"If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

101 replies
The subject line IS the topic:

"If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

Someone asked me this, and I had trouble answering it without making some uncomfortable, but very true "damaging admissions" about myself.

For me:

I'm lazy - or rather, I'm a slacker.

I'm a self-doubter.

I'm also pretty self satisfied a lot of the time, which is why the "so smart" barb really hit me where it hurts.

I'm also more willing to give my best to a client than put my own name on it.

These things have got to change.

Today!

How about you?

"If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
  • Profile picture of the author Tom B
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

    The subject line IS the topic:

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    Someone asked me this, and I had trouble answering it without making some uncomfortable, but very true "damaging admissions" about myself.

    For me:

    I'm lazy - or rather, I'm a slacker.

    I'm a self-doubter.

    I'm also pretty self satisfied a lot of the time, which is why the "so smart" barb really hit me where it hurts.

    I'm also more willing to give my best to a client than put my own name on it.

    These things have got to change.

    Today!

    How about you?

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
    That is a funny question.

    I would have to ask the question "What is rich?"
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    • Profile picture of the author Lance K
      Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

      That is a funny question.

      I would have to ask the question "What is rich?"
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      • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
        There have been SO many good replies so far - didn't think the response would be so big.

        Thanks for all the comments so far. I want to reply to them all, but I'm trying to cut back on my forum time today. I did want to bring this one up though:

        Originally Posted by Martin Luxton View Post

        The "If you're so ... , why aren't you . . ." question format can be asked in a non-accusatory and curious way about many things (though, if it's your wife, you're right, it's usually an interrogation ).
        I really like this because if you've read my stuff, I'm a bit of a thinker, and I like asking myself questions to help develop writing materials and tutorials and things. I find when you compose something that is generated by answers, it subconsciously connects with the people who had those questions. I guess you could call it self-socratic learning kind of thing.

        So I dig it for that and I'll add this one to my toolkit. Didn't even think of it that way even though I've been thinking on it for a while.

        So for the folks who read the question and got hung up on the semantics of it, like what it means to be smart or to be rich, try changing the words around to something that's much more meaningful to you.

        The way it was phrased in my OP bit me really hard, because in case it wasn't betrayed by my verbosity, I can be a little on the vain side when it comes to brains. I ain't Einstein or anything, but my brain IS my money-maker, so I shake what the good lord made, you know?

        I'm proud of being an autodidact, and am self-taught in all things computer and internet. I got the StomperNet copywriting job and THEN taught myself to write. Now I'm out on my own, making a living from what I taught myself there. (Props to Andy Jenkins for giving me the opportunity to learn on the job.)

        But while I don't feel superior to people that haven't read as much as I have, or spend all their free time thinking and writing or whatever, I do tend to get self-satisfied when I'm being clever, and it really DOES make me lose sight of my goals sometimes.

        The friend who asked me this knows me well, and knows my goals for myself. I'm always talking about it, and I do make progress, but I lose sight of it through being too quick to pat myself on the back and dust off my hands when I've only gotten to the idea phase of any project.

        I falter at execution. For all the reasons I cited above. So if it makes it easier to respond to, change the question. The point of it is not to answer THIS specific one "If you're so smart then why aren't you rich?"

        It's meant to be a tool for self-reflection and self-enrichment. If you're so capable why aren't you achieving what it is that you want? Actually really think of the answers and then look at what you come up with.

        Are they REAL answers? Or are they excuses? If you were to "Get Off That A$$ Today"(TM), and go actually DO something that brings you closer to your goal, do all the things you thought were holding you back REALLY come into play?

        We stack these little bricks of self-doubt and excuses in a little wall around ourselves in an attempt to protect us from failure out in the real world. But do we really need protection from such failures that we could actually benefit from?

        What is it that is REALLY stopping you from getting what you want, and once you answer that, is it REALLY stopping you, or are you ALLOWING it to? Eliminate phantom obstacles, and get started overcoming the real ones.

        And with that, I'm going to go get some work done. Good morning, and good luck.

        EDIT: I wanted to clarify that I don't currently work for StomperNet, because someone PM'd me to ask. I used to, but moved on to pursue my own stuff last year. I name drop them because the majority of my best work was done there, but it just didn't have my name on it.
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    • Profile picture of the author zackick
      Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

      That is a funny question.

      I would have to ask the question "What is rich?"
      I agree with you Thomas, when people ask like that i will also ask did you you are rich of money or knowledge?

      I sure that will do it as they have to think twice before reply back.:p
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  • Profile picture of the author Lisa Gergets
    I know what you're referring to in your post, but I have to take it a different direction and say that I'm rich beyond my wildest dreams...

    My family is healthy, warm, fed, happy, and we love each other.

    "Riches" are very, very subjective.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trent Brownrigg
    Who says they go hand in hand? They don't! There are plenty of rich people with average intelligence and plenty of super smart people with average money or none at all.
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  • Profile picture of the author colinph970
    being rich has nothing to do with being smart......otherwise the universities would be full of millionnaires!!!!!!
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    • Profile picture of the author innocent07
      Banned
      Originally Posted by colinph970 View Post

      being rich has nothing to do with being smart......otherwise the universities would be full of millionnaires!!!!!!
      I suppose university are more clever people, than smart. although they are similar.

      but your comment is funny.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
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      • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        There are lots of millionaires in universities. The overall correlation, worldwide, between education and wealth (in spite of the much rarer but often very widely publicised exceptions/counter-examples) is a very dramatic one.

        The lifetime average income differential, in most countries, between university graduates and non university graduates is a huge amount of money.
        Well written. Study upon study has shown a huge correlation between education and wealth; however, it has also been shown that it is only one factor, since there are many other factors, many of which are intangible and cannot be measured such as motivation, drive, ability to focus, etc. that come into play as well.

        Having written that there are a plethora of very smart people that are not rich and the reasons behind that would be a super thread on its own. There is also no widely accepted definition of being "rich" because it is highly subjective, even if you use a figure because an individual who makes one million net a year might not consider themselves rich. And you can't go by the IRS's definition since they change that definition too.

        Roderick Cortez
        Former Financial Planner for both
        T. Rowe Price and Amex Financial Planners
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        • Profile picture of the author butters
          Just to add into the university argument, didn't 60% of the Forbes 500 didn't go to uni or have a degree, most went back after they made there money.

          But yeah, being smart doesn't mean you will be rich, actually being an entrepreneur is a completely different mind set then being really clever. They are two separate things, you here people dropping out of school at 15 and they become millionaires, its all to do with taking risks, pushing the bar, being the best at what you do and if they done something wrong, beat your self up about it. They strive to always do better, they will think out side of the box, they will think they are the best one in the room, even if they ain't. Its a whole different mind set.
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          • Profile picture of the author Lance K
            Not all smart people are rich. Nearly all rich people are smart. I only say nearly because there are instances of pure luck (inheritance, lottery, etc.). And I'm not basing "smart" on IQ but rather on the scoreboard of capitalism.
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Adams
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        There are lots of millionaires in universities. The overall correlation, worldwide, between education and wealth (in spite of the much rarer but often very widely publicised exceptions/counter-examples) is a very dramatic one.

        The lifetime average income differential, in most countries, between university graduates and non university graduates is a huge amount of money.
        I agree but that is because your degree correlates to your salary. It also muddies the waters of this argument bc there's no set definition for rich. If you define rich as a $1M net worth including primary home, that's a pretty low standard that will be met in the lifetimes of most college grads today. If you define the standard at, say, >$30M investable assets, then most of your sample is people who owned businesses--be they educated or not.

        I remember reading that according to 2000 census data, the educational breakdown of self-made millionaires was nearly the same as the general population--about 35% college educated, with a slightly higher % of advanced degrees, like 10%, because your typical advanced degree holder will eventually earn his way into the low millions. I think I read it from a Thomas Stanley book but not sure. It was a few years ago.

        On the other hand, universities go out of their way to court millionaires because the whales spend big money. If football coaches were only paid from medical school alumni making $300k a year, their contracts wouldn't be worth 1/10th what they are now.

        Thomas Stanley and Robert Frank are 2 authors who write about wealth a lot. Check em out.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ian Jackson
      Originally Posted by colinph970 View Post

      being rich has nothing to do with being smart......otherwise the universities would be full of millionnaires!!!!!!
      Clever people at universities? you're having a laugh! Most of the engineering grads employed in the company I work for have trouble with basic mental arithmetic, basic grammar, and basic problem solving. Based on what they tell us, the biggest challenge they seem to have had at uni, was working out who's beer-round it was at the bar on a weekday night.
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      • Profile picture of the author butters
        Originally Posted by Ian Jackson View Post

        Clever people at universities? you're having a laugh! Most of the engineering grads employed in the company I work for have trouble with basic mental arithmetic, basic grammar, and basic problem solving. Based on what they tell us, the biggest challenge they seem to have had at uni, was working out who's beer-round it was at the bar on a weekday night.
        Try buying a round of beer while out your face it takes good mental concentration and is very hard maths
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        • Profile picture of the author Ian Jackson
          Originally Posted by butters View Post

          Try buying a round of beer while out your face it takes good mental concentration and is very hard maths
          I just can hear Jeremy Paxman saying yes in his inimitable drawn-out style.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenJ
    Well maybe I am rich

    Its all relative. I am a billionaire compared to our friends in Haiti right now.

    To answer your question more properly.

    I have had to stop being so nice to people and helping them out for free. When I say that I will help them make money but it will cost them $????? they suddenly lose interest and think I am on the make.
    Then I have to decide if I want to keep them as friends or not. A difficult decision for someone that doesn't like true confrontation face to face.

    The thing is once you know how to make money from a standing start others want to know. What I don't get is why they think I should give it to them for free.

    Good Topic Colin

    kenj
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    • Profile picture of the author debra
      Originally Posted by kenj View Post

      Well maybe I am rich

      I have had to stop being so nice to people and helping them out for free. When I say that I will help them make money but it will cost them $????? they suddenly lose interest and think I am on the make.
      Then I have to decide if I want to keep them as friends or not. A difficult decision for someone that doesn't like true confrontation face to face.

      The thing is once you know how to make money from a standing start others want to know. What I don't get is why they think I should give it to them for free.

      Good Topic Colin

      kenj
      Oh!...WOW...I'm Not Alone.

      I just thought God always had it out for me for some reason.

      I can take it one step further unfortunately.

      I feel like I have accomplished a good thing if I make the other person happy and that usually means leaving myself out of the equation. I gotta stop that.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by colinph970 View Post

        being rich has nothing to do with being smart......otherwise the universities would be full of millionnaires!!!!!!
        Academic competence is not a sign of either intelligence or the ability to pile up money. It's a sign of being able to thrive within one controlled system.

        I had a physics professor once who always said, "Take care of your A students, for one day they will be your colleagues. Take care of the B students, for their tuition pays your rent. Take special care of your C students, for someday one may return and build you a library..."

        To answer the original post...

        One of the things holding me back is my love of showing off. Sometimes I get so busy showing what I can do, I forget to sell tickets to the show...
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Adams
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          I had a physics professor once who always said, "Take care of your A students, for one day they will be your colleagues. Take care of the B students, for their tuition pays your rent. Take special care of your C students, for someday one may return and build you a library..."
          Love it. I'll be borrowing that.



          Malcolm Gladwell had a relevant chapter on this subject in his book from about a year ago, Outliers. He was talking about why intelligence tests as we know them don't correlate to worldly success--e.g. students who score 130 on IQ tests still grow up to become janitors while near average students may become leaders and professionals.

          He suggested that IQ affects worldly success similar to how your height affects your success in basketball. A group of people who are 6'4" are better off than a group of people who are 5'9", but at some point other attributes become more important for overall success. Like a 6'4" athlete may have horrible ball handling skills, a smart person may not be as gifted in people skills or work habits to rise above their contemporaries. Obviously, growing to 6'10" won't make you a better ball handler. Likewise a talented 5'9" athlete may be a more effective basketball player for other reasons the way a person of normal intelligence may be more effective at getting things done.

          The chapter also went on to another point on the parenting habits of kids whose success was correlated to their socioeconomic backgrounds. Wealthier, successful parents tended to be "hover parents" whose kids learn to become more assertive at the parents' coaching. Poorer parents tended to be more laissez faire, which resulted in their kids being timid around people or strangers whom they may need to interact with to be successful in life.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by kenj View Post

      I have had to stop being so nice to people and helping them out for free. When I say that I will help them make money but it will cost them $????? they suddenly lose interest and think I am on the make.
      Then I have to decide if I want to keep them as friends or not. A difficult decision for someone that doesn't like true confrontation face to face.
      Yeah, I have had the SAME problem. Some have charged THOUSANDS of dollars, or MORE for some things I gave out for free. I WISH intelligence and income were related. I have known some STUPID people that were RICH, and some intelligent people, some that were even in mensa and thought it all pedestrian, etc..., that were FAR from rich.

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author butters
        Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

        I WISH intelligence and income were related.

        Steve
        Why... What makes a smart person more deserving then a dumb person?
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        • Profile picture of the author seasoned
          Originally Posted by butters View Post

          Why... What makes a smart person more deserving then a dumb person?
          Some people are SO stupid that they do DANGEROUS things to become wealthy, for one thing. And THEN you have people like madoff(sp?) that just figure they will STEAL. It isn't so much that smart people are MORE deserving but that some dumb people deserve NOTHING!

          Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author hushy
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

    The subject line IS the topic:

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    Someone asked me this, and I had trouble answering it without making some uncomfortable, but very true "damaging admissions" about myself.

    For me:

    I'm lazy - or rather, I'm a slacker.

    I'm a self-doubter.

    I'm also pretty self satisfied a lot of the time, which is why the "so smart" barb really hit me where it hurts.

    I'm also more willing to give my best to a client than put my own name on it.

    These things have got to change.

    Today!

    How about you?

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    Define Rich? However if your talking about your business. Most people won't make "Rich". Extremely comfortable would be what I would tell the person.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Skuse
    It's about being proactive and hard-working. Whether you're smart or not, you need to take those things to extreme efforts to succeed I'm a full-time student and have a fair amount of commitments, so it's difficult putting in 12+ hours per day like some do.
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post


    These things have got to change.

    Today!

    How about you?
    I thought the whole post was about ME
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  • Profile picture of the author mawhitney
    Rich is a state of mind. I may only make $25,000 a year, but a poor person may call me rich. Rich does not always pertain to how much money you have, but sometimes how much knowledge you have. Therefore, if you ARE smart, you are rich.

    -Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author WD Mino
    Well being rich in what/ if they mean money I would say what does money have to do with being rich? Rich is having an ability to help others having a family and friends and people who depend on you.Making money now matter how much is just part of life but money does not define rich. by any stretch of the imagination money is something that is not solid something that disappears and if left horded up becomes useless and moth eaten
    money may answer all things but the love of money is what drives scammers so the definition of smart is to avoid being the latter.
    -WD
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    • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
      I bought all my WSOs at full price...:p

      KJ
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  • Profile picture of the author tommygunn
    Great post, I think smart people usually make the motivated and determined people rich.

    Example: Your smart, you go to college, you land a great job. Or maybe you didn't go to college but you get a job and excel at it. You are making decent money, you get praise, and in turn you feel fulfillment and/or accomplishment. You probably wont gain the drive needed to build your own empire based on your intelligence and the employer gains the riches.

    This is the way I see it, so I guess my response wouldn't come from self inflection and probably more along the lines of "'Smarts' alone wont make me rich".
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
    Not that it should change the discussion, but rather than starting a discussion about what "rich" means, I mean having as much money as I need to do whatever I want, whenever I want. Sure, a lot of that would be spending time with and doing things for friends and family. But by "rich" I mean having lots of money. Particularly since what I do for a living is tell people how to make more of it, help them get more of it, and I posted this on a forum that's subtitled "Where we talk about making money".

    I meant money - you can mean whatever you like. I'm glad the question has piqued others' interest as well. I've been thinking about it for pretty much 2 days now, lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mili_D
    You should have replied back saying, Ask yourself this one question what the definition of rich and smart? A rich man becomes a pauper! A smart person is aware, socially conscious... who would you like to be?
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  • Profile picture of the author chonji36
    Hey I'm a bit like you dude,

    I can be a bit of a slacker not afraid of hard work but kinda lack motivation (sometimes)

    But I am a changing! Am I smart not quite sure, but then you don't need to be smart to be rich! And what kind of rich are we talking about any way money, health relationships? The list is endless.

    All I know is to get what you truly desire in life takes focus dedication and self belief so I guess you could say I am smart because I know what it takes to succeed!
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  • Profile picture of the author Emily Meeks
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

    The subject line IS the topic:

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    Someone asked me this, and I had trouble answering it without making some uncomfortable, but very true "damaging admissions" about myself.

    For me:

    I'm lazy - or rather, I'm a slacker.

    I'm a self-doubter.

    I'm also pretty self satisfied a lot of the time, which is why the "so smart" barb really hit me where it hurts.

    I'm also more willing to give my best to a client than put my own name on it.

    These things have got to change.

    Today!

    How about you?

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
    Slacker here as well. Or should I say, soon to be FORMER slacker.

    Changing things TODAY is great, but shortly, TOMORROW becomes TODAY, on and forever. When that happens, will you make those changes?

    Before I discovered IM, I've started many a project before, but never carried to fruition because I kept it up for a day, then tossed aside. Discovering Internet Marketing has actually inspired me to stick to a project, though, as while I've taken a few "mini-stabs" like so many others, I've really only had two really major projects. One didn't carry through, but I could definitely call it a learning process. The other was formerly abandoned, but I've recently picked it back up and revamping it.

    Reality is created by our day-to-day actions. What can you do TODAY to revamp that reality? Once you figure that one out, keep it up on a day-to-day basis, and you'll eventually see the results you're hoping for.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
    For me, the challenges that used to hold me back were...

    1. Scarcity mindset. I grew up in poverty, lived in an area that others (my friends and relatives) feared coming into. (Muggings, robbings, killings were all common there.) It took me a lonnng time to adopt a healther, more supportive mindset. Things changed very dramatically after that.

    About 90% of the people I've helped reach their goals have had the same problem: a weak mindset, negative associations toward money, etc.

    2. I've always been the creative type. Yes, this hurt me when starting out in business because I always wanted to make things "better." What I ended up doing was changing a "proven system" that someone else had put together. I rendered the system useless by being 'creative.' (AND I had no idea whether the system was ever any good to begin with, because I had to get creative with it.)

    Creativity is great. But, when you're starting out, resist the urge to be creative and just use the proven system that someone (who's been there and done it) is giving you. :-)

    3. Getting bored. When I was starting out, I did exactly what I've been advising others for the past decade NOT to do. That is, jump from one thing to another without giving the first thing time to take root.

    4. I didn't have a strong enough "reason why." Why did I want more money? Was it just for me? So I could buy more things? Well, that just wasn't doing it for me. So, I started focusing on others, including my family. The more I saw others in lack and in urgent situations that money could help, the more it got me off my ass. (This one is VERY powerful. Use it.)

    There's probably one or two more, but those are the ones that come to mind at the moment.

    Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    There are different kinds of intelligence. Not all lead to riches. Not everyone aspires to be rich. For some, being comfortable is enough.

    On another note, for a slacker, I noted you have excellent debate skills in another thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author markbyrne
    @ kenj : That's something I can sypathise with. When you offer to help people out - it can bite you back. I have offered to help out 4 people in my circle of friends & family. It's nice having that warm fuzzy feeling when you help someone... but you can't delegate work to that nice fuzzy feeling can you? I'm busier than I have ever been this year, and things are on the up. The trouble is my phone is off the hook with my freebie tag-alongs

    I decided to get a bit tough myself, and now I'm slotting little portions of my own business in with theirs to earn a little (with their full knowledge of course).

    On the subject of the OP, I would say a rich man is measured by how he feels when he's not working any more, puts his slippers on and hangs up his work coat for good.

    My Dad's been working as a truck driver since he was old enough, and retires in July at 70. He's not rich, not even well off, but he's got an immense sense of satisfaction knowing he went out and grafted every day he was able, and provided more than enough for myself, my Mum and my 3 siblings. There were hard times in the 80's, and we didn't see him that much, but he always found time for us and the family. He will be able to spend more time with his family, come July, and take it easier.

    Now compare him to a merchant banker, who worked from leaving University, to the age of 70 after spending 25 of those years on a board of directors, late nights, not seeing his private school children, having only an apple, a FT and a bottle of blood pressure pills in his briefcase. I know which one I'd choose if I had to.

    There's something very attractive about hard manual labour sometimes. Seems to be more satisfaction in it
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  • Profile picture of the author Mayflower
    i think because i am lazy.
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    • Profile picture of the author Leedir
      I am smart but I am not rich (money wise) for all the same reasons as Colin has listed. The greatest one being that I get complacent. I am yet to discover what I am passionate about, maybe that will help me earn more. But who knows, I just might enjoy doing it so much that I might not consider the monetary benefits! Strange are the workings of the mind :confused:
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      • Profile picture of the author Hanz
        Define rich? Rich is when you have a giant HDTV and a pool table. Anybody who comes to your house and sees a 58" tv and a pool table is sold! Critics will shut up immediately. Although I've noticed that some people can get by just with the big TV alone. But the TV comes first, ahead of all else. It's the one essential one must have in order to claim the status of being RICH!
        The pool table is a close second. If you want to be REALLY rich, then you need a hot car. But if you don't want to spend money on a hot car then go for a ping pong table.
        So that's a BIG TV and a pool table and if you want to really show off, go with the ping pong table. Any house with a big TV, a pool table and a ping pong table is the dream house! A house afforded only by rich people! I'd have added swimming pool but I still think the big tv and pool table is suffice for the lower end Rich person. Super Rich person has big tv, pool table, ping pong table, and swimming pool. Ultra rich person has a wicked car along with the other essentials. That's all!
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        • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
          Originally Posted by Hanz View Post

          Define rich? Rich is when you have a giant HDTV and a pool table. Anybody who comes to your house and sees a 58" tv and a pool table is sold! Critics will shut up immediately. Although I've noticed that some people can get by just with the big TV alone. But the TV comes first, ahead of all else. It's the one essential one must have in order to claim the status of being RICH!
          The pool table is a close second. If you want to be REALLY rich, then you need a hot car. But if you don't want to spend money on a hot car then go for a ping pong table.
          So that's a BIG TV and a pool table and if you want to really show off, go with the ping pong table. Any house with a big TV, a pool table and a ping pong table is the dream house! A house afforded only by rich people! I'd have added swimming pool but I still think the big tv and pool table is suffice for the lower end Rich person. Super Rich person has big tv, pool table, ping pong table, and swimming pool. Ultra rich person has a wicked car along with the other essentials. That's all!
          Colin,

          This brings us back to "define rich".

          From what I recall, Warren Buffet doesn't have a big TV, pool table, swimming pool. He must be poor.

          Using credit and leverage, people can have all the trappings of wealth yet be one bad result away from bankruptcy. Look at the Glazer family, who borrowed to buy the biggest soccer club in the world, Manchester United. Their debt keeps increasing (it's over a billion dollars) and people are seriously discussing whether what used to be the most profitable club in the world a few years ago could be one unsuccessful season away from administration.

          Ken McCarthy discussed this matter in his Independence Day Blueprint, which you can still download free from his blog (without subscribing)
          Ken McCarthy's Blog Economics Made Simple – Part Two

          His emphasis is on being "cash rich" and learning how to save. And that is one of the reasons why people aren't rich - even if they make a fortune they might not be savvy enough to keep it.

          A couple of relevant quotes from the ebook:

          "If I lived like a millionaire I wouldn't be one."
          "Have a major party when you realize that your money will outlive you even if you never bring in another penny in income."
          Martin
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    A very rich man told me one day, and since he was rich I figure he knew, anyway, the told me, "George it doesn't take brains to get rich." "It just takes dedication."

    I guess?

    George Wright, P.S. Colin, having read many of your posts I'll say this, If I could craft words as you do I'd be a lot closer to rich.
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    • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
      Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

      it doesn't take brains to get rich." "It just takes dedication."
      This doesn't hold true entirely but damm I agree with it in principle, it's probably the biggest reason 99% of "5 a week WSO buyers" are still poor.

      Lack of implementation is almost always the cause.

      The harder I work, the luckier I get.

      No doubt about it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Worner
    If you are not where you want to be in life, guess what? Its YOUR fault. Has nothing to do with intelligence.
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    • Profile picture of the author charlesf
      I find this similar to the at home businesses you call to get info about. Ive asked the person on the phone if they are working the advertised program only to find out they are just a person taking orders. If it works dont you think they would be participating? Anywho, good question.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Seems to me the logical answer is -

        If you're so rich, why aren't you smart?

        kay
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      • Profile picture of the author RMC
        Most of my best income projects came out of moments when I quit trying to be smart and clever and just started working.

        Being "smart" has been the single biggest detriment to my progress.

        I am slowly unlearning all the menial tasks, and becoming a business owner.

        You never hear people say their boss is a genius.. they always say "my boss is such an idiot"

        So I'm shooting for less smart, more rich.
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        If "rich" is where you want to be, your response to it is good.

        If you just have some vague goal that's based on other people telling you what "rich" is, and you're reacting to some string the guy yanked, you're going to get farther away from where you want to be.

        Don't be a puppet.

        As a rule, I've found a different response to be useful:

        "What is it that makes you ask that question?"


        Paul
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        • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
          Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

          If "rich" is where you want to be, your response to it is good.

          If you just have some vague goal that's based on other people telling you what "rich" is, and you're reacting to some string the guy yanked, you're going to get farther away from where you want to be.

          Don't be a puppet.

          As a rule, I've found a different response to be useful:

          "What is it that makes you ask that question?"


          Paul
          Paul,

          The "If you're so ... , why aren't you . . ." question format can be asked in a non-accusatory and curious way about many things (though, if it's your wife, you're right, it's usually an interrogation ).

          Another example:

          "If you know so much about how to be healthy, why do you eat junk food?"

          I think there is a very implicit, and important, subtext to the question:

          "You have all this knowledge - why aren't you applying it?"

          If you take the question at face value without inferring any criticism you can learn a lot about yourself by thinking about it in depth. What is really stopping you from taking action based on your knowledge?

          "If you know how to build a Wordpress blog, why haven't you built one? Or two. Or three?"

          I'm still thinking about that one myself? :confused:

          Martin
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Adams
        Originally Posted by charlesf View Post

        I find this similar to the at home businesses you call to get info about. Ive asked the person on the phone if they are working the advertised program only to find out they are just a person taking orders. If it works dont you think they would be participating? Anywho, good question.
        Not a fair basis to judge. What you do is a function of your ambition. Not everybody wants to be rich, and the biz owner has more important tasks than taking every phone call---so filling that job works for both parties.
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  • Profile picture of the author nick1123
    To become successful in your business you need a product that customers actually want. You need to be diligent and build up a customer base. You usually need to develop a multitude of skills and have many connections with other people.

    Just because you're smart doesn't mean you will do all of these things.
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  • Profile picture of the author zavest
    Rich for me is having the goal i ve set in my sight and me pursuing it or being the process of pursuing it. Achieving it or being in process of getting there...

    So what makes me poor is the bundle of laziness i carry around all the time, not making the rational dicision of putting it down ...
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  • Profile picture of the author David McKee
    So, how about this then: "If you are so smart AND you are trying to be a marketer, why are you not yet achieving your sales goals?"

    That may be the heart of the question on this forum. The answer of course, maybe that perhaps I am not as smart as I need to be, or as smart as I think I am, or that I have not yet arrived at the "Aha!" moment.

    Good question! One we should probably always ask ourselves so we do not go stale.

    -DTM.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel E Taylor
    It's funny how if I said "Rich" to anyone in the
    real world they would know exactly what I'm talking about.

    If I'm not mistaken Rich in America is defined by having
    1 million in net worth.

    So because you're family is happy and healthy, you're comfortable
    you are not rich. And there's nothing wrong with that.

    If you want to be rich then it really just takes massive
    changes in yourself. Going from zero to rich is more of
    a transformation process in yourself.

    That's why it's much more fulfilling to become rich
    through persistence/trial and error than someone
    just giving it too you for nothing.

    Live your dreams,
    Daniel
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Hanz View Post

      So that's a BIG TV and a pool table and if you want to really show off, go with the ping pong table. Any house with a big TV, a pool table and a ping pong table is the dream house! A house afforded only by rich people! I'd have added swimming pool but I still think the big tv and pool table is suffice for the lower end Rich person. Super Rich person has big tv, pool table, ping pong table, and swimming pool. Ultra rich person has a wicked car along with the other essentials. That's all!
      I saw one of those "homes of the super rich" type shows the other day, and the pool table was actually in the swimming pool.

      Colin, Bryan's comment about boredom hit home with me. Not just in business, but in a lot of things. I'll get all gung-ho about something, start making rapid progress until I start to feel competent. Then the boredom hits, and it's off to something else.
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  • Profile picture of the author d.mort
    Because there are different definitions of "smart". You could be smart in natural sciences but you should be "smart" in earning money.
    Becoming rich means to get a different way of thinking. And I believe I'm moving that way

    David
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    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      If you're so smart, why can't you perform brain surgery?

      In other words, it's a stupid question.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
        Originally Posted by Black Hat Cat View Post

        If you're so smart, why can't you perform brain surgery?

        In other words, it's a stupid question.
        Smartest post so far!

        RoD
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      • Profile picture of the author butters
        Originally Posted by Black Hat Cat View Post

        If you're so smart, why can't you perform brain surgery?

        In other words, it's a stupid question.
        is it a stupid question if you don't know the answer?
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        If you're so smart, why can't you perform brain surgery?

        In other words, it's a stupid question.
        I love the example, but I would disagree with the conclusion. It's not a stupid question at all. In fact, it's not usually any kind of question.

        Worded the way the subject line is, the meaning is in the assumptions. "If you were A, then B would also be true. Since B is not true, you must not be A."

        The brain surgery example doesn't have the same punch because it's something that people understand to require specific training. It's not subjective enough to fit the tactic.


        Paul
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    • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
      Wow, Nice posts! Much food for thought, and much inspiration on this lazy Sunday. A couple of things I wanted to respond to.

      Originally Posted by butters View Post

      Why... What makes a smart person more deserving then a dumb person?
      I think I know what the poster you were replying to meant. I share his frustration. I was one of those kids that excelled easily in school, and I was told my whole childhood that I was so smart and so talented. And then I got into the real world and it took a long time for me to realize that you can't ace jobs like you can ace tests. But at the same time I saw people around me who had "failed" in school doing great in the real world and it just didn't seem "right". It's a matter of mental adjustment for me, and posing the question above and answering it honestly is part of the way to get there.

      Originally Posted by Black Hat Cat View Post

      If you're so smart, why can't you perform brain surgery?

      In other words, it's a stupid question.
      I was going to say how this was a bad analogy, but I was very pleased to see someone whose work I quite enjoy reply, and say pretty much what I wanted to say in the first place.

      Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

      I love the example, but I would disagree with the conclusion. It's not a stupid question at all. In fact, it's not usually any kind of question.

      Worded the way the subject line is, the meaning is in the assumptions. "If you were A, then B would also be true. Since B is not true, you must not be A."

      The brain surgery example doesn't have the same punch because it's something that people understand to require specific training. It's not subjective enough to fit the tactic.


      Paul
      Paul, I agree. This is very much an "assumption archeology" exercise. It can be humbling, it can be uncomfortable. But I find it to be really useful, and motivating. Basically, what I arrive at is that either I'm NOT so smart, or smarts isn't what it takes. So then I think about how to use the smarts to DO what it takes to get what I want.

      Brain surgery doesn't fit because it's a skill you perform. You learn to physically perform it. You can't be wealthy by learning it in school or practicing being wealthy. It's more of a "have" or a "be" than a "do", properly speaking.

      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      So getting rich isn't the end of your problems OR opportunties. It's just a change in focus - both good and bad.
      I believe there is a song about this very thing. "More money, more problems." Funnily enough, the same guy made that song also made "All about the Benjamins" which could be part of his first problem.

      But you point out that people so far are still really getting caught up in the "oh I already feel rich" side of things, when that's not really the assumption I was trying to get at in myself, or in anyone reading. We're all here hanging out on this forum to learn how to make more money.

      You want SOMETHING like material wealth, or else you wouldn't even be reading this right now.

      So if you're here, you've got the info, you've got the desire. I assume you can read and type and work a computer. Let's not get hung up on calling it "smarts" or whatever. If you don't have what you want out of it yet, why not?

      Tons of people here will never make it because fundamentally, they aren't capable. But there are many more who COULD make it, but WON'T. So make a short list. "What could stop me?" And then don't do those.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bruce Wedding
        FWP = Financial Wealth Potential

        FWP = 5(Action * Desire²) * (2 * Knowledge) * IQ

        Ok, I just made that up but I think the proportions are about right. If any one of the coefficients is zero, you have no wealth potential. Knowledge is twice as important as IQ, Action is 5X as important as IQ and Desire is exponentially important as a multiplier to action.

        A little Desire goes a long way and a burning desire guarantees success for all but the totally ignorant or stupid.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jackbgd
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

    The subject line IS the topic:

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    Someone asked me this, and I had trouble answering it without making some uncomfortable, but very true "damaging admissions" about myself.

    For me:

    I'm lazy - or rather, I'm a slacker.

    I'm a self-doubter.

    I'm also pretty self satisfied a lot of the time, which is why the "so smart" barb really hit me where it hurts.

    I'm also more willing to give my best to a client than put my own name on it.

    These things have got to change.

    Today!

    How about you?

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
    I AM STUPID - AND RICH
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  • Profile picture of the author neodarth
    Is the same question that I made myself every morning that I have to go to work. But I'm rich already I have a wonderful family, a roof over my head, a meal on my plate and a warm cover when I'm cold.

    Anyway... I'm not millionaire, nor wealthy if you ask, I haven't a fancy car or a big house on the top of the hill.

    The really smart people never worries about money, they really don't need money to be happy, they don't even like the money... they know that there's so many other things more important than money.

    But what do I know... I'm just dumb I need money to buy happiness.

    Money is not everything... there are also the credit cards, the jewerly, the cars, the lands... lol
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  • Profile picture of the author soniia21
    I guess it depends on how you look at it - you can be rich in any area not just financial.

    ...but, one of my old work colleagues had so many qualifications, a degree in architecture, studying for a degree in urban design or something, a massage qualification being a few of many...REALLY smart but even with two jobs - come a week after pay day he couldn't afford to eat so he wasn't even living comfortable in general!

    I don't know why but he used to try and put me down when I used to talk about financial security and make me feel guilty for wanting to better myself - and using lots of fancy words I never understood! I guess he was scared, I don't know really, but he knew soooo much stuff I could never understand his position?

    I guess if you have a goal, go for it and keep going until you make it rather than trying to prove something to everyone else and cheating yourself in the process.
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  • Profile picture of the author actionplanbiz
    a lot of rich people are not "Smart" with their money if you ask me...
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      As a former engineer, the one I like is "it ain't (sic) exactly rocket science"...

      If you boil it down, all a rocket is, is a mechanism that moves by forcing a high volume of hot air through a small orifice. [Insert your own favorite political or Taco Bell joke here.]

      :p
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      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        As a former engineer, the one I like is "it ain't (sic) exactly rocket science"...

        If you boil it down, all a rocket is, is a mechanism that moves by forcing a high volume of hot air through a small orifice. [Insert your own favorite political or Taco Bell joke here.]

        :p
        ROFL - That's priceless.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ash R
    It's not about smarts, it's about how hard you work. That's my take on it.
    There was a quote I liked which I haven't been able to pull up, but something along the lines of "Talent without perseverance will leave you a pauper." etc.
    Basically, smarts alone are not enough

    Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

    Sorry to be full of truisms but I do find them inspiring and quite realistic.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ruka
    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    As a smart person, you need to let your non-smart friend know that being smart does not mean having the ability to make a lot of money! The correlation just isn't there. Being smart means you score high on an IQ test and you ace exams.

    I know at least 3 mensa-level smart people who are not good at making money at all.

    Business-smarts is a whole different kettle of fish though. Then - yes - if you have it, and you are working at making money, then you should be making money.

    Bear in mind also - that some people might have the ability to make a lot of money, but they do not want to spend their life on this pursuit.
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  • Profile picture of the author King Shiloh
    Banned
    It takes some things that are stronger than smartness for anyone to become (financially) rich. For instance, you need a lot of discipline and dedication to whatever you are doing in order to achieve positive result.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron.Scott
    Your title really struck me because I was asked this same question not to long ago and at the time I didn't have an answer but I do now. The main reason I wasn't successful at first all came down to focus. I wasn't willing to focus on one thing for more than two weeks and I wasn't willing to put the work into anything. I was gunning for quick riches.

    Thankfully now that isn't the case. Focus and hard work is now the key to my success.
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  • Profile picture of the author pldata
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

    The subject line IS the topic:

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    Someone asked me this, and I had trouble answering it without making some uncomfortable, but very true "damaging admissions" about myself.

    For me:

    I'm lazy - or rather, I'm a slacker.

    I'm a self-doubter.

    I'm also pretty self satisfied a lot of the time, which is why the "so smart" barb really hit me where it hurts.

    I'm also more willing to give my best to a client than put my own name on it.

    These things have got to change.

    Today!

    How about you?

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
    Hi Colin,

    In my opinion, the word "RICH" has numerous meanings according to your thinking. I am feeling rich because I am able to make my family happy, fulfil their wishes.

    I think money is the not only thing which makes you richer some other things also exist which you cannot ignore.
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    The thing that interests me is the shift that takes place in a person's mind after it settles in that they no longer have to actually keep working to support their lifestyle.

    Once a person attains a level of wealth, a couple of things can happen.

    Many people actually become depressed because the primary focus of their entire life has been permanently altered -- and they never fill the void with meaningful purpose. A lot of lottery winners and second or later generation wealth fit into this group (John duPont, Mary-Kate Olsen). Substance abuse, dysfunction, and other emotional issues abound.

    Others made their money from being passionate about what they do or who they are, so they keep on doing what they've always done (Steven Spielberg, JK Rowling). These seem to be the happiest of all.

    Then there are others that create larger goals for themselves that may or may not involve money. Some want to change society (a lot fall into this category), others embark on altruistic quests for personal development (adventure seekers). A lot of people end up in politics (Michael Bloomberg, Nancy Pelosi), social advocacy (Bill Gates, Al Gore), or climbing mountains and investing in cutting edge science or the arts. (Richard Branson, Elon Musk)

    So getting rich isn't the end of your problems OR opportunties. It's just a change in focus - both good and bad.
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  • Profile picture of the author colinph970
    to add to my previous comment - yes there is a very strong correlation between education and wealth (or should I correctly say causation rather than correlation) but the question is about being rich. This seems a strange anomaly to me....there is strong causation between education and wealth but if you want to be rich (and I define this as being financially dependent - stop work...if your money runs out then you are not rich) then basic education is required but the causation link appears to stop. Interesting paradox!
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  • Profile picture of the author demark
    how can i qualify to be rich??
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  • Profile picture of the author gjbusinessman
    Smarter people make others rich rather than making rich themselves, it seems! Every smart person may not attempt to become rich. Richer people utilize the services of the smarter people smartly to become the richest like Bill Gates it seems. It seems to me that to make money you need a different kind of smartness. that I can't tell but sure it exists!
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    • Profile picture of the author James Clark
      To the OP.

      You can be dumb, lucky, and make money, but you have to have some brains to keep it. No one is suggesting that Marketers is all that smart. Here is how I understand the business. This business is like trying to put the pieces of a puzzle together without the box. Think about that a little, here you are trying to put something together without a picture of the finish product. How hard do you think that would be? Now, to give you the whole picture up front would have to be priced in the $5000.00 range.

      How many people do you think would buy it? As result they use email marketing to give you a piece of the puzzle one at a time. Sooner or later if you hang around long enough you will figure out that you have to go to a live seminar to get the full story, and the picture.

      Jimmy.
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  • Profile picture of the author futurestrategy
    Being all those what you have mentioned, I believe good and hard efforts gets you a result. But like in IM it could be a pretty long time process.

    But there will be a definite result and success for all your efforts you put in.
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  • Profile picture of the author diger
    It is interesting how Colin's comment "tickles" different people in diferent ways judging from the comments here. I think it relates to the old saying, "money isn't every thing" (except when you don't have any).

    Summary: If we don't feel rich it is because we have not worked hard enough at our business assuming the business opportunity we are trying to become rich with, - had a chance to begin with ??!!

    Diger.......
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  • Profile picture of the author Sleeq
    The problem with being smart is that we quite often take it forgranted.

    I've suffered with this my whole life, hence why im not "rich"

    Laziness - I'm only just starting to fix that.

    Wish me luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author LetsGoViral
    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
    Who said smart people are rich? There are lot of smart people. Hell, 90% of people who have highest education (professors) can be considered smart. Smart is just being above average intelligence.

    So yes, being rich takes more than being smart. You have to actually be genius not only at thinking but at realizing your thoughts as well. You know how they say, "He is a marketing genius" or "He is a computer genius" or "He is a financial genius". Yes, if you were that, then the question "Why aren't you rich" could be considered legit. And even then genius does not always equal rich.
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    Time of thinking is over.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

    The subject line IS the topic:

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    Someone asked me this, and I had trouble answering it without making some uncomfortable, but very true "damaging admissions" about myself.

    For me:

    I'm lazy - or rather, I'm a slacker.

    I'm a self-doubter.

    I'm also pretty self satisfied a lot of the time, which is why the "so smart" barb really hit me where it hurts.

    I'm also more willing to give my best to a client than put my own name on it.

    These things have got to change.

    Today!

    How about you?

    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
    I will try to answer your question as best as i can.

    The truth is, life's battle does not always go to the strongest and fittest. There is always a bit of luck associated with success. That's why you might find people who have all it takes to succeed still lacking behind.

    If you do read most of those inspirational or business book they always say put God first.

    Don't use this as an excuse and stop trying harder.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
      I don't think brain power has anything to do with being rich.

      More so about your work ethic, and your determination.

      Now obviously if you are mentally handicapped, than you might have a harder time becoming rich(although still very possible), but I think it has little do with overall brain power.

      Furthermore, being 'rich' is fun, but by no means equates to happiness.

      I was really rich a few years back when I was really into my hosting company.

      I had a nice car(a Porsche 911 996 ) and you would be surprised how many people hated me for it.

      Then your friends start to resent you...not all of them, but a good portion do.

      Your friends suddenly want what you have, and will do surprising things to try and get it.

      Then you have to worry about who is really your friend, and who just wants to be associated with you at hopes of getting free money from you somewhere down the line.

      It's a nice feeling being rich and not have to worry about anything, however it comes with its catches.

      My new rule is never never never tell anyone what you are making besides for super close friends who like you for you and not your money(takes awhile to figure out who those people are)

      Just my 2 cents.
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        Daniel,
        Your friends suddenly want what you have, and will do surprising things to try and get it.

        Then you have to worry about who is really your friend, and who just wants to be associated with you at hopes of getting free money from you somewhere down the line.
        And with that, you have clearly explained one of the reasons the "big names" (in many fields) associate most closely with other people in the same position.

        As you say, it has its problems for some. One gentleman I know is so big in his field that he got paranoid about even his wealthy friends trying to "get one over on him." He was so concerned about it for a while that he started dealing with everyone like they were after everything he had, and he pushed every deal as far as he could. Then, at the risk of blowing things up, he'd push even harder for concessions once the deal was going.

        I can tell you, that did not help his reputation. A lot of people won't deal with him any more because of it.

        Unfortunately, that's not an uncommon thing.


        Paul
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
          Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

          Daniel,And with that, you have clearly explained one of the reasons the "big names" (in many fields) associate most closely with other people in the same position.

          As you say, it has its problems for some. One gentleman I know is so big in his field that he got paranoid about even his wealthy friends trying to "get one over on him." He was so concerned about it for a while that he started dealing with everyone like they were after everything he had, and he pushed every deal as far as he could. Then, at the risk of blowing things up, he'd push even harder for concessions once the deal was going.

          I can tell you, that did not help his reputation. A lot of people won't deal with him any more because of it.

          Unfortunately, that's not an uncommon thing.


          Paul
          Paul,

          It definitely makes sense why the big gurus are so buddy buddy - I'm sure they had to leave behind a lot of old time friends because of their success.

          It makes me really wonder...if everyone is going to hate you in the end, does it make all the work we do worth it?

          I mean yeah, 'associate with those that understand', but that will be like 2 people.

          It reminds me of all those lottery stories where people get instantly rich but end up hating their life afterwords.

          The sad thing is, I can definitely see what you describe about your friend happening to literally anyone. I consider myself a good person....but if I had to put up with side effects of being rich for longer than a couple years, I would definitely start to turn sour like that.
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          • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
            Daniel,
            It makes me really wonder...if everyone is going to hate you in the end, does it make all the work we do worth it?
            When I hear this, I always think of something Laurie Anderson (I think it was her) said, when asked how she dealt with all the negativity in the world: "You're hanging with the wrong people."

            It's all about expectations and demands. Don't have any, don't make any, and don't accept any. Change them all to preferences.

            Things get a lot simpler when you do that.


            Paul
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            • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
              Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

              Daniel,When I hear this, I always think of something Laurie Anderson (I think it was her) said, when asked how she dealt with all the negativity in the world: "You're hanging with the wrong people."

              It's all about expectations and demands. Don't have any, don't make any, and don't accept any. Change them all to preferences.

              Things get a lot simpler when you do that.


              Paul
              Yeah....that's what they say.

              Way easier said than done though.

              Especially for people who aren't good at making new friends.

              Add in the 8 hours that you don't spend in the work place everyday socializing and you got yourself a recipe for a sticky situation.
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              • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
                Daniel,

                I find that most people who have a hard time making friends are too concerned about how they define that term. They place all kinds of expectations on the world, or they try to live by what they think the world expects of them.

                Unhappiness is the result of expectations colliding with reality. Guess what happens when you get rid of the expectations?

                Preferences are different. I have a ton of them, and I can be quite draconian about them. The distinction is in how I look at someone who doesn't fit my preferred way of doing things. I don't see them as The Enemy. They're not villains. (Unless they're aggressively pushing their way on me.) They're just other people with different preferences.

                Unmet expectations tend to give a very different outcome, don't they?

                Once you quit expecting anything from strangers, it's much easier to make friends. Mostly because you don't feel any pressure, and you don't make other people feel pressured.


                Paul
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                • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
                  Paul, you are quite the philosopher!
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                  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
                    Daniel,
                    Paul, you are quite the philosopher!
                    I hear that a lot. It's not the case, though.

                    This is Human 101. The problems come up because we go to school and learn how people are "supposed" to act. We hear other people's expectations, and we start to think that it's okay to buy into the deals they represent, as long as other people play by the same "rules."

                    When someone doesn't, we resent it. We forget that the game doesn't have to have those kinds of rules. Sure, we need some to keep society functioning, but most of the rules have nothing to do with that.

                    Why do businesspeople have to wear suits? Expectations.

                    Why do people think that customers get to be the only ones who have preferences or standards in a transaction? Expectations.

                    Why do people fight and kill each other? Expectations.

                    We expect other people to behave in certain ways, and if they don't, well, we'll teach those stupid sons of ostriches how things should be done!

                    Expectations are nothing more than conditions you impose on someone without their agreement. "If I do this, you're supposed to do such and such." If they don't go along with it and you feel bad, whose problem is that? Whose responsibility?

                    Want to stop feeling bad about it? Stop requiring other people to fit some artificial set of pre-conditions. And stop threatening them with guilt if they "make you feel bad."

                    That's not philosophy. It's just common sense.


                    Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Daniel - I went through a similar thing, on a smaller scale it sounds like, when my first book was published. It changes the way people see you, and that can change them. Suddenly they treat you different and have different expectations or hopes from knowing you.

    If that changes the way you are, suddenly no one knows who is who anymore. Just keep being yourself and let those who expect more to drift away.
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author Readygo
    Colin :confused: are you for hire? WHY is your contact info nowhere to be found..

    shoot me an email -
    paul
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    • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
      Originally Posted by Readygo View Post

      Colin :confused: are you for hire? WHY is your contact info nowhere to be found..

      shoot me an email -
      paul
      Did you mean me? I'm pretty easy to contact - My facebook, twitter, and my website are all linked to from my profile on this site.

      You could also PM me or Email through the site, but maybe not if you're a new member. I'll try emailing you through the system, but if you don't get it, just visit my site, http://ColinTheriot.com and leave a comment with your contact info and I'll be sure to get it.

      Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kate C
    Well, this is very simple. There are 3 types of people. There are people who have a lot of information about a lot of things. They know a lot of stuff and they are very sharp but do not put that information or intelligence to good use in order to make money.

    Next, there are people who are not very sharp, know, nothing but dream of one day making it very rich.They just keep dreaming till the cows come home!

    The last group of people, are the ones who may or may not have a lot of intelligence or information. This group of people can be pretty aggressive and they will implement their plan. They are action people and as a result they will get results. These are the accidental millionaires.The ones you do not expect to make it but they do.

    So now you know. You do not have to be smart to make money. You just have to implement your ideas.
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  • Profile picture of the author neodarth
    This reminds me one thing that Calvin Colidge said:
    "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

    Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.

    Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

    Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

    Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

    The slogan "Press on" has sovled and always will solve the problems of the human race"

    I copied from a textbook from my kid but I think is relevant.
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  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
    Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post


    "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    A few points:

    # It doesn't take a lot of intelligence to aquire wealth...just the accumulation of money and assets.

    # Just because someone doesn't have a lot of money doesn't mean their advice and ideas aren't worth listening to.

    Most wealthy business owners have advisors of various kinds who only make a fraction of what they do.

    The funny thing is a smart wealthy person is unlikely to ask the question "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"

    They're thinking more along the lines of "I wonder if he has any ideas that might make me a good profit?"


    # Napolean Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich....a book which helped more people become millionaires than probably any other work...died broke.

    So having great knowledge on how to become rich won't necessarily make you rich either.

    Ultimately if you want to aquire wealth you have to take a lot of very focused action on achieving that.

    Kindest regards,
    Andrew Cavanagh
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