Marijuana Smuggler Seeks Job
Marijuana Smuggler Seeks Job
Here’s an interesting example of how to write marketing copy that can turn a negative into a positive and in this example, how you can market yourself when looking for a job – even if you are a convicted Marijuana smuggler.
Here’s How the Advertisement Went
Employment Wanted:
Business Experience – Owned and operated a successful fishing business – multi-vessel, one airplane, one island and processing facility. Simultaneously owned and operated a fleet of tractor-trailer trucks conducting business in the western United States.
During this time I also co-owned and participated in the executive level management of 120 people worldwide in a successful export and import venture with revenues in excess of US$100 million annually.
Attributes – I am an expert in all levels of security; I have extensive computer skills, am personable, outgoing, well-educated, reliable, clean and sober. When confronted with facts I accept them willing and take responsibility for my actions. (the US Federal Court will confirm this)
I have spoken in schools to thousands of kids and parent groups over the past ten years on “the consequences of choice“, and received public recognition from the Police force for community service. I am well-traveled and speak English, French, and Spanish.
References available: from friends, family, Police, Prison Wardens and the U.S. District Attorney, etc.
Turns Out
Turns out that this guy was actually an ex-Marijuana Smuggler, seeking a job after serving a 10-year prison sentence in the United States. While most people with this type of background would have downplayed their Marijuana Smuggling past, in the hopes that someone would hire them.
However, Brian O’Dea instead did the opposite of what many would have done and instead revealed all in a public advertisement in a major newspaper outlining more background information.
The ‘Actual’ Advertisement
Employment Wanted – Former Marijuana Smuggler having successfully completed a ten-year sentence, incident free for importing 75 tons of marijuana into the United States. To which I admitted my involvement and took full responsibility for my actions and I am now seeking a legal and legitimate means to support myself and my family.
The Result?
The result, an amazing 600 responses, job offers and plenty of free media coverage that got him a book deal and a ton of speaking engagements.
So What!
So what if it means being true to yourself, there’s an excellent chance you will fare far better for having taken the leap of faith, than if you’d taken the common road pretending to be something you are not.
Every great innovation began with people saying it either couldn’t be done, or it would never work. Forget the naysayers and dare to be different.
It’s All True
This is not new, news, in fact, it was almost a decade ago that the “Marijuana Smuggler Seeks Job” ad first appeared and today Brian makes money telling his story and with his book called, “HIGH – Confessions of an International Drug Smuggler.” You can see it on his website www.brianodea.com
The Lesson?
The lesson is, go ahead and turn your negatives into positives and do what YOU think is right, not what everyone else says, or what “conventional wisdom” advises. Sometimes taking what we believe is the correct course of action may go against the grain and seems to be the opposite of what the world expects. Success can come to anyone who wants it bad enough!
What’s The Takeaway?
The takeaway is, that no matter what life deals out there is always a way to redeem yourself and make a new life. Everyone has a story to tell and it’s just a matter of letting the world know about what your message is. More importantly how to get your message to the world and what better way than the internet?
The Internet Creates Opportunities
Wealthy Affiliate is the vehicle that can help you to achieve that by providing you the right education in respect of affiliate marketing online and telling your own unique story. And / or by promoting other peoples products and services.
The Internet is a very powerful tool, to inform, entertain, and to help others, and make a difference in the world. It’s a place where, free market, bottom-up business dynamics, can make you a great living from whatever you are knowledgeable or passionate about.
All of us have passions and we are all far more creative than we realise, and the Internet can help you discover your true potential. There are more than 3 Billion internet users and if just a tiny fraction, were to visit your website, like what you have to offer and follow your recommendations. Then the potential to make a great living is awesome.
You don’t need to be an ex marijuana smuggler or have some crazy story. But you need to get the education and the tools to learn how to build an online business.
Wealthy Affiliate
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So, if you want to learn how to build an online business, a business that will allow you to work from anywhere in the world and one that will make it possible for you to earn money in your PJ’s then take the wheel and get started NOW!
Take the wheel and take Wealthy Affiliate for a test drive, it costs you nothing to see if it’s for you or not.
Your Future
So don’t worry about your past, you are destined for greatness, you might just need a little motivation and a few pointers to get you headed in the right direction (Or is that ‘write‘ direction haha)
So, what’s stopping you setting up a blog and writing something interesting?
Take a look at my post how to write great website content on how to attract visitors and ensure readership engagement.
| How to write great website content |
“If you already know how to build a website or are currently online and are struggling to make a full-time income then you may like to view my post make money online fast.”
Need Some Motivation?
You might enjoy this short video clip
Finally
If you enjoyed this article “Marijuana Smuggler Seeks Job” please feel free to share socially or leave a comment below.
Peter V Crisp
“Oh… and if you do leave a comment, I will reward you with a free PDF copy of my book; Video Marketing Made Easy – So please accept my bribe and leave a comment.
Thanks!
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I believe the content is factual and this is a great story of an ex-convict. One would have expected to see images of jail cells or a marijuana leaf to show how a dramatic shift it was from being almost stigmatized to being successful.
I also felt that the major heading appeared less important than the subheadings. The first heading is in the small case while the subheadings are in upper case and brighter than the main heading. Finally, I should add that the information provided at the end through the links presented as ‘here’ was well placed and confidence giving to the page visitor.
Hello, Chaabaya. Thank you for ‘review’ of my post. Most people have liked it as has Google for this is a page one (position one) post with more than fifty comments. Anyway, I trust you will enjoy the free eBook that is coming your way for leaving a comment. 🙂
I remember hearing about this. It’s great to see someone who knows what they’re worth, and realise that even with a black mark on their record, they’re still a valuable individual in society. I admire his resourcefulness – many people would have given up, conceding that there was never going to be any work for an ex-felon.
Hello, Jack. As I said in my post, the lesson is, turn your negatives into positives and do what YOU think is right, not what “conventional wisdom advises. Sometimes taking what we believe is the correct course may go against the grain and seems to be the opposite of what the world expects. Success can come to anyone who wants it bad enough. Thanks for your comments. 🙂
I remember hearing all about this and seeing him on TV. It is great that he turned everything around. Even though it was illegal, he did have experience with business, sales and managing people.
I’m not an international drug smuggler, but I am turning my life around. Even as a new member, Wealthy Affiliate seems like a great community effort to better people.
Thank you for sharing this article. How has Wealthy Affiliate helped change your life?
Hello, Zach. To answer your question. Trying to make ‘money online‘ has not been without its challenges and fortunately for me after many years of struggling through all the B.S, confusion, hype and scams on the internet. I found Wealthy Affiliate and now I am happy to say I have now found a great resource that simplified the entire process. Thank you for your comments 🙂
Very motivational! I have to tell you, I was ready to buy that book! It looks like it would be a very inspirational story. I love reading stories about people who started out with, “a pile of dung,” as Brian states, and come out to live successfully. To share their story with the rest of humanity in hopes that we will learn from their mistakes or get motivated by their personal stories.
Very good post!
Hello, Ellen.
Yes that’s right no matter what life deals out there is always a way to redeem yourself and make a new life. Everyone has a story to tell and it’s just a matter of letting the world know about what your message is.
Wealthy Affiliate is the vehicle that can help you to achieve that by providing you the right education in respect of affiliate marketing online and telling your own unique story. Or by promoting other peoples products and services. So if you want to learn how to build an online business, a business that will allow you to work from anywhere in the world and one that will make it possible for you to earn money in your PJ’s then WA is the answer.
Thanks for your comments 🙂
This was an absolutely great post. It really resonated with me because, even though smuggling drugs is illegal and I do not condone it, I feel like drug dealers are some of the most intelligent people in the world.
And if they would just harness that energy and direct it towards a positive endeavor they would be some of the most successful people in the world.
I think you did a great job showing that through this story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Again, Great post!!
Hello, Ian Thanks for your comments. Yes, I tend to agree with you because they need to be able to solve a lot of problems and avoid getting caught in order to make their huge profits. (which of course is the attraction) So you would need to me pretty smart to make it all come together as well as staying one step a head of the law. 🙂
Hey Peter
What a great story! It really proves that you can turn anything negative happened to you into something positive, which reminds me of one of my favorite quotes of Napoleon Hill:
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”
This is my first time on your website, and I took a look around. As an aspiring internet entrepreneur, I am surprised by how much awesome and valuable content you have created. I have bookmarked your site!
Also, I noticed you live in Shanghai. I live and work in Beijing myself and it is my dream to make money on the internet full time.
Hello, Marcus. Yes, that’s a great quote by Napoleon Hill, I like his work and thank you for your comments and kind words about my site. Isn’t China an interesting place and challenging in terms of internet access? Anyway the internet is the way to go and best of luck in Beijing. I spent some time there but prefer Shanghai, but each to there own. 🙂
Wow this was a very interesting post! You chose such a great story that will really catch the readers attention and rapped it up so nicely with how you should never be afraid to do your own thing, you should just believe in yourself! This is truly a beautiful post! I love it! Great job!
Hello, Rebekah.
The lesson is, that no matter what life deals out there is always a way to redeem yourself and make a new life. Everyone has a story to tell and it’s just a matter of letting the world know about what your message is. More importantly how to get your message to the world and what better way than the internet?
Thank you for your comments and I hope you enjoy the eBook that is coming your way as my thank you for leaving a comment. 🙂
This is a lesson in life that regardless of your past you can make a new start and get a good foot on the life of recovery. The story of the ex marijuana smuggler making a comeback on the right path is a perfect example. if you want to make something in life go out and do it no matter what.
Hello, Andrew.
Yes, its possible to turn your negatives into positives and its OK to do what YOU think is right, not what everyone else says, or what “conventional wisdom” advises. Sometimes taking what we believe is the correct course of action may go against the grain and seems to be the opposite of what the world expects.
Success can come to anyone who wants it bad enough!
Thanks for your comments. 🙂
What a wonderful way to begin your post by telling sich an exceptional and unusual story of how someone turned their forem bad idea into a huge personal plus by ignoring the naysayers, rejecting the common sense advice and making himself stand out from the norm.
I was enthralled by Brian’s story and so much more motivated by your advice regarding not being detained by those who do not share my vision, Really good advice thank you – Robert
Hello, Robert. You are welcome and I am pleased you have enjoyed the post.
No matter what life deals out there is always a way to redeem yourself and make a new life. Everyone has a story to tell and it’s just a matter of letting the world know about what your message is. More importantly how to get your message to the world and what better way than the internet and Wealthy Affiliate is the vehicle that can help you to achieve that by providing you the right education in respect of affiliate marketing online and telling your own unique story. Or by promoting other peoples products and services.
Thank you for your comments. 🙂
What GR8 use of copy, spin a profession so many view as “a tale you don’t tell” The intro to the potential employee does show real business acumen. Often when peeps look at “what they know” there’s a lot more under the surface than they know.
We all have skills that are useful is what I see. I know that creating opportunities are knowing your unique differences.
Thanks for telling the story
Hello, Toni. Pleased you enjoyed the story and watch out for the eBook I am sending to your inbox as a thank you for leaving a comment. 🙂
Hi Peter, this is a very interesting article! I am a Wealthy Affiliate member and I definitely believe that W A provides an abundance of useful and valuable information. Do you believe that this job seeker hooked readers, and grasped their attention due to the apparent negativity of the title, or simply the uniqueness of the title? I think its uniqueness and honesty grabbed my attention. 600 responses to the ad, amazing! Great website. Ron
Hello, Ron Thanks for your comments and I am pleased you enjoy reading my post. Please watch out for the eBook that is coming your way for leaving a comment. 🙂
Hi, Peter
Five months ago, you left a common in my profile (ScientistCC) of WA and direct me to this site. Unfortunately, I missed it then. However, I pick it up today. I read and read but I do not really get the fiction. I found it is hard to focus on learning. WELL, MAYBE IT IS THE AGING PROBLEM. Nevertheless, I really appreciate that you led me to your sites.
Do you still give your
60+ page ebook; Video Marketing Made Easy?
Hello, MaryAnn Yes of course, please watch out for it (check your spam box) I have sent it to you at the email you provided on your profile. Thank you for your comments and please let me know if I can help you at anytime. 🙂
Hi great article lots of good information. As an active member of Wealthy Affiliate I can vouch for how good this place really is. It is full of great training to start you off if you know nothing of starting a website. As long as you are prepared to work hard and put in you will get it back.
Hello, Simon Thank you for your comments. Look out for the book I’m sending you for leaving a comment 🙂
Wow, I didn’t expected that the result would be such massive success. I thought people would just say “Ugh! An ex-convict” or “Uh! A drug smuggler”. In many case marijuana and drugs are totally different thing. The government just make marijuana more like a drug to be able to ban it.
Anyway back to the drug smuggler, that man really has guts to be revealing such dark past in expectation to have a good job. Good thing it worked out perfect.
I salute that guy whoever he is. 🙂
Hi Norstad Shows you how effective a little marketing can be huh? Plus having the right attitude and mind for success. It was great story I loved so I thought other might also Thank you for your comments 🙂
I certainly get your point and a good one you make.
A smuggler would certainly have a history of sales and creativity. He would also be very approachable but with a business mentality. I think a smuggler would be good at online business too.
Hello Damien Yes all business is the same, understand the process and you will always have a business. Have a product your customer wants, have a good delivery system, provide customer service (for re-orders or up-sells) be reliable and live up to or exceed your customers expectations and give them a reason to want to come back again. Thank you for you comments 🙂
This was most interesting and I was very inspired by the story and your video.
Like you said being positive and removing the negatives is the way to success in one’s life.
Creating that harmony and rhythm, and balance are the keys to success and happiness.
Thanks and blessings.
Linda
Hello Linda Thank you for you comments and feedback and I am pleased you found it inspiring 🙂
Hi Peter,
Once again, this is a great article.
All the articles are so informative and I can spend hours reading them. I have learned a lot by reading this post and I will definitely be implementing this lesson into my blog posts.
Thank you again for helping the people succeed online!
Hello Cj Thank you for your comments and I am pleased you enjoy my articles and you found it helpful. Happy to help out, cheers 🙂
Hi Peter,
And who said crime doesn’t pay! I’m beginning to re-think what side of the fence I should be sitting on!
It is quite remarkable the outcome of certain situations. I love the ‘ballsiness’ of this guy and it makes me think that as bad as it may be somtimes there’s not telling what the outcome of any situation may be. Onwards and upwards as they say. Good article.
Hello Brendan Thank you so much for your comments and yes ha ha interesting side of the fence, to say the least but it does highlight what a good piece of writing and marketing can do for you. Pleased you liked the post and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 🙂
Hi Peter,
Perhaps the advert can be described as a “well thought out marketing strategy”. Whether or not that was the intention of a clever man, he has successfully given himself immense stand out. In a world where we are bombarded with information, this is no easy feat. I think there is a lot to learn from his example – put yourself out there, and you might be amazed by what comes your way. Really interesting article and a story I’d not heard before – enjoyed reading it!
Mara
Hello Mara Thank you for your comments and I am pleased you enjoyed the post and I agree with your assessment “put yourself out there, and you might be amazed by what comes your way” ha ha That is certainly true with the internet marketing world. Thanks again. 🙂
Hi Peter,
Thanks for motivating us, I loved the story. It is indeed a great example of turning negatives into positives! And don’t try to mask yourself with anything that’s not you, show everything that you have….
I think my life so far has pretty much been normal. Yes I’d like to head in the right direction I just read your ‘how to write great website content’ and it’s also motivating. Thanks for the great article!
Ray
Hello Ray Thanks for that. What you may not know is that this post also has a page one ranking on google and I explain how I do that here: How to Get First Page on Google so that might be worth checking out also. Thank you for your comments 🙂
Most people come back to negative after that kind of negative experience. Probably even he did not expect such an outcome. You are a good writer… I should send you the story of my life, maybe you can help me write a book ! Blessings..
May YOUR life always be blessed.
Hello Morning Girl Thank you for your comments. Yes it was probably a nice surprise to him as you say. Although he was rather an entrepreneurial type of person, so be probably had reasonable expectations of some success (at least in the short term ha ha). Pleased you like my ‘writing’, it’s always nice to hear that from others, so thank you for the praise and blessings. They say there is at least ONE book in all of us so it’s not too late to start, so yes I’m happy to help you if ever wish to begin your writing career. Thanks again and blessings to you to. 🙂
Dang you’re good! Pretty funny 2! I really enjoy reading your articles.
Hi Misti Pleased you like my post and thank you for your comments 🙂
This is a really cool article. Being responsible for your actions is a very good trait to have. I believe that whether you fail or succeed, there is always something to learn from the experience.
Hi Levi Yes you are right being responsible for your actions pays off in the long run. Thank you for your comment 😉
I love the story. Cash-in your mistakes, right?
Hi Mihhael, yes just shows you want can be done, turning negatives into a positives. ha ha Thanks for the comment 🙂
You can see and learn it is in the package. A man with a story most would look down upon has more opportunities than most would ever hope to have!
Yes Brian I agree So true because we leave more from our failures than we do from our successes. Thanks for your comments 🙂
Just goes to show that turning your life around can bring some powerful results, making mistakes can have some serious consequences but turning it around is a far better course of action
Hello Katie thanks for the comments. Yes life is about you decide to make of it and turning negatives into a positive is always a challenge. 🙂
Love this story. I know a lot of people say you shouldn’t make money of your crimes, but this was very well done and I am happy he had so much success with his job seeking. It shows that honesty is the right way to go. Great article, thanks
Thanks Marith, Yes he served his time and paid for his crime and now his past crimes are now paying him or rather his experience he learned from his crimes ha ha. I liked how he turned what many would call a ‘negative’ into a positive. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Hi Peter, you’ve nailed it, work just as the journalist do in the newspaper, come up with a catchy text, like “Marijuana Smuggler Seeks Job” Great find! Greetings Loes
Thanks Loes, appreciate the feedback and thank you for commenting 🙂