It seems that every day I get an email, see a website, or hear an acquaintance tout the wonders of the latest, greatest get rich quick schemes. People have always been vulnerable to such claims because, by nature, we are lazy. I mean to say that given the choice of doing less while still getting great results, that’s the route we’ll take. These well-intentioned dream-spinners say things like:
“Just follow these ten steps and you can double your client base and work less hours…”
“Create a steady stream of income without lifting a finger…”
“Get the secrets to having a business that will run without you…”
The websites for these companies often go on and on forever (scroll down, keep scrolling down, keep going, further, further, etc.) with various heartwarming testimonials from ordinary people (just like you and me) who have purchased “financial freedom” from that particular organization.
In a nutshell, they all say this: “Just follow our no-brainer instructions and you, too, can have it all.” Am I the only person out there thinking: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true?”
Here is the problem the way I see it: There are elements of these messages that are, in fact true. The problem is, there are a lot of details that lead the originators of the idea to be successful that never make it into the “book.” Why? Not because they are bad people. But because they fail to recognize what they do ‘naturally’ that other people simply don’t know or even think to do. And some, quite honestly, are in fact con-men willing to pray on the vulnerability of others in order to make their own millions.
The truth is, starting and successfully running a business that creates a steady income stream takes knowledge, strategic and calculated actions, periodic review, course corrections, and time – all in the right combination – in order to achieve the desired outcomes.
Are there ways to shorten learning cycles, be more effective in your actions, make inspired changes based on pertinent input? Of course. But those things are not a viable substitute for these critical elements of success:
- An abundance mentality as pertains to the marketplace;
- A strong and positive sense of self-worth, value, and confidence;
- A clear focus of who your target market is;
- A strategic set of specified behaviors with action steps that will make the plan a reality;
- An understanding of your ideal customer’s problems that your company is uniquely positioned to solve;
- A system for communicating effectively with your target audience from lead generation through delivery;
- Ongoing reinforcement training – constantly fine-tuning and adjusting skills to meet an ever-changing marketplace; and
- Accountability to your co-workers, your prospects, your customers, and your community.
Get rich quick? None of the self-made millionaires will ever claim it was ‘quick’. They will tell you about all the hard work and long hours they put in – at least at the beginning, if not on an ongoing basis. As in life, we must sow the seeds of success before we can expect to reap a harvest. What one action can you take today that will get you closer to your goals? Don’t just think about it. Do it.
The desire for wealth and therefore, the desire for a full life in the name of abundance, is not a bad thing, indeed, it is an absolutely commendable desire. But getting rich is not easy, even if with a little perseverance and decision-making ability, it is certainly “possible”. It requires a combination of luck, skill and patience. Being rich depends a lot on the way we decide to live life, and on how we apply ourselves to achieve this result; a result that is certainly obtained with hard work, developing the right potential and applying “some” necessary strategy. The route is full of ups and downs, unforeseen events and lots and lots of effort.
Well said, Aldo. Wealth and abundance are vehicles that can be used to do good or to harm. There is much involved just in the definition of “rich”, but that is the subject for another article…isn’t it?
Welcome Deb…
It’s sad that people actually believe there is such a thing as this…. everything takes time. If you don’t “do”…you don’t really get.
As for the pitches.. I’m not impressed. They are getting better at slipping into your zone though.
All the best and thank you for writing this!
It is sad, Paula. I have a professional curiosity that enables me to subject myself to more of it than most people would tolerate. I keep looking for the authentic in the middle of the noise. Sadly I am disappointed almost every time.
Hi Deb,
Thank you for this. I receive more solicitations on LinkedIn, promising riches if you just do “this.” I understand everyone is trying to make a living so I just accept, and most of the time, ignore. One person talked with me and claimed he was not trying to sell me something. Trusting his word, I spoke with him, and he offered me unsolicited advice. Both of us are speakers, and he let me know he would provide coaching. I said “No thanks.” Since then, I am wary. I also allow unsolicited newsletters even though I never gave permission. Again, everyone is trying to customers or clients so I just let it go. As IBD and others state, “Success is a marathon, not a sprint.” By the way, I am a woman of faith, Catholic, and I am pleased to see you unabashedly express yours. Being in the amazing personal development profession, I have to be circumspect where and when I express it, but if people ask or intimate, I let them know. Recently, I heard someone say that this is drastically missing from the personal development community, and I could not agree more. Welcome again!
Hi Darlene. Thanks so much for sharing. I operated ‘under the radar’ for many years, only being blatant about my faith in the marketplace with the publishing of my book last December. Like you I always live my faith but rarely talk about it unless asked. I’m glad to hear you are looking for opportunities, and being cautious where needed. Bad evangelism and proselytizing is equal to high pressure sales. I am starting to teach a class at my church this evening because Christians need to be able to share our message without resorting to the manipulative tactics that are so abhorrent — no matter where they are used. I’d love to connect with you to learn more about your business.
Thanks, Deb.
I was working on a leadership coaching project with a couple of guys for a time, and one of them was all about analytics. We even had a bit of a dust up when he proposed a marketing approach focused on data tracking and etc. I said, “But we don’t have a product yet!?!?”
He replied, “They don’t know that!”
Oy!
We can generate quantitative goals, and we can also generate qualitative goals. I prefer B because they abide.
Be.
Mac
Oy is right! I couldn’t agree more that quality, respect, honor and orchestrating win-win is the camp I want to be in. Stand your ground on this one, Mac. It is a hard road but at the end of the day we can feel really good about what we do. AND it pleases God when we do what is right – especially when no one else is looking…