For reasons that may not be obvious, wealth-creation seminars are popular. The advertisements are invariably the same, utilizing radio and television, as well as full-page ads in major newspapers displaying the smiling faces of known personalities who will divulge their secrets to those present. Zig Ziglar, America’s #1 Motivator, will reveal how to become and remain employable in every economy; Suze Orman, America’s #1 Personal Finance Expert, will explain how to create a game plan for financial success; Tom Hopkins, America’s #1 Authority on Selling, will share his seven secrets of persuasion—and all for a relative pittance. Is it possible that anyone not certifiably insane actually believes a word of it? Apparently so, as the GET MOTIVATED Seminar, scheduled September 5th and 6th at Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim in Orange County, California, will draw more than fifteen thousand persons.

In case anyone wonders what this event is really all about, it’s a marketing operation. Those in attendance will not learn anything of value from the program. Instead, they will be recipients of a series of pitches for such products as books, tapes, videos, workshops, catalogs, consulting services, and instructional courses costing in the thousands of dollars. The guest speakers, who in seminar after seminar deliver their standard spiels, are handsomely paid for their participation. Many of them are truly famous and accomplished: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, entrepreneur Donald Trump, basketball great “Magic” Johnson; the list goes on. As you see, self-improvement and motivation is big business, grossing billions per year.

Although the aspiration by many for fame and fortune is understandable, there is more to the popularity of these seminars than a simple desire for self-improvement. As you might have guessed, the draw is the magnetic influence of celebrities. For reasons unknown, the perceived benefits to the purchaser of a complex investment fund seem more credible when endorsed by an aging television talk show host or illiterate sports figure. But perhaps even more basic is the human instinct to be in the presence of or associated in some way with famous persons. Might it be that somehow the fame will rub off a little through proximity?

A concluding thought:
If you choose to attend a gala performance, listen to speakers with worldwide reputations, all at a modest price, I’ll not urge that you avoid these seminars—provided you’re not induced to buy the high-priced merchandise that will be peddled. But above all, never forget this fundamental rule: When you aspire to rub elbows with the elite, there is one thing you are certain to get: patches on your elbows.