, drawn out, process (kind of like getting a degree). For the most part, getting the degree is not that difficult; it is just time consuming and requires an investment. It is the same with all of this seminar junk. If you are an apprentice junkie, go to the seminar to see Trump…just be careful of that mouth. He gives opportunities to ask questions. If you do…make it a good one…I saw him butcher some poor kid with his flying real estate robot idea. The kid probably went home and hung himself. Trump kept saying…”that’s the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard…”"Really folks…that idea sucks…”
Go into these things with REALISTIC expectations and you won’t get burned. Just think of how may of these guys have gotten rich selling information on how to get rich. I have a good idea…when I finish my MBA next spring (and finally have some credentials), I will write a book “how to get rich by people sending you $39.95 for a book that tells them how to get rich by people sending them $39.95.â€
Good Luck…
March 24th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I just attended the Wealth Expo today in Toronto (March 24, 2007) because I thought it might be a fun thing to do with my friend.
I actually am very saddened by what I saw today.
Not only did we all pay to actually be sold to, but there is much more going on than that.
If someone wants to sell a product, so be it, but what I saw today goes well beyond selling and treads into the territory of evil.
I saw EXTREMELY SMOOTH SALESMEN like James Smith talk about being good, and treating people kindly, and “what goes around comes around”. And then I realized that the whole thing is double-talk. They are preaching the exact opposite of what they truly believe. Every word that rings a bell in the listener’s hearts, are the opposite of what they are doing.
They “preach” about doing good for other people, when they are actually raping them.
I’m certain that if I were someone who paid $6000 for a so-called training course I’d be very angry when I found out the truth, but as someone who just witnessed it all, it didn’t make me angry - it made me sad.
When I left this morning, I was going to try to sell the Learning Annex the product I sell (biodegradable bags that they could use as selling tools). But now I do not want anything to do with them, and I don’t want to offer them any tool that could potentially help them.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the speakers who were getting paid to draw us there (Donald Trump, Richard Branson, etc) would decide to do the right thing and decide not to profit from something that is designed to fool so many people?
It’s very sad to see an organization that brands itself as being a helping hand, actually be the same hand that knocks you down.
Caroline
March 24th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Just got back from the Toronto Learning Annex in Toronto and all I have to say is, it was a weird day. It was like watching one long info-mercial after another. Many of the products advertised are scams in my opinion so buyers BEWARE! There is no such thing as easy money! The only people making real money from this will be the speakers at todays seminar.
It wasn’t a total dissapointment. I did have some fun. The speakers were pretty good at selling their products. Watching James Smith in action was like watching an episode of comedy central, he was hilarious.
The last speaker i saw was Tony Robbins. He is an awesome character and individual to see live. My arms and throat are still soar from all the clapping and yelling he had us doing.
In all, the entertainment value the speakers/performers gave were good and well worth the 50$ ticket price my girlfriend and I paid (can’t wait to see THE TRUMP tmr). However if you came to the Learning Annex for financial advice, tips and tools that will make you instant millionaires, your probably gonna be dissapointed. My financial advice free of charge, dont be scammed!
March 24th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Hello all
I just got back from the Expo in Toronto and I have to say that what everyone is saying rings true. (no, not the fake positive posts inserted by paid employees of either the Learning Annex or of the speakers) This really was one string of live infomercial after another. I got a letter prior to the course vaguely indicating that at least one of the keynote speakers worth mentioning would be starting at 8am. Because of that finely crafted letter, I arrived bright and early at 8am only to find that Tony Robbins didn’t start until 3:30 in the afternoon. Everything from 8am until then was utter and complete crap. The “hot girls†try to funnel you into the main hall and try to not let you leave with various comments. It was extremely pathetic. As mentioned previously, the whole weeked was just puffed up sales seminars to sell materials for various “speakers†who probably sold their soul to present there. As someone who was once sucked up into the Amway crap, I was pretty ticked off at how the Learning Annex truly operates. They even went so far as to put Donald on the same page as the other Saturday speakers to make it look like he’d be there at the end of the day but the fine print showed he was actually there on Sunday. Why would they not put him on the Sunday page? Psychology I say. Anyways, my friend and I killed about 7 hours walking around Toronto in the rain, hit a movie, went to Hooters for lunch and came back to see Tony Robbins. At least we know what to expect with him. He OPENLY agrees that he makes his living from speaking and coaching. There is no smoke and mirrors with him and he does know his stuff. The only people worth seeing in my opinion are Tony and Donald, but even now I question that as I simply cannot believe they condone these business practices. There is absolutely no way they can’t know what is REALLY going on……
Anyways, because of how the Saturday schedule was put together, I WILL NOT be returning on Sunday even though Branson and Donald will be appearing. (Branson via Satellite) In addition, they schedule Branson at 8am and Donald at 5pm!!!! WHY IS THAT? To get some suckers to “fill their time†in the other sales seminars which are laden with somewhat scantily clad very cute girls jumping like kindergarten students and going “woooooohooooo!!!†leading unsuspecting fools like cattle to the slaughter.
This was a very sad excuse for a “wealth expoâ€. The only people becoming wealthy from this are the organizers and the sales sharks. Now before anyone jumps on me, I run a relatively successful online venture and have been free of my previous job for coming on 4 years now so I’m not some disillusioned nobody who’s never done anything worthwhile in his life complaining because I have nothing better to do.
THIS SEMINAR and others like it are designed with one purpose in mind! To get your money, period! Stay away at all costs, the best part of the weekend was Hooters, sad but true.
March 25th, 2007 at 2:32 am
Agree with KwanMan and Aaron, except for the cute girls. Surely, Toronto has a lot of beautiful women and some of the girls in attendance were more pleasing than the “fun” girls.
At any rate, the Learning Annex is truly a waste of money if you paid more than $100 for two tickets.
Most of the speakers pray on the desperate folks who are down on their luck and want nothing more than to believe that these speakers want to help them. Reality is that nobody has a magic formula that will turn you into a millionaire, as it takes work, dedication and lets be honest some luck.
The highlight of the day was Anthony Robbins.
James Smith was funny at times but he needs to drop the god complex. His presentation style is unique but towards the end it disolves as he starts speaking real estate.
On more than one occasion he contradicted earlier details and while I understand that a parent loves their children, portraying them as deities did not improve anybodies real estate game.
Go have some fun at the Annex but don’t expect to walk away with any secret sauce to make millions of dollars.
As the saying goes, those who can do, those who can’t teach.
Remember, people of wealth do not readily reveal the “how” of their fortunes. Everybody tries to protect their secret sauce and you and I wouldn’t be any different, so don’t fall into the trap of letting your emotions control your money.
My last piece of advice is, leave your cash, credit cards, cheques, etc. at home and only take enough for lunch and the parking fee. This will avoid the impulse buys that you regret in the morning and unlike the US, we don’t have any cooling off periods.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:16 am
I actually went to the Expo for the Saturday event, I to was disappointed in the content of the event and realizeds that i shoudl of just showed up for Sunday as that is when all the speakers draw the crowds.
I did however capitalize on the opportunity to network my Direct sales business. Healthy Chocolate, I handed out 10 nuggets of the purest chocolate in the world .So some good did come out of the 100.00 spent.
March 26th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
We went to the Expo in Toronto on the weekend of March 24-25th. The Learning Annex promised 72 wealth experts. There were maybe 11 - if you want to call them experts. They hardly gave you information, some not any. They mostly tried to sell you their programs, which usually cost $995. We realized quickly that it was just a scam, but had to listen to a few while waiting for the key note speakers. One of them, Raymond Aaron, was just terrible. He was selling a “mentoring package” and was talking about the “laws of attraction”. He told everyone there, that he never did this but that he was going to give everyone a boat cruise. Uncertain cheers erupted. He then said that we didn’t believe it, and in that case, we were right, we weren’t getting a boat cruise. Luckily for us, there would be one more chance later. So he continued to tell everyone what a wonderful man he was, showing pictures of his daughter etc. and somewhat later on said “this is your chance, I am taking all of you on a boat cruise!” Words were flashing, reading BOAT CRUISE! BOAT CRUISE! and people were jumping up and down chanting and screaming. Then Raymond said “You have done it!! You have all won a boat cruise!!!” Needless to say he was scamming. He casually mentioned later that if you bought his $995 program and completed the 17 month mentoring program and fulfilled two goals, you would then receive a boat cruise. Sure Raymond, I hope you can sleep at night.
All in all, the keynotes were good, but the rest was terrible and misleading and they should be sued.
March 26th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
I have to say: what a let down.
No where did they advertise it would be a day of sales pitches for each speaker’s expensive
“wealth tools” / packages; whatever you wish to call them, but at prices in the thousands, let’s get serious. Hundreds of people buying “packages” that will help the careers / futures at
ridiculous prices == big profits.
I couldn’t stomach much of it after the first few hours on Saturday. I even went through all
the notes looking for information regarding these packages they were pushing (no mention of them in the broschure material for obvious reasons).
So when people say “what did you expect”. I’ll tell you: I expected to learn the secrets of
these great business folks (exactly as they described in all their PR for this event).
I didn’t expect to be:
1 — led around like cattle going into a slaughter house.
2 — see “cheerleading” types trying to get the crowd into it.
3 — being made to feel that if I didn’t participate, we weren’t entrepeneurs or successful
people.
James Ray (The Secret) said (when people didn’t fill in his registration form — complete with
Visa # prior to his 1 hour speech — notice the word PRIOR). He went on to tell people that “to make a change in life you sometimes need to do drastic things… if you choose not to fill in this form, it says a lot of your character.” Huh? Is this guy for real? My character says I’m not an idiot who’s going to fill in VISA #’s on carbon paper (the type that makes 3 copies of info) and then leave it / throw it out or whatever: all for his weekend seminar.
I grew tired of all the “happy go lucky” types.
All the speakers pretty much told me things I pretty much already knew: buy low, sell high (brilliant)
One guy pointed to a curve illustrating when to buy a stock (the lowest point of the curve).
When to sell the stock (the highest point of the curve). I’m going to be rich now
I almost smacked the person next to me, when they actually wrote that down — maybe some people
do need help
I went back on Sunday, late in the day because I can only take so much idiocracy. I toned down my attitude a bit because I realize a lot of people were buying their packages.
One woman sitting next to me just loved James Ray (the Secret). She was yelling positive re-enforcements
back at him when he was giving his speech — I felt out of place.
I felt a lot of folks there were willing to try anything to be successful. I felt that a lot of people were victimized this past weekend.
I can go on for a while… but anyone reading this gets my general feeling for this event.
I hope others out there don’t get suckered. Please use the internet, connect with other people
online — there are resources out there to find real estate (it’s not as easy as these speakers
make it seem — but it can be done at a much lower cost to yourself).
Kind Regards.
/Drakes.
March 26th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
I attended the Toronto Expo in March and yes, most of it sucked.
I was very happy I got to see Tony Robbins, and this was worth the price of admission. Donald was entertaining and Harry Stintson (a toronto real estate guy) was most informative and even took a few tongue-in-cheek jabs at all the other BS speakers! I signed up to go again next year for $30 VIP. Because I live close to the convention centre, next year I will only attend the key note speakers I like and not bother with any of the other BS
March 26th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
I also attended the Toronto Expo (March 24-25, 2007) and I enjoyed most of it.
I got tickets 2 for $99. But I found a two for $50 coupon code after I bought the tickets. So that sucked. But hey, airfares fluctunate all the time, so it’s supply and demand…
I thought the “money dance” was silly but some people seemed to enjoyed it and nevertheless, I enjoyed watching the dance off at the end. It was funny.
Anyways, I attended all of the keynotes and if you can just accept the fact that they will sell you something at the end (though not all keynotes did), you will get something out of it. I thought it was of great entertainment and motivational value. And I did learn something new from almost all keynotes. In addition, they also reconfirmed my own studies and beliefs in wealth building. Most importantly, my partner is finally convinced of the importance of setting financial goals and giving back.
It’s just an experience that you should try it yourself to decide whether it is for you or not, instead of listening to others’ opinion since different people learn different things in different ways at different stage of their life.
What worked for me might not work for you and vice versa.
I did also buy a package b/c I don’t know what I don’t know. Plus the potential upside of a $995 package is way higher than my $4000 MBA course (that’s one course!) So whether it is expensive or not is all relative.
Good luck on setting and achieving your own financial goals!
March 26th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
“This really was one string of live infomercial after another.”
Of course it was! It was a SCAM! See my post back on March 14th.
The Learning Annex is little more than a criminal organization based on fraud and deceit, and really should be shut down.
I agree with an earlier poster that the Learning Annex should actually be paying people to go and listen to such a pile of crap, not the other way around.
What everyone should do now is call their credit card companies and do a chargeback due to mis-representation of the 2 day infomercial. You may be very surprised at just how easy it is to get your money back. And with some luck, the Learning Annex may even lose their CC Merchant status.
March 28th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
It’s amazing to see the number of comments that just blatantly shoot everything down. I wonder how you will honestly do anything in your life. What did everyone expect the Expo to be? Have you been to an expo of any kind? It is always filled to the brim with salesman and ‘eye candy’ have you ever been to the auto show?? Do they teach you how to be successful race car driver?? I think a lot of your expectations are ridiculous.
The one thing that is appreciative is that Joanne posting on March 26/2007, actually is going to a course that most of you deem a ’scam’. I think that speaking for the interested parties on this forum we would all love to hear what you thought of your $995 package Joanne. I am contemplating doing a similar program, and I gave my card to the woman next to me in the seminar and told her to contact me if she wants to know how it went. Expensive experiment? Maybe. Is it worth trying? Absolutely. Ok. $6k not so much, but $1000 for two is definitely doable.
Please let us know Joanne, you seem to be one of the few people that don’t just rant here.
Cheers.
March 29th, 2007 at 10:43 am
We are not ranting: NO WHERE on ANY advertising did it say it was a day full of infomercials — NO WHERE. I challenge anyone to provide me one piece of advertising where it says you will be subjected to hours of strong sales pitches — then I’ll back off. Instead we were told to come and learn the secrets… blah blah blah.
NO WHERE. That is mis-representation and definately for the purpose of misleading it’s audience. Calling it anything else is total denial of truth of what really transpired there.
I’m sorry some folks need to justify they spent their money for their “legitimate reason”, but people should wake up and call an infomercial really what it is.
March 29th, 2007 at 11:07 am
I recently attended the Learning Annex weekend. Yes I paid $100 plus parking plus food and YES in many ways it was like a weekend of infomercials BUT come on people!!!!!….are you not smart individuals who have a brain and your own power to say NO to spending money on the kits each speaker was selling!!! I can’t stand all these NAY SAYERS who put this down!!! THAN DON’T GO AND SIT ON YOUR DIRTY COUCHES AND WATCH TV!
If you go there and listen and even took home just a little of what each speaker was talking about, than you are far better off than sitting at home watching CSI! Well, that’s if you want to actually learn something.
I’m telling you this weekend was VERY inspiring and NO I did not have to spend thousands! But that is the difference between actual doers and fans sitting on the sidelines crying that this was a waste of time!
March 30th, 2007 at 3:27 am
I was shocked that the Expo was a string of infomercials. However, I have an open mind and I did enjoy my first expo.
I am a beginner real-estate investor with two properties and small positive cashflow and am ready to go to the next level. I have to admit I learned a lot of things from all the speakers despite their predictable sales tactics at the end.
I did research on Saturday night and found all the speakers on the internet were offering their CDs for the same price or less from their website! Reggie Brooks was the only speaker who’s internet price matched his learning annex offer.
I did end up buying Shemin’s package which I have been listening to and have learned a lot of things I didn’t know. All this info will help me as I delve more into real-estate investing. I will warn those who bought packages that the free training that’s offered is another INFORMERCIAL to plunk even more money into their mentoring programs ($5000-$15000)–thank you http://www.realestatecoursereviews.com/
I liked keynote Harry Stinson: he actually warned us about the dangers of RE that none of the other speakers mention. Donald was great entertainment and again, a practical fellow.
I bought VIP tickets to go back next year; only because I learned a few things this year and expect to next year. I met a lady while waiting for Trump who taught me about having multi-corperations for asset protection and getting free money from the government. Chris Johnson’s Free Money information is great.
Learning Annex was unscrupulous in promoting 72 speakers when there were less than 20 and not disclosing when Donald Trump would be appearing. I was charged $40 U.S. for their mylearningannex.com but I called and yelled at them and got a refund right away. If you don’t get a refund, call your Credit card company and ask for a charge-back and say you never consented to purchasing this online service.
All in all, what I took away this weekend I will use this year. I just submitted my first grant proposal two days ago!
March 30th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Drakes says:
“We are not ranting: NO WHERE on ANY advertising did it say it was a day full of infomercials — NO WHERE. I challenge anyone to provide me one piece of advertising where it says you will be subjected to hours of strong sales pitches — then I’ll back off.”
Don’t waste you time, Drakes! The only people who will argue against these mass infomercials being scams are those who promote them or have a vested interest in them. I, like you, would be more than happy to back off if anyone could provide me with any degree of verifiable proof that they ever made money from taking any of the over-priced courses being offered.
I would strongly doubt if anyone ever has.
March 30th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
These Expos are deceptive. I am looking at one of their online ads and Trump is claiming to “teach you all my secrets to becoming a billionaire” at the Expo. !
Can anyone claim to have walked away with even ONE actual SECRET of his, let alone “all”?
This Expo is getting the bad reputation it deserves.
This is pathetic.
April 4th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
If you expect to learn the whole system from a series of 90 minute speeches, you are deceiving yourselves.
The information provided is great. If you are too cheap to pay for more information, that is your problem!
April 10th, 2007 at 12:11 am
“The information provided is great. If you are too cheap to pay for more information, that is your problem!”
Funny! That’s what every low-life scammer says!
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:15 am
This is a FRAUD show and the only people that make money are the organizers and speakers at the show. 20% -30% of people buy something at the show. Return the stuff with in 3 days and get your money back. And write to the BBB.com or the Attorney General office for doing this
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Info at Phila L.A. Expo was helpful.
Reggie Brooks said there’s less competition buying abandoned properties and I believe him. Mr. James is a funny and entertaining speaker, and, like the others he motivates people with his optimism. But I didn’t buy his course.
April 24th, 2007 at 5:30 am
Hello everyone,
I just want to add my two cents and once and for all make this clear to everyone out there reading this.
I used to work for the learning annex and the real estate wealth expo as a table manager for their main hall, I traveled the country with them and I have their training manuals and I remember their unethical, scandalous procedures very well.
I can tell you with certainty that the real estate wealth expo and the learning annex are in the business of making $$$$$$$$. I’m talking in the 7 figure range. Some of these outdated, overpriced “educational” packages they sell are even produced by them.
I also know for a fact that if you are a business person in the real estate industry and you are thinking of spending $5k or $10k for 2 booth spaces at the expo - DON’T DO IT!! - you will waste your money undoubtebly. I know of not one but several companies who did generate a single sale because of how the learning annex did not care to drive traffic to the exhibitors hall where these companies are advertising their goods and/or services.
It makes me sick to this day when I think of the thousands of people I sold some real expensive seminar package and/or DVD’s. I used to be a financial consultant, that was the reason I could not keep doing what I was doing I felt wrong telling people to buy this $1k kit or $10k kit when I knew that what I was selling was not worth that and that these people could go invest that or use it for their first home down payment or so many other investment opportunities there are.
To the people who write nice comments and what not, most are full of it. They either work for the learning annex or one of the speakers.
Yes, Donald and Tony do get alot of the $$$$$$$ the learning annex and real estate wealth expo makes from the admission to the expo, kits sold and exhibitor booth spaces sold but most of the money goes to none other than Mr. William Zanker or otherwise known as Bill Zanker founder of the learning annex.
He gives jews and new yorkers a bad name………………
May 7th, 2007 at 7:47 am
READ THIS - FIND OUT WHAT YOU ARE BUYING.
I understand where all the negative comments are comming from.
We attended the Toronto Expo March 2007. What was adertised was very different then what was presented. However, we had seats very close to the front and enjoyed the likes of Donald, Tony, and George.
We bought into one of the courses from the least polished sales pitches - Don Burnham.
My wife and I are by no means power investers, but we do dabble, and we have decided to spend more time in RE investing. So when we attended the seminar, we were very disappointed.
RED FLAG
We listened to a 1 hour introduction which basically was an “audience inoculation” period to redirect any potential negativity that will occur during the next couple of days. A trick lawyers use on jurors in a court room - hmmm our speaker said he was a lawyer.
RED FLAG
We were told to bring lots of business cards so that we can network. (We sell mortgages - yahoo - what a great hit, all these investors). But our trainer “Tim” said we could not network or swap cards. (one of us might have googled them the first night and warn the rest).
RED FLAG
We were “directed” to fill out a form with all our personal information SIN (SSN) included and sign the bottom. This was a disguesed credit application. We had to hand it in as we left the room for our first break to get together with our mentor. (We passed on filling in the form).
RED FLAG
Our breaks basically gathered around our mentors - again keeping the group from drifting into negativity.
RED FLAG
When we came back “Tim” said that a credit check was being performed on everybody, and they would individually meet with us to address the individual needs.
HELLO 20% of your bekon score is based on “seeking” credit
What a great way to qualify your customers before you sit down with them.
RED FLAG
“Tim” and Don Burnham married the same woman. They both told the exact same story on how it took 7 years of “asking for a hand in marriage” before their wives relented. We picked up 3 more stories that they both took credit for. Ouch! credibilty issue here.
RED FLAG
Our first day is over, and we have homework. One of our assignments for the eveinging is to phone our credit card company and increase our credit limit. Now “Tim” instructs us how to do this in such a way as to prevent the CC company conducting their own credit check on us. 2 hits in one day - not good. “Tim” was decent enough to tell us after the fact that seeking credit affects our rating.
SERIOUSLY - We should not have a limit any higher then what our monthly cash flow can support. There should never be an outstanding balance on your credit card. Holding credit is expensive - especially on a card, and especially if its consumer debt. Your credit card should be used as a “convenience” for holding cash your pocket, not to be used to spend money you don’t have. Investment debt should be carefully planned out. (Sorry for the lecture)
RED FLAG
Guess why we increased our credit limit last night. Well today we found out the purchase price of the courses. Many levels from $25K - $95K. But today we get a deal, $10K to $55K. Thankfully it was Canadian funds. - too bad we are trading at 0.90 the last couple of days.
The rest of the second day, my wife and I tried to convince as many people as possible, to BE CAREFUL!.
Being a memeber of IAI, many RE deals will be offered, but based on the level ($55K being the highest) priority will be given to the top. I figure being at the bottom level, I can still see these properties, because all their seed money has been exhausted.
We did not attend the third day. Like the Learning Annex, what was advertised, is not what was delivered. This was another highly focused infommercial.
What did I learn? 3 50pound open bags of charcoal that are allowed to sit in a unventalated house for at least 3 days, will remove all the foul musty odors.
What else? I really know a lot more then what I give myself credit for.
$1000 well spent.
Will I go again. Yes, if only to warn other people.
May 8th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I have attended many of these seminars and have met lots of people who have been extremely successful with the help of the expo. Yes a few of the speakers sell educational products and additional training but no one makes you buy it! The sales breaks takes about 10-15 minutes during the break between speakers. (not all speakers have product to offer) You are not required to buy anything! What you get for the price of a ticket is a steal….2 full days of education and motivation to succeed by the best of the best in the business…and TONS of networking connections and contacts. What you do with your 2 days is up to you!!! You can sit around and bitch that things are sold there so it must be a skam or you can get out and attend a seminar and get motivated to achieve your goals. For the price of a pair of shoes, you get 2 days of information, networking, and get entertained by some amazing and entertaining celebrity speakers. think about it….what does $79 buy these days. This could be the best $79 you ever spent. Think about the price of education at a college in this day and age….nothing is for free, i am not sure what fantasy world you are living in if you think it is. Its an investment for education for your future. IF you are too stupid to see that, then you are doomed to fail.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:10 am
I saw a lot of negative comments and a few positive comments and I’m the type of person, I’m intelligent enough to make my own decision on this sort of thing. But - of all of the comments mentioning “coupon codes” I didn’t see a single coupon code. Maybe I missed it.
If your one of those who found a coupon code for a free or almost free VIP pass, pass on the wealth!
May 31st, 2007 at 12:14 am
I called and talked with kathy and then the manager Devin willis. I was treated with respect and my concerns were anwsered.
June 9th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
I would like to also add my 2 cents as a former employee to the annex. I worked at the headquarters in NYC and have never had to question my morals so many times working for this deceit machine. Of course the company for the most part keeps the employees in the dark about the inner workings of the company to prevent the lackeys from gaining a perspective. The Learning Annex is in business for QUICK money. They realize that this whole Trump expo thing is only a novelty and will die out within another year or so. I’ve witnessed/been privy to countless acts of deceit, lies, fraud and other scheming machinations. This is an evil company that doesn’t give a damn about their customers and is in it for the quick dollar as they are trying to get your money before you wise up and ask too many questions. A company that advocates so many frauds…Raymond Aaron/Robert Shemin/James Smith/Don Burnham….and countless others should be driven out of existence immediately! The expo is one giant sales pitch, and unless you like high pressure salesman trying to sell you some farce of a specialty course they think they invented, you will be ultimately let down. Anyone posting good things on this site about the annex are working for them…and it’s quite apparent based on the verbage used and the ENTHUSIASM! I strongly urge you to do your research online and you’ll find that all of this information that these “professionals” sell is available for free online…or at your library. Don’t buy any products at the expo. What you buy at the expo usually leads to a bootcamp in which they try to sell you even higher priced “bootcamps” in the 30-100k range. I can’t tell you how many nightmares i’ve heard, and how many people have cried over the phone because of these deceitful programs. Save your money, and do your own research…it always pays. By the way the president Bill Zanker will order that 20 people are fired….including the one ethical director, so that he can take a pay increase. Karma will come back to haunt these villains down the line. They all have it coming, and sadly enough they aren’t smart enough to realize it. They are conniving, greedy, filthy animals who only care about the $. If you don’t want to take my word for it…read the other former employee’s testimonial above.
June 25th, 2007 at 6:15 am
It never occurred to me to attend the Wealth Expo in NYC as I
thought it was ONLY about real estate.
However, a friend and I attended another free seminar and were
gifted FREE tickets to the Wealth Expo.
Seeing that Anthony Robbins was going to be there I was very
excited. I am a follower of Anthony Robbins and have been to one
of his life seminars before.
It is true, the Learning Annex was not helpful to let me know
when Tony would be on. I was not willing to go there early in
the morning in the hopes that I would see him - as much as I
wanted to see and hear him.
However, when Saturday rolled around I finally got someone to
tell me he would be on in the afternoon and I did attend.
Anthony Robbins NEVER disappoints.
I will say, I thought to myself… I should have made better use
of the FREE ticket as there were a few other speakers I would
have liked to hear as their subjects interested me. I did not
realize this until I heard about them from others. I really did
not know what the expo was all about until I got there and I did
get there later in the day.
One *does not* have to purchase anything in order to get value
from the information. All of these seminars, whether free or pay
are there to sell something. One just has to use common sense.
The motivation and inspiration is invaluable, no matter where or
who it comes from. To rob yourself of any opportunity to learn is
self defeating.
For me, I did want to buy one of Tony’s products, but it was not
offered during his talk. I never had time to visit the
exhibition floor as I was given incorrect information as to when
it would close for the day.
However, it was ironic… A few days later I got an email from
the Robbins Research (I am on the mailing list) and the product I
wanted was on a good discount. I did buy it, but it had nothing
to do with my visit to the expo. I have done a few other
programs of Tony’s and found him motivating, inspirational and
helpful to get my life on track after 911.
We just have to be realistic. I did not go to the expo to get
rich. IF I got rich as a side effect, then that would have
been marvelous, but my intention was to see what I could learn.
I am hoping to go back this year, but will look for cheap or free
tickets.
I am not looking to buy or sell real estate, but I am interested
in learning.
Donald Trump is a delight to listen to. One thing he is adamant
about is NEVER GIVE UP!!!
My advice is to be open. Life in challenging enough… Listen,
but… Make your own decisions.
Lots of good information was given here about how to get discount
tickets. That in itself is invaluable.
Roz Fruchtman, NYC / http://www.SayItWithEcards.com
June 28th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
WOW! I am AMAZED by some of these comments on here. Are you really all okay with playing the victim card?
Okay, first we need to recognize that this is a business… for the learning annex… for the keynotes… for the investors. These people have made millions in real estate, etc. and guess what? They had to start somewhere, too! This is their passion!
Ever been passionate about something? Didn’t you want to share that info with everybody? If you did it enough, and more and more people kept knocking on your door for the information you could provide, do you think you’d start using more of your time helping others and less of your time focusing on your passion? I don’t blame these guys for wanting to leverage themselves! Good for them! They’ve worked hard and have a lot of knowledge to share so why not o