A Rotten Way to Ruin a Rolls Royce (A Cautionary Tale)

A priest, rabbi, and guy in a bear suit walked into a bar…

…

…correction…

…A guy in a bear suit broke into a car, and then he and his accomplices got charged with fraud.

No joke.

This happened.

The story begins in January 2024 when a man claimed a bear broke into his Rolls Royce and damaged it at Lake Arrowhead, California. He provided video footage to his insurance company, showing the “bear” rummaging through the car, scratching the interior with its claws.

The insurance company smelled a bear rat and reported potential fraud to the California Department of Insurance. Investigators determined the “bear” was actually a person in a bear costume. (Here’s security camera video footage of the “bear” break-in).

During their investigation dubbed “Operation Bear Claw,” detectives found two additional claims — different cars but same date, same place, and same “bear.”

One thing led to another, and in November, four men were arrested on charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy. An arrest warrant has been issued for a fifth suspect who is still at large.

What does this have to do with you and your business?

Hmmmm… 

…I could take this in so many directions.

I’ll go with the costume theme.

Costumes fail — in insurance claims and business.

When you dress up as someone (or something) else, people usually see through it.

In business (in your content), show up as you. Drop the professional mask. No costumes. Show your personality. Be entertaining.

Here’s how I put it on page 96 of my bestselling book, Story Power Marketing:

You may be thinking, That’s good and well for a professional entertainer. But I’m a professional businessperson. I hear you, loud and clear. I know many “professionals” who push back when I encourage them to create informative and entertaining content.

“No, no, no,” they say. “I’m a professional, not an entertainer.” I hear them and say, “Good luck standing out, being noticed, and getting hired.”

I know. You have credentials. Advanced degrees. Certifications. Media placements. An “Amazon Bestseller.” You know your stuff, and clients pay you plenty for what you know. You’ve earned that, and I congratulate you. Really.

But here’s the hard truth: Most experts are a dime a dozen. At least that’s how prospects see them. If you want to be just another needle in the haystack of sameness, keep being as “professional” as you can be. Don’t put personality in your content. Keep it 100 percent serious. Dish out the same old information. Don’t lower your professional mask. Don’t let people in.

Or . . . sell more and have more fun doing it. Lower your guard and build a following. Attract loyal fans who know, like, and trust you. Create a world where your followers keep coming back—because of you.

Last year, I ran a training about how to put personality in your content. It’s been locked in my vault and available only to paying clients ever since.

Want a copy? If yes, reply to this email with “Operation Bear Claw” and I’ll send you the video.