Here is my review and impression on my first week with BlackCardUniversity, or in short BlackCardU.
This review will reveal some ups and downs on my first weeks with them prior to purchasing one of their product.
My previous supervisor once told me, when providing a review on someone or something, always provide a review in a sandwich form.
Everyone knows a regular sandwich has 2 slices of bread and some ingredients in the middle.
The bread is a positive compliment or remark, and the ingredients is a less positive comment that might need improvement.
When creating the sandwich, start with your first piece of bread, then the ingredients, then finish off with a last piece of bread.
Same with an Review
Starting with a positive, smooth in the review.
Add the less fun comments.
Ending with a different positive remark, and everyone finishes the review with a smile on their face
With that said, lets begin.
Introduction to BlackCardU
In my previous blog,
13-Real Estate Education in Canada isn’t as easy as it sounds.
I write how I came upon finding BlackCardU’s program and how ironic it was it was in my face for months before I realized it.
When I first reached out to them, by asking a few basic question, I was assigned with a Strategist from the University.
(to be clear, it’s not a real physical University, it’s more of an online program but with a 1 on 1 weekly call with an assign coach. In my opinion, a better teaching method than any school system out there.)
I was invited on a few calls where my strategist ask a number of personal question in order to feel my vibe on my real estate experiences.
I have zero experience. Green. Newbie. Padawan.
The first call was getting to know me. It was also my opportunity to get to know them.
Making sure I wasn’t wasting their time with and that I was a serious about educating and investing in myself in this business.
He proceeded to explained to me the different procedures to be able to qualify, and the different programs and how their system works on different phone calls.
First slice of bread.
My strategist was fun to talk with, I ended up talking with him for hours on one single call sometimes.
Of course I don’t shut up, and always have questions over questions, and the conversation can easily derail.
He was patient with me and answered to many of my questions is not all of them!
I really felt like I clicked with the program and the system. And was even more ready to throw my hard worked money into the program.
Following my phone calls with the Strategist, I was pushed forward to a Senior strategist who approved my entrée in the program and helped me financed my program.
The ingredients
Stefan Aarnio is the creator of BlackCardU. He unfortunately died in 2020 from colon cancer.
He shared his own experiences with others that was interested in doing what he was doing.
During he’s time, everyone admire him, wanted to learn form him, and respected him.
Teaching his students, what to do and what not to do. What you need to know and what you think you know.
Stefan is also the author of a handful of well written books.
When I first connected with BlackCardU, they got me to buy a pre-package of about 250$. This package includes 4 books that Stefan Aarnio wrote, and a magazine.
The downside: I had already one of the books in my possession, and I could’ve bought the other 3 books or audiobook at my local Chapter store or online for 20 to 30$ each.
Following the purchase of the program, they give me access to a series of videos that would teach me Stefan’s way of real estate.
What about the one on one coaching?
These video’s are Stefan himself telling his personal stories. The same personal stories you read in the books. I personally felt it was a waste of time and money for me.
With all the respect I have for Mr. Aarnio, cause he really does sound like he was very unique in what he did, he is dead.
It is very eerie to hear BlackCard’s employees talking about Stefan like he is still alive and among them.
I also understand they knew him personally. I don’t talk about a dead person in the present tense. That’s like talking about myself in a third person. Just saying.
Watching video’s of him as if it was the present time is also unsettling.
In my opinion, these videos should start with one of BlackCard’s employee’s (like the vise-present or administrator) introducing the video, the date and time it was recorded. This gives the student a sense of connection with someone to reach to if questions are to be asked.
For new students that did not meet with Stefan, it feels like we are following a none existing person.
I also have to point out, I had not been introduced to my Coach at that point yet. Which got me to question for a very long period of time, “Where’s the 1 on 1 coaching promised from the program?”
Second slice of bread.
Every staff from the BlackCardU institute that I have encounter where amazingly fun to talk to.
They know their product.
They know their program.
They know the system.
Just like my Strategist, the staffs know the answers to my questions.
Because they are themselves a former student or a graduate of the programs.
Although the program is not cheap, they do make a promise to have your coach work with you until your profit is equal or greater than the purchase price you made to them.
I have made a few new friends through a private facebook group. Some are current students, others are past students.
The past student all gave me a similar advise.
Trust the system.
Everyone is helpful, friendly and extremely pleasant to work with. And that is important to me.
Being Optimistic
I am optimist in general, I don’t easily give up. I will question anything and everything if I don’t understand.
And I’m 100% sure I will not regret my investment.
I cant’ wait to meet with my coach, and see how they will help me in my journey.
Want to know more?
Click on this link for review on week #2
15- Review on my education with BlackCardU – Week 2
Want to know more about BlackCardUniversity?
check out there website