Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business

By: Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson
  • Summary

  • If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been duped by a celebrity entrepreneur or coach, or watched with wonderment as people do downright dirty things to grow their business online, this is the show for you. When it comes to starting and growing a business online, there’s no denying the appeal of a flexible, freedom-filled life where you can make more money than you ever imagined. But behind the glossy images on Instagram and big promises, there’s a dark side. In Duped, your hosts Dr. Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson do a deep dive into everything that’s wrong with the online business world. From scammy life coaches to sleazy sales practices to cult and MLM style tactics we talk about all of it. You’ll learn what to watch for as a consumer so you can protect yourself from falling prey to these tricks and tactics.
    2021 Small Business Boss and Communication Rebel
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Episodes
  • 2024 Year End Wrap Up
    Dec 9 2024

    2024 was a wild ride and, for many, incredibly economically challenging.

    So, what exactly went down this year?

    In this episode of Duped, we’re diving in for a 2024 year-end recap, breaking down the year that was and talking about what’s headed our way for 2025.

    We discuss:

    • Why 2024 was rough economically for many businesses.

    • How some businesses went all in on creative rebranding.

    • How the pyramid scheme of life coaching began to crumble.

    • The rise and fall of digital MRR.

    • Why consumers are becoming more skeptical.

    • How the FTC has stepped up to start implementing more regulation in the industry.

    • A warning about 2025.

    For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

    For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

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    54 mins
  • Is It About to Sink? Spotting the Warning Signs of a Failing Online Business
    Nov 25 2024

    Passive income! Life-changing results! Freedom! And all for a limited time only. These are just a few typical tropes online businesses use to reel you in.

    Big promises that sound great on paper, and even though you’re maybe a little hesitant, you decide to give it a go.

    Unfortunately, in many cases, the dream we’re being sold quickly turns into a nightmare.

    So, how is an online business really legit and worth your investment?

    In this episode of Duped, we’ll uncover the signs that an online business is going down faster than the Titanic.

    We discuss:

    • Five red flags to look for with online businesses.

      • Specific warning signs for each one.

    • What to look for when doing your due diligence vetting an online business.

    • Five ways to identify a trustworthy program.

    For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

    For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

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    46 mins
  • Weapons of Influence (Part Two)
    Nov 11 2024

    Robert Cialdini’s book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion has become ubiquitous in the online business community.

    But are the principles Cialdini set forth being used in good faith

    Spoiler alert: in many cases, nope, not at all.

    In this episode, we get into part two of exploring Robert Cialidini and his code of ethics for anyone who uses his work. We examine the final four weapons of influence along with tips to protect yourself.

    We discuss:

    • Cialdini’s ethics

    • Authority, Social Proof, Consistency and Unity

      • What are they?

      • How are they used in online business?

      • How do you protect yourself against each one?

    • Four specific tips to protect yourself as a consumer.

    For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

    For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

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    44 mins

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