Even if you don't desire necessarily to make millions, but do want an edge to escalate your corporate game, and possibly some extra "doe-rae-me" in your pocket, this posting has some great ideas for an emerging executive to build a professional edge, consider these excellent strategies.One strategy I would add is to consider taking a business global, and develop global networks and business partners, just duplicating your efforts in a new market can be big money in the bank when done well---my two cents.
If you want to be a millionaire you’ve got to stop thinking like the middle-class. Change your mindset and your bank account will follow.
By Stacia D. Kelly, PhD, MHt
Let’s face it, we’re not taught to think like the
ultra-rich. School teaches us how to be good worker bees and get into debt. Oh,
look, shiny new iPod…I need it. Cha-ching, bought and paid for, most likely
with credit. But, take a moment and step outside your current reality and think
of the things the ultra-rich do to increase their wealth and cash flow.
They have multiple businesses, properties, travel a lot
and have a lot of things. What would you spend your day doing? What would you
buy? Would you help people in need? Invent new things? Travel extensively?
Now…ask yourself, why am I not already doing these things?
Did you learn any skills from family or school to help you get yourself
financially sound and free from bad debt? The answer: no. Unless you’ve been
educating yourself, your skills in cash flow management are woefully inept. As
it is for ALL of us.
Entrepreneurs such as Keith Cameron Smith, the author of “The 10
Distinctions Between Millionaires and the Middle Class,” and
Robert Kiyosaki, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” both point
out the ultra-rich have a different way of thinking and doing things. You want
to be a part of the elite crowd? Then try these on for size.
1.
Think Long-Term – Don’t focus on day to day, focus
on year to year and then build a five and ten year plan. Pick a long term goal
and map your way back from it to the present day. You want to be a best-selling
author? You should be writing today.
2.
Focus on Ideas – Dream and dream big. Stop worrying
about collecting things or worrying about who said what to who. Ideas made
FedEx. Ideas made the pet rock. Neither of which were thought to be ‘great’
ideas. Both made money and changed our culture.
3.
Embrace Change – The one thing in the universe
that’s guaranteed? Things change. Look at each change as a chance to grow and
learn new skills. Every time you come across a potential snag stop and think
how this change can benefit or positively impact your long term goals and
implement adjustments.
4.
Take Calculated Risks – We’re not talking jumping
out of an airplane; we’re talking about educating yourself about the pros and
cons of taking a financial action to help increase your net worth. Learn about
real estate, learn about investing…and then DO something with the knowledge.
Take a chance! Things that can earn you real money will always have some
level of risk, otherwise everyone would be doing it already.
5.
Continue to Learn and Grow – Attend
workshops and seminars in things you want to pursue, find like-minded people to
learn about how they’re increasing their net worth. Most of all…stop hanging
out with the downers who have nothing to do but whine about how they can’t ever
make ends meet, yet somehow they just got a Playstation 3 and a 42 inch plasma.
6.
Work for Profits – Most of us work for a paycheck and
think WOW, that 4% annual raise really is going to help me out. I can invest
more and do more. Right? No, the increase shows up as barely $100 and it’s
already spent once it hits your bank account. Start finding ways to bring in
profits! Join a network marketing business and learn to sell something. But,
believe in what you’re trying to sell. Take some of your ideas from #2 and
start marketing them, or even patent them and then SELL them. Think outside the
box!
7.
Be Generous – Some days, a $10 tip is going to
make someone else’s day. Or, buying them dinner or groceries. Nowhere in life
is there a rule book that says horde what you’ve got. There is abundance in the
universe so long as you maintain a healthy relationship with money and what it
can do. Take the Dr. Ivan Misner’s, of BNI (http://www.bni.com)
principle, “giver’s gain.” It’s all about relationship building and networking.
8.
Have Multiple Sources of Income – So you
have a paycheck, do something with it. Invest, start a company, build up a
direct sales business. Revenue is revenue. There are a variety of direct
sales companies out there, find one you can be passionate about and use it.
9.
Increase Your Net-Worth – Assets should be working FOR
you, they have value and earn you passive income. If you’re working for a
paycheck, learn to put that paycheck towards assets that can help you build
your income.
Ask Empowering Questions – Ask yourself what you can
do, don’t tell yourself what you can’t do. You’ll be amazed at the answers your
brain can come up with as you condition yourself to think this way more often.
Stacia D. Kelly, PhD, MHt, owns Mind-Body-Spirit Works (www.mindbodyspiritworks.com), a private Holistic Health practice in Northern Virginia. She is a freelance writer (www.sybir.com),artist, martial artist, wife and mother who loves living life and helping others reach their potential.
