Comments on: Why I Never Want to Be Called a Guru … part 1

By: Robert 'ResumeGuru' Dagnall

Robert 'ResumeGuru' Dagnall — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:54:28 +0000

A client with some knowledge of Sanskrit told me that the root meaning of “guru” is someone who guides you from darkness into light ('gu'=dark, 'ru'=light). That resonates with my own sense of calling, and has a dash of whimsy that pedestrian “expert” lacks. No interest in having an entourage, either.

Further, speaking of wardrobe malfunctions, nobody will question why I'm running around in a bathrobe in my old age. That's just an accepted part of guru personal branding.

By: heidialexandrapollard

heidialexandrapollard — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:39:47 +0000

Gosh I so relate to this – after flying all the way to the US from Australia – yes 18 hours travel I found the guru I went to see and listen to strangely distant and not just from me – from the entire audience – apart from the odd staged audience mingle for the cameras it did feel like there was an invisible barrier shield put up between us all. And then at the VIP party we paid to attend the guru spent the night on a balcony overlooking the party – why not come down and join in the fun and be part of something you inspired. I think they've (their team and they) have overthought the celebrity brand bit a little too much. Ho hum wish I had been able to attend a couple of years ago when it would have been more intimate and face to face.

By: Lisa Larter

Lisa Larter — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:04:07 +0000

Great video! Love how authentic you are and your points about being accessible and building relationships. People buy from those they like and trust. Those they have relationships with. They don't want to do business with people who they cannot reach or relate to. I have an assistant, but she does NOT respond to my email, my voice mail or any of my social media accounts. She is not me and thus cannot communicate the same way.

I do get her to follow up, to remind me to get back to people, to let me know what is important etc. I use her to assist me in growing my business. The top priority thought, the relationships, the wins and losses with my clients are 100% mine.

By: 7 Reasons for Doing a Fast or The Master Cleanse | Raw Foods Witch

7 Reasons for Doing a Fast or The Master Cleanse | Raw Foods Witch — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:02:39 +0000

[...] my friend Elizabeth P.W. reminded me that it’s okay not to have all the answers. She voiced what I’ve been noticing around the web: people trust those who are honest with them, even if [...]

By: talentdiva

talentdiva — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:33:35 +0000

Great post Elizabeth. I so hate the term “Guru”. While we're at it let's add diva, king and queen to that list. I tend to take someone's opinions and expertise more serious when none of those titles are attached to their names. It's most prevalent in the social media realm. EVERYONE and their momma is a guru/queen/king/diva. This may sound crazy from someone who's bog and Twitter use the term “diva”. But when I originally set those up, I broke my own rule of branding. But I in no way refer to myself as any of those terms.

And while we're “venting” (LOL) can we talk about these people who purposely make themselves inaccessible? If I'm paying for access to them, I don't want a delegate in their place and I damn sure don't want someone who's going to pawn me off to someone else.

By: ElizabethPW

ElizabethPW — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:25:12 +0000

Yes, cooperation & collaboration are the ways the world is moving (and actually, are the ways it has always been … so many people just didn't get it)

By: ElizabethPW

ElizabethPW — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:24:19 +0000

(see, I told you that you could use the word “rock” and pull it off!!)

By: ElizabethPW

ElizabethPW — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:23:28 +0000

and really, being an expert isn't about what you call yourself, it is about what other's perceive. as soon as I stopped “calling” myself guru/expert/etc. … that's when other people started calling me one.

By: ElizabethPW

ElizabethPW — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:22:17 +0000

Thanks Marie, I knew you'd get me on this.

By: giulietta

giulietta — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:10:16 +0000

Hi Elizabeth,

Enjoyed your video on guru detox.

You're right, the divide recreates the corporate corner office syndrome, which made even the occupant feel lonely. I think we're trying to move toward a more loving work world where everyone's valued for that unique X factor that each one of us was put on the planet to share. If one adopts that philosophy, then no one's better than anyone else. Much thx. Giulietta, Inspirational Rebel