Huge businessman, inventor, mathematician, top aerospace and aeronautical engineer, film producer, film director, playboy, and aviator among other things; he was born Howard Robard Hughes, Jr. on December 24, 1905, in Houston, Texas. While he is largely known for being one of the wealthiest men and one of the most famous recluses, Hughes had many professional accomplishments before withdrawing from public life. He inherited his family's successful oil tool business and began investing in films. He produced several films, including the hit Hell's Angels. Son of a successful oil drill tool manufacturer, he inherited the family business in 1923 at the age of 18. He used some of his fortune to finance films, beginning in 1926. He produced several movies, including the World War I epic Hell's Angels (1930), which featured expensive aerial fight sequences and a then-unknown actress named Jean Harlow. Some of his other significant films were Scarface (1932) and The Outlaw (1941). During his days in Hollywood, Hughes developed a reputation for being a playboy, dating such actresses as Katherine Hepburn, Ava Gardner, and Ginger Rogers.
Hughes developed a passion for flying and founded his own aircraft company in the early 1930s. Besides designing and building planes, he risked his own life several times testing planes and setting new world air speed records in the mid- to late 1930s. While he is credited with many aviation innovations, such as the first retractable landing gear, he is also remembered for one of his biggest flops—the Spruce Goose. Hughes labored on this oversized wooden sea-plane for years, finishing it in 1947. It was only flown once.
After a terrible plane crash in 1946, Hughes began to retreat from the world. He bought part of RKO Pictures in 1948, but he never visited the studio. In the 1960s, he lived on the top floor of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, Nevada, and conducted all of his business from his hotel suite. Few people ever saw him, which led to much public speculation and rumors about his activities. It was thought that he suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder and had a drug problem. Hughes eventually left Las Vegas and began living abroad. In 1971 an allegedly authorized biography of famed recluse was announced, but it turned out to be a scam. The authors were later imprisoned for fraud.
Hughes died on April 5, 1976 of kidney failure due to the intake of strong pain killers during a long period of time. After his death, numerous fake versions of his will surfaced, leading to a battle over his fortune. In 2004, Hughes' life returned to the spotlight with the feature film The Aviator, which depicted his early days. Leonardo DiCaprio played the billionaire as a dashing, troubled young man. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Hughes.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Advice from Jean Paul Getty
Jean Paul Getty's Secrets to Wealth: 8 Strong Rules for Acquiring or Creating Wealth.
Rule No. 1: To acquire wealth today, you must be in your own business.
The first rule to creating wealth is to start your own business. In fact, it’s the most important among all the secrets to wealth. You may think that the corporate executive with a $100,000 salary is better off than small shop owner, but the executive will be hard-pressed to double his income and taxes will eat up most of any increase.
Building a business is probably the best investment opportunity with the highest returns on investment. The simplest peanut vendor has unlimited opportunity to expand his business and his income and even salesmen; who in most cases are able to write their own paychecks, can control their sale increases.
Rule No. 2: You must have adequate knowledge of the business.
"Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing." – Warren Buffett
You must have a working knowledge of the business when you start and continue to increase your knowledge of it as you go along. If you don't know what you're doing when you start; your mistakes will be costly and often unnecessary, and you won't be able to keep up with the technological explosions in any field. Start smart and stay that way.
"One of the most stupid things to do is to pretend you are smart. When you pretend to be smart, you are at the height of stupidity." – Rich Dad
Rule No. 3: You must learn to save money.
You must save money in your personal life and in your business venture as well. Discipline is the key to saving money. You must develop the will power to deny yourself immediate gratification or the temptation to gamble on the quick buck. Resources will be needed for expansion and should be guarded carefully.
Rule No. 4: You must take risk.
"To win big, you sometimes have to take big risks." – Bill Gates
This is another hard core secret to wealth. In fact, it’s the singular difference between the rich and poor. You must take risks, both with your own money or with borrowed money. Risk-taking is essential to business growth. Nelson Bunker Hunt is admired for his guts in trying to corner the silver market; not scorned for losing money on this deal. Some of the richest men have staked their entire fortunes and lost, several times over, before the risk-taking paid off.
"In today's rapidly changing world, the people who are not taking risk are the risk takers." – Robert Kiyosaki
When taking risk, back it with good judgment, experience, commitment, and the right support. Always seek advice on risks from the wealthy who still take risks, not friends who dare nothing more than a Football bet.
“Before making an important decision, get as much as you can of the best information available and review it carefully, analyze it and draw up worst case scenarios. Add up the plus or minus factors, discuss it with your team and do what your guts tell you to do.” – The Mafia Manager
Rule No. 5: You must learn to live with tension.
"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber and a little folding of hands to sleep; so shall your poverty come." – Proverbs 6: 10-11
You must not only learn to live with tension, you must seek it out. Thrive on stress! Even If it means getting physically fit, having a psychiatric overall or losing 50 pounds before you can handle it, do it. Once you can learn to thrive on stress, you will not only enjoy it, you will seek it out willingly and enthusiastically.
Men of means look at making money as a game which they love to play. Consider it serious business and you will suffer far more stress than you need or want. Keep your perspective or your stress level will rocket beyond your control.
“Work hard, have fun; make history.” – Jeff Bezos
Rule No. 6: Build wealth as a by-product.
"Wealth like happiness is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a product of providing useful service." – Henry Ford
Build wealth as a by-product of your business success. If wealth is your only object in business, you will probably fail. Wealth is only a benefit of the game. If you win, the money will be there.
"Every few seconds it changes, up an eighth, down an eighth. It's like playing a slot machine. I lose $20 million, I gain $20 million." – Ted Turner
"I don't make deals for the money. I've got enough much more than I’ll ever need. I do it to do it." – Donald Trump
Rule No. 7: You must be patient.
"I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on assumption they could close the market the next day and not re-open it for five years." – Warren Buffett
Patience; it’s the most important attribute to creating wealth, it’s the greatest business asset. Wait for the right time to make your moves. Let your business grow naturally, not by pressing your luck.
Rules No. 8: Diversify.
"If you are moving, even fire will not hurt you. If you are standing still near the fire, even though you are not in the fire, the heat will eventually get to you." – Rich Dad
Diversify at the top; this is the last rule to creating wealth and one of the essential secrets to wealth. Once you've made it, you'll understand that any business is limited in the challenges it offers. You'll want and need other games to play, so you'll look for other ventures to hold your interest. Take a look at the richest people in the world and you will see they have a well diversified portfolio of investments ranging from businesses to stocks, real estate and commodities.
"I think you might see us growing much deeper into banking. You might see us acquiring companies in the banking area. You might see us acquiring companies in the retail area. I think you might see us acquiring companies in the telecommunications. I think you will see us getting stronger in business intelligence." – Larry Ellison.-
Rule No. 1: To acquire wealth today, you must be in your own business.
The first rule to creating wealth is to start your own business. In fact, it’s the most important among all the secrets to wealth. You may think that the corporate executive with a $100,000 salary is better off than small shop owner, but the executive will be hard-pressed to double his income and taxes will eat up most of any increase.
Building a business is probably the best investment opportunity with the highest returns on investment. The simplest peanut vendor has unlimited opportunity to expand his business and his income and even salesmen; who in most cases are able to write their own paychecks, can control their sale increases.
Rule No. 2: You must have adequate knowledge of the business.
"Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing." – Warren Buffett
You must have a working knowledge of the business when you start and continue to increase your knowledge of it as you go along. If you don't know what you're doing when you start; your mistakes will be costly and often unnecessary, and you won't be able to keep up with the technological explosions in any field. Start smart and stay that way.
"One of the most stupid things to do is to pretend you are smart. When you pretend to be smart, you are at the height of stupidity." – Rich Dad
Rule No. 3: You must learn to save money.
You must save money in your personal life and in your business venture as well. Discipline is the key to saving money. You must develop the will power to deny yourself immediate gratification or the temptation to gamble on the quick buck. Resources will be needed for expansion and should be guarded carefully.
Rule No. 4: You must take risk.
"To win big, you sometimes have to take big risks." – Bill Gates
This is another hard core secret to wealth. In fact, it’s the singular difference between the rich and poor. You must take risks, both with your own money or with borrowed money. Risk-taking is essential to business growth. Nelson Bunker Hunt is admired for his guts in trying to corner the silver market; not scorned for losing money on this deal. Some of the richest men have staked their entire fortunes and lost, several times over, before the risk-taking paid off.
"In today's rapidly changing world, the people who are not taking risk are the risk takers." – Robert Kiyosaki
When taking risk, back it with good judgment, experience, commitment, and the right support. Always seek advice on risks from the wealthy who still take risks, not friends who dare nothing more than a Football bet.
“Before making an important decision, get as much as you can of the best information available and review it carefully, analyze it and draw up worst case scenarios. Add up the plus or minus factors, discuss it with your team and do what your guts tell you to do.” – The Mafia Manager
Rule No. 5: You must learn to live with tension.
"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber and a little folding of hands to sleep; so shall your poverty come." – Proverbs 6: 10-11
You must not only learn to live with tension, you must seek it out. Thrive on stress! Even If it means getting physically fit, having a psychiatric overall or losing 50 pounds before you can handle it, do it. Once you can learn to thrive on stress, you will not only enjoy it, you will seek it out willingly and enthusiastically.
Men of means look at making money as a game which they love to play. Consider it serious business and you will suffer far more stress than you need or want. Keep your perspective or your stress level will rocket beyond your control.
“Work hard, have fun; make history.” – Jeff Bezos
Rule No. 6: Build wealth as a by-product.
"Wealth like happiness is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a product of providing useful service." – Henry Ford
Build wealth as a by-product of your business success. If wealth is your only object in business, you will probably fail. Wealth is only a benefit of the game. If you win, the money will be there.
"Every few seconds it changes, up an eighth, down an eighth. It's like playing a slot machine. I lose $20 million, I gain $20 million." – Ted Turner
"I don't make deals for the money. I've got enough much more than I’ll ever need. I do it to do it." – Donald Trump
Rule No. 7: You must be patient.
"I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on assumption they could close the market the next day and not re-open it for five years." – Warren Buffett
Patience; it’s the most important attribute to creating wealth, it’s the greatest business asset. Wait for the right time to make your moves. Let your business grow naturally, not by pressing your luck.
Rules No. 8: Diversify.
"If you are moving, even fire will not hurt you. If you are standing still near the fire, even though you are not in the fire, the heat will eventually get to you." – Rich Dad
Diversify at the top; this is the last rule to creating wealth and one of the essential secrets to wealth. Once you've made it, you'll understand that any business is limited in the challenges it offers. You'll want and need other games to play, so you'll look for other ventures to hold your interest. Take a look at the richest people in the world and you will see they have a well diversified portfolio of investments ranging from businesses to stocks, real estate and commodities.
"I think you might see us growing much deeper into banking. You might see us acquiring companies in the banking area. You might see us acquiring companies in the retail area. I think you might see us acquiring companies in the telecommunications. I think you will see us getting stronger in business intelligence." – Larry Ellison.-
On how Jean Paul Getty made his millions
Shrewdly investing his resources during the Great Depression, Jean Paul Getty acquired Pacific Western Oil Corporation, and he began the acquisition (completed in 1953) of the Mission Corporation, which included Tidewater Oil and Skelly Oil. In 1967 the billionaire merged these holdings into Getty Oil.
Beginning in 1949, Getty paid Ibn Saud $9.5 million in cash and $1 million a year for a 60-year concession to a tract of barren land near the border of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. No oil had ever been discovered there, and none appeared until four years and $30 million had been spent. From 1953 onward, Getty's gamble produced 16,000,000 barrels (2,500,000 m3) a year, which contributed greatly to the fortune which made him the richest person in the world.
Getty increased the family wealth, learning to speak Arabic which enabled his unparalleled expansion into the Middle East. Getty owned the controlling interest in nearly 200 businesses, including Getty Oil. Associates identified his overall wealth at between $2 billion and $4 billion. It didn't come easily, perhaps inspiring Getty's widely quoted remark—"The meek shall inherit the earth, but not the mineral rights."
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Billionaire Howard Hughes
How he used to make part of his money:
Hughes Aircraft.
Hughes Aircraft Company, a division of Hughes Tool Company, was originally founded by Howard Hughes (1905 - 1976) in 1932, in a rented corner of a Lockheed Aircraft Corporation hangar in Burbank, California, to build the H-1 racer. During and after World War II, Hughes fashioned his company into a major defense contractor. The Hughes Helicopters division started in 1947 when helicopter manufacturer Kellett sold their latest design to Hughes for production.
In 1948, Hughes created a new division of the company, the Hughes Aerospace Group. The Hughes Space and Communications Group and the Hughes Space Systems Division were later spun off in 1948 to form their own divisions and ultimately became the Hughes Space and Communications Company in 1961. In 1953, Howard Hughes gave all his stock in the Hughes Aircraft Company to the newly formed Howard Hughes Medical Institute, thereby turning the aerospace and defense contractor into a tax-exempt charitable organization. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute sold Hughes Aircraft in 1985 to General Motors for US$5.2 billion. In 1997, General Motors sold Hughes Aircraft to Raytheon and in 2000, sold Hughes Space & Communications to Boeing. A combination of Boeing, GM and Raytheon acquired the Hughes Research Laboratories.
Hughes Aircraft.
Hughes Aircraft Company, a division of Hughes Tool Company, was originally founded by Howard Hughes (1905 - 1976) in 1932, in a rented corner of a Lockheed Aircraft Corporation hangar in Burbank, California, to build the H-1 racer. During and after World War II, Hughes fashioned his company into a major defense contractor. The Hughes Helicopters division started in 1947 when helicopter manufacturer Kellett sold their latest design to Hughes for production.
In 1948, Hughes created a new division of the company, the Hughes Aerospace Group. The Hughes Space and Communications Group and the Hughes Space Systems Division were later spun off in 1948 to form their own divisions and ultimately became the Hughes Space and Communications Company in 1961. In 1953, Howard Hughes gave all his stock in the Hughes Aircraft Company to the newly formed Howard Hughes Medical Institute, thereby turning the aerospace and defense contractor into a tax-exempt charitable organization. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute sold Hughes Aircraft in 1985 to General Motors for US$5.2 billion. In 1997, General Motors sold Hughes Aircraft to Raytheon and in 2000, sold Hughes Space & Communications to Boeing. A combination of Boeing, GM and Raytheon acquired the Hughes Research Laboratories.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Best books about making money
The Best Books About Making Money by Samuel Ha.
I was never an avid reader. As a matter of fact, before the age of 20, I probably only read about 2 books front to back. It wasn’t until I started taking business seriously that I immersed myself in reading. The following are my best books about making money, which has taught me more than any school could.
How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis
Perhaps one of the best books I’ve read, not just in business, but EVER. I’ve read it a few times over and every time I go back to it, I’m always reminded of something important.
Felix Dennis is a man who has been through it all, from going to prison, to becoming wildly rich, falling into a drug fuelled world and now chilling out enjoying the finest wines. Felix bluntly describes in detail about what it really takes to become rich, backed up by fascinating incidents in his life. He tells you how he started his career in magazine publishing and how he broke into the US market as a small Company.
If you hadn’t heard of Felix Dennis previously, you will definitely have heard of some of his launches which includes Maxim, Computer Shopping & Personal Computer World. I must admit, when I first saw the title I thought to myself “not another one of these get rich quick books”, but my mate recommended it to me and thankfully, I purchased it. If you’re an entrepreneur, I highly recommend you to do the same.
Buy It Now: Felix Dennis – How to Get Rich from Amazon UK or Amazon US.
Anyone Can Do It: My Story by Duncan Bannatyne
I took a very long hiatus in reading (about 12 years!). I remember this was the first booked I picked up and read after my hiatus, and boy did I read. I must have finished it within a few days.
Duncan’s rags to riches story is told in a very straightforward manner with no business jargons, which makes it easy to read. After all, he is just a simple man. Scottish serial entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16, so that he could travel the world. After a couple incidents landed him in a military detention centre and subsequently prison, he drifted from job to job until the age of 30.
What followed was a strong determination to become rich, starting with an ice cream van business during the height of the “Glasgow Ice Cream Wars”. Then he went into the nursing homes sector, followed by hotels and his huge chain of health clubs, “Bannatynes”. If you live in the UK, you would know Duncan from Dragons Den which has raised his profile significantly.
This book had a big impact on my life, because this was a guy with no qualifications, no money and no bank account until the age of 30, but still he managed to become hugely successful.
Buy It Now: Duncan Bannatyne – Anyone Can Do It from Amazon UK.
The Real Deal: My Story from Brick Lane to Dragons’ Den by James Caan
This is a book that I put on the backburner for a while. I wasn’t really interested in it but I’m glad that I found the motivation to read it one day. James Caan (formerly known as Nazim Khan) hit the spotlight from being on Dragons Den alongside fellow entrepreneur Duncan Bunnatyne.
A business savvy character who wanted to make his own path, James went against his family’s wishes for him to join their clothing Company. He left home at 16 and became estranged from his father for years. After gaining experience in the recruitment industry, James started his own Company from a tiny room in Pall Mall, purposely chosen for its prestigious image. From his small office room, he took his business from nothing to millions.
Although I’ve never dwelled in the recruitment industry, I learnt a lot on James’ experiences in cold calling, meeting clients and other aspects of business.
Buy It Now: James Caan – The Real Deal from Amazon UK / Amazon US
Mcdonald’s: Behind the Arches by John F. Love
On nearly every corner of the planet there’s a Mcdonalds. It’s practically engrained into our culture and the impact it has had on all aspects of society is phenomenal. Of course, I already knew this before I picked up this book, but what I didn’t know was how it became the beast it is today.
It was Richard and Maurice McDonald who founded the modern fast-food restaurant concept, but it was ultimately Ray Kroc who took it to another level. Amazingly, Ray Kroc’s success arrived late in his life after 50 years old. He was just a milkshake machine salesman travelling across the Country when he stumbled across the Mcdonald brothers innovative business. Behind the Arches presents in full detail about how Mcdonalds was born and its long journey to becoming the biggest fast food chain in the world.
This book is quite a long read but very interesting nonetheless. If you’re in the food business, then you need to pick this up. After reading this, I feel like I have the knowledge to open up and successfully run a fast food franchise business, that’s how much this book has taught me.
Buy It Now: Mcdonald’s – Behind the Arches from Amazon UK / Amazon US
Sam Walton: Made in America My Story by Sam Walton and John Huey
Walmart is known as the largest retailer in the world, and the 3rd largest Company in the world by revenue, but founder Sam Walton never dreamed to reach these heights. I knew little about Walmart before reading this book and even less about the man who created it.
Made in America takes you through Sam Walton’s journey from his childhood upbringing during The Great Depression to the creation and expansion of his business empire. The retailing genius was a pioneer in his trade and came up with many concepts that would shape the success of his discount stores. From 1982 – 1988, Sam Walton was given the title “The Richest Man in the World” by Forbes Magazine, but it was a title that came with unwanted attention. Not surprising as Sam wasn’t in the game for the fame
In his book, he shares his philosophies on life and business, and how he grew his small business into the largest retailer in the world. I came across some real gems in this book which could be applied to any type and size of business.
Buy It Now: Sam Walton – Made in America from Amazon UK / Amazon US
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
This is a slight contrast to the other books on my list, but still deserves the same amount of recognition. While I prefer reading non-fiction and biographies, The Richest Man in Babylon is a fun educational story about money that anyone can understand because it’s so straightforward.
Set in ancient times, you’ll find out how the Babylonians discovered the universal laws of prosperity. This book follow the tales of certain characters such as merchants, tradesmen and herdsman, and explains how they learnt to improve their financial situation through solid advice form a wealthy friend. If you’re poor, in debt and struggling to stay afloat, then the principles that are given can change anyone’s life if applied in the right way. I believe that this book should be taught in schools because it’s such a refreshing, educational and timeless piece of work.
It’s written in an Old English style, so it took me a few pages of reading to get used to it. It’s a very short book but that’s the beauty of it, because it only needs enough to get its point across to readers. The points made in this book parallels society as it is today and is evidence that “the more things change, the more it stays the same”. There’s a reason why The Richest Man in Babylon is a bestseller and highly regarded as a classic.
Buy It Now: The Richest Man in Babylon from Amazon UK / Amazon US
You don’t need to read, or even be able to read to get rich…but it does help…A LOT. After going through so many business related books, it feels like I’ve lived more than a few lifetimes. The knowledge gained from reading is not like watching a documentary where visuals are displayed so you don’t have to use your imagination.
Instead, reading allows you to focus in on your thoughts and recreate images in your mind, which can lead to actions. And if you’re reading about making money, guess where your thoughts and actions will take you?
I was never an avid reader. As a matter of fact, before the age of 20, I probably only read about 2 books front to back. It wasn’t until I started taking business seriously that I immersed myself in reading. The following are my best books about making money, which has taught me more than any school could.
How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis
Perhaps one of the best books I’ve read, not just in business, but EVER. I’ve read it a few times over and every time I go back to it, I’m always reminded of something important.
Felix Dennis is a man who has been through it all, from going to prison, to becoming wildly rich, falling into a drug fuelled world and now chilling out enjoying the finest wines. Felix bluntly describes in detail about what it really takes to become rich, backed up by fascinating incidents in his life. He tells you how he started his career in magazine publishing and how he broke into the US market as a small Company.
If you hadn’t heard of Felix Dennis previously, you will definitely have heard of some of his launches which includes Maxim, Computer Shopping & Personal Computer World. I must admit, when I first saw the title I thought to myself “not another one of these get rich quick books”, but my mate recommended it to me and thankfully, I purchased it. If you’re an entrepreneur, I highly recommend you to do the same.
Buy It Now: Felix Dennis – How to Get Rich from Amazon UK or Amazon US.
Anyone Can Do It: My Story by Duncan Bannatyne
I took a very long hiatus in reading (about 12 years!). I remember this was the first booked I picked up and read after my hiatus, and boy did I read. I must have finished it within a few days.
Duncan’s rags to riches story is told in a very straightforward manner with no business jargons, which makes it easy to read. After all, he is just a simple man. Scottish serial entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16, so that he could travel the world. After a couple incidents landed him in a military detention centre and subsequently prison, he drifted from job to job until the age of 30.
What followed was a strong determination to become rich, starting with an ice cream van business during the height of the “Glasgow Ice Cream Wars”. Then he went into the nursing homes sector, followed by hotels and his huge chain of health clubs, “Bannatynes”. If you live in the UK, you would know Duncan from Dragons Den which has raised his profile significantly.
This book had a big impact on my life, because this was a guy with no qualifications, no money and no bank account until the age of 30, but still he managed to become hugely successful.
Buy It Now: Duncan Bannatyne – Anyone Can Do It from Amazon UK.
The Real Deal: My Story from Brick Lane to Dragons’ Den by James Caan
This is a book that I put on the backburner for a while. I wasn’t really interested in it but I’m glad that I found the motivation to read it one day. James Caan (formerly known as Nazim Khan) hit the spotlight from being on Dragons Den alongside fellow entrepreneur Duncan Bunnatyne.
A business savvy character who wanted to make his own path, James went against his family’s wishes for him to join their clothing Company. He left home at 16 and became estranged from his father for years. After gaining experience in the recruitment industry, James started his own Company from a tiny room in Pall Mall, purposely chosen for its prestigious image. From his small office room, he took his business from nothing to millions.
Although I’ve never dwelled in the recruitment industry, I learnt a lot on James’ experiences in cold calling, meeting clients and other aspects of business.
Buy It Now: James Caan – The Real Deal from Amazon UK / Amazon US
Mcdonald’s: Behind the Arches by John F. Love
On nearly every corner of the planet there’s a Mcdonalds. It’s practically engrained into our culture and the impact it has had on all aspects of society is phenomenal. Of course, I already knew this before I picked up this book, but what I didn’t know was how it became the beast it is today.
It was Richard and Maurice McDonald who founded the modern fast-food restaurant concept, but it was ultimately Ray Kroc who took it to another level. Amazingly, Ray Kroc’s success arrived late in his life after 50 years old. He was just a milkshake machine salesman travelling across the Country when he stumbled across the Mcdonald brothers innovative business. Behind the Arches presents in full detail about how Mcdonalds was born and its long journey to becoming the biggest fast food chain in the world.
This book is quite a long read but very interesting nonetheless. If you’re in the food business, then you need to pick this up. After reading this, I feel like I have the knowledge to open up and successfully run a fast food franchise business, that’s how much this book has taught me.
Buy It Now: Mcdonald’s – Behind the Arches from Amazon UK / Amazon US
Sam Walton: Made in America My Story by Sam Walton and John Huey
Walmart is known as the largest retailer in the world, and the 3rd largest Company in the world by revenue, but founder Sam Walton never dreamed to reach these heights. I knew little about Walmart before reading this book and even less about the man who created it.
Made in America takes you through Sam Walton’s journey from his childhood upbringing during The Great Depression to the creation and expansion of his business empire. The retailing genius was a pioneer in his trade and came up with many concepts that would shape the success of his discount stores. From 1982 – 1988, Sam Walton was given the title “The Richest Man in the World” by Forbes Magazine, but it was a title that came with unwanted attention. Not surprising as Sam wasn’t in the game for the fame
In his book, he shares his philosophies on life and business, and how he grew his small business into the largest retailer in the world. I came across some real gems in this book which could be applied to any type and size of business.
Buy It Now: Sam Walton – Made in America from Amazon UK / Amazon US
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
This is a slight contrast to the other books on my list, but still deserves the same amount of recognition. While I prefer reading non-fiction and biographies, The Richest Man in Babylon is a fun educational story about money that anyone can understand because it’s so straightforward.
Set in ancient times, you’ll find out how the Babylonians discovered the universal laws of prosperity. This book follow the tales of certain characters such as merchants, tradesmen and herdsman, and explains how they learnt to improve their financial situation through solid advice form a wealthy friend. If you’re poor, in debt and struggling to stay afloat, then the principles that are given can change anyone’s life if applied in the right way. I believe that this book should be taught in schools because it’s such a refreshing, educational and timeless piece of work.
It’s written in an Old English style, so it took me a few pages of reading to get used to it. It’s a very short book but that’s the beauty of it, because it only needs enough to get its point across to readers. The points made in this book parallels society as it is today and is evidence that “the more things change, the more it stays the same”. There’s a reason why The Richest Man in Babylon is a bestseller and highly regarded as a classic.
Buy It Now: The Richest Man in Babylon from Amazon UK / Amazon US
You don’t need to read, or even be able to read to get rich…but it does help…A LOT. After going through so many business related books, it feels like I’ve lived more than a few lifetimes. The knowledge gained from reading is not like watching a documentary where visuals are displayed so you don’t have to use your imagination.
Instead, reading allows you to focus in on your thoughts and recreate images in your mind, which can lead to actions. And if you’re reading about making money, guess where your thoughts and actions will take you?
Sunday, July 8, 2012
En una Frase: El Exito
1. No he fallado. Acabo de encontrar 10 mil maneras que no funcionan – Thomas Edison
2. El único lugar en el que éxito viene antes que trabajo es en el diccionario – Vidal Sassoon
3. Ser un emprendedor es vivir unos años como otros no lo harán, para vivir el resto de sus vidas como otros no podrán – Anónimo
4. La mejor razón para crear una empresa es para tener un impacto: crear un producto o servicio que haga del mundo un lugar mejor – Guy Kawasaki
5. Cada logro -sea grande o pequeño- tiene etapas de esclavitud y de triunfo; un comienzo, una lucha, una victoria – Mahatma Gandhi
6. El fracaso derrota a los perdedores, e inspira a los ganadores – Robert Kiyosaki
7. Los emprendedores promedian 3.8 fracasos antes de alcanzar el éxito. Lo que diferencia a los que tienen éxito es su extraordinaria persistencia – Lisa Amos
8. El día que decidas conformarte con el segundo puesto, eso es lo que te pasará en la vida – John F. Kennedy
9. Al prepararme para las batallas siempre me ha parecido que los planes son inútiles, pero el planeamiento es indispensable – Dwight Eisenhower
10. El mejor premio de volverte un millonario no es la cantidad de dinero que ganas. Es la clase de persona en la que te tienes que convertir para lograr ser millonario – Jim Rohn
11. Algunas personas sueñan con grandes logros, mientras que otros no duermen cumpliéndolos – Anónimo
12. La experiencia me ha enseñado unas cuantas cosas. Una es seguir tus instintos, sin importar cuán bien suene algo en el papel. La segunda es que a veces es mejor guiarse por lo que uno conoce. Y la tercera es que a veces las mejores inversiones son aquellas que no haces – Donald Trump
13. El emprendedor en nosotros ve oportunidades en cada lugar que mira, pero muchas personas sólo ven problemas a dónde sea que miren. El emprendedor en nosotros está más preocupado por descartar oportunidades que fallando en descubrirlas – Michael Gerber
14. Un emprendedor suele morder más de lo que puede masticar, con la esperanza de pronto aprender cómo masticarlo – Roy Ash
15. El ingrediente básico es mover ese trasero y empezar a actuar. Es tan simple como eso. Muchas personas tienen ideas, pero pocas deciden hacer algo al respecto hoy. No mañana. No la próxima semana. Hoy. El verdadero emprendedor no es un soñador, es un hacedor – Nolan Bushnell
16. Yo les voy a decir cómo ser ricos. Cierren sus puertas. Sean temerosos cuando otros son codiciosos. Sean codiciosos cuando otros sean temerosos – Warren Buffet
17. Nunca he perfeccionado un invento en el que no pensara en términos de su utilidad para los demás… Averiguo qué necesita el mundo, luego procedo a inventar – Thomas Edison
18. Dentro de veinte años, estarás más decepcionados por las cosas que no hiciste que por las que decidiste hacer. Así que suelta las amarras, empieza a navegar y aprovecha los vientos a tu favor. Explora. Sueña. Descubre – Mark Twain
19. Existe una marea en los asuntos de los hombres, que, tomada en pleamar, conduce a la fortuna; pero, omitida, todo el viaje de la vida va circuido de escollos y desgracias. En esa pleamar flotamos ahora, y debemos aprovechar la corriente cuando es favorable o perder las empresas que tenemos ante nosotros – William Shakespeare
20. El genio es 1% de inspiración y 99% de sudor – Thomas Edison
21. Esa mujer cree en ti , esta segura que vas a lograrlo. Ella te ama estará contigo en la buenas y en las malas. - Leslye Campero.
2. El único lugar en el que éxito viene antes que trabajo es en el diccionario – Vidal Sassoon
3. Ser un emprendedor es vivir unos años como otros no lo harán, para vivir el resto de sus vidas como otros no podrán – Anónimo
4. La mejor razón para crear una empresa es para tener un impacto: crear un producto o servicio que haga del mundo un lugar mejor – Guy Kawasaki
5. Cada logro -sea grande o pequeño- tiene etapas de esclavitud y de triunfo; un comienzo, una lucha, una victoria – Mahatma Gandhi
6. El fracaso derrota a los perdedores, e inspira a los ganadores – Robert Kiyosaki
7. Los emprendedores promedian 3.8 fracasos antes de alcanzar el éxito. Lo que diferencia a los que tienen éxito es su extraordinaria persistencia – Lisa Amos
8. El día que decidas conformarte con el segundo puesto, eso es lo que te pasará en la vida – John F. Kennedy
9. Al prepararme para las batallas siempre me ha parecido que los planes son inútiles, pero el planeamiento es indispensable – Dwight Eisenhower
10. El mejor premio de volverte un millonario no es la cantidad de dinero que ganas. Es la clase de persona en la que te tienes que convertir para lograr ser millonario – Jim Rohn
11. Algunas personas sueñan con grandes logros, mientras que otros no duermen cumpliéndolos – Anónimo
12. La experiencia me ha enseñado unas cuantas cosas. Una es seguir tus instintos, sin importar cuán bien suene algo en el papel. La segunda es que a veces es mejor guiarse por lo que uno conoce. Y la tercera es que a veces las mejores inversiones son aquellas que no haces – Donald Trump
13. El emprendedor en nosotros ve oportunidades en cada lugar que mira, pero muchas personas sólo ven problemas a dónde sea que miren. El emprendedor en nosotros está más preocupado por descartar oportunidades que fallando en descubrirlas – Michael Gerber
14. Un emprendedor suele morder más de lo que puede masticar, con la esperanza de pronto aprender cómo masticarlo – Roy Ash
15. El ingrediente básico es mover ese trasero y empezar a actuar. Es tan simple como eso. Muchas personas tienen ideas, pero pocas deciden hacer algo al respecto hoy. No mañana. No la próxima semana. Hoy. El verdadero emprendedor no es un soñador, es un hacedor – Nolan Bushnell
16. Yo les voy a decir cómo ser ricos. Cierren sus puertas. Sean temerosos cuando otros son codiciosos. Sean codiciosos cuando otros sean temerosos – Warren Buffet
17. Nunca he perfeccionado un invento en el que no pensara en términos de su utilidad para los demás… Averiguo qué necesita el mundo, luego procedo a inventar – Thomas Edison
18. Dentro de veinte años, estarás más decepcionados por las cosas que no hiciste que por las que decidiste hacer. Así que suelta las amarras, empieza a navegar y aprovecha los vientos a tu favor. Explora. Sueña. Descubre – Mark Twain
19. Existe una marea en los asuntos de los hombres, que, tomada en pleamar, conduce a la fortuna; pero, omitida, todo el viaje de la vida va circuido de escollos y desgracias. En esa pleamar flotamos ahora, y debemos aprovechar la corriente cuando es favorable o perder las empresas que tenemos ante nosotros – William Shakespeare
20. El genio es 1% de inspiración y 99% de sudor – Thomas Edison
21. Esa mujer cree en ti , esta segura que vas a lograrlo. Ella te ama estará contigo en la buenas y en las malas. - Leslye Campero.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Coca Cola's Roberto Goizueta
Roberto Goizueta was the Chairman and CEO of the Coca Cola Company from 1980 until his death from lung cancer in 1997. He was born in Cuba in 1930. He got his bachelor's degree from Yale University. After finishing his bacherlor's degree he went back to Cuba, and applied to a newspaper want-add from the Coca Cola Company in 1954. He was hired and worked at the Coca Company Company until he was chosen as the CEO and Chairman of the company in 1980 when the company had a market value of $us 4.2 billion dollars. When he died in 1997, the company had a market value of $us 150 billion dollars. No other company in the world has had such a growth in 17 years - which happened while Roberto Goizueta lead it. How did he do it?
HERE ARE THE THREE THINGS HE HIMSELF SAID WERE THE KEY:
In an interview in 1991, he was asked this question by Linda O'Brien of the Nightly Business Report, and here are his answers:
* "You have been managing this company for now 10 years, how has the company changed in that time?" Linda O'Brien.
* "Well, first if I may correct your question a little bit, I would like to say I've been LEADING the company, THERE ARE VERY FEW THINGS I MANAGE, BY ENLARGE, THE ONLY THING I MANAGE IS THE ALLOCATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES. In 1980 we were a company which was an American company headquartered in Atlanta that had a sizable international business, today we are an international company that happens to be headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia." "... last year we sold about 1/3 of (our sales) in this country, 2/3 internationally, in this country we hold a market share of 41% versus our main domestic competitor (Pepsi) 33%. Internationally we have 46% market share, but 5 billion people live outside of this country... consequently its obvious that the growth potential is much more outside of this country." Roberto Goizueta.
* "So how do you lead this company?" Linda O'Brien.
* "Well, you do that by doing 3 things: First of all, you have to take ultimate responsibility for the FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE of the company. Secondly, you have to take ultimate responsibility for the CHARACTER of the company. Third, you have to take ultimate responsibility for LEADERSHIP. That in a nutshell, is the job of the Chief Executive, and it's not more than that. It's rather simple if you have a good team to be the captain of, and we are very fortunate we have a terrific team at the Coca Cola Company!" Roberto Goizueta.
HERE ARE THE THREE THINGS HE HIMSELF SAID WERE THE KEY:
In an interview in 1991, he was asked this question by Linda O'Brien of the Nightly Business Report, and here are his answers:
* "You have been managing this company for now 10 years, how has the company changed in that time?" Linda O'Brien.
* "Well, first if I may correct your question a little bit, I would like to say I've been LEADING the company, THERE ARE VERY FEW THINGS I MANAGE, BY ENLARGE, THE ONLY THING I MANAGE IS THE ALLOCATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES. In 1980 we were a company which was an American company headquartered in Atlanta that had a sizable international business, today we are an international company that happens to be headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia." "... last year we sold about 1/3 of (our sales) in this country, 2/3 internationally, in this country we hold a market share of 41% versus our main domestic competitor (Pepsi) 33%. Internationally we have 46% market share, but 5 billion people live outside of this country... consequently its obvious that the growth potential is much more outside of this country." Roberto Goizueta.
* "So how do you lead this company?" Linda O'Brien.
* "Well, you do that by doing 3 things: First of all, you have to take ultimate responsibility for the FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE of the company. Secondly, you have to take ultimate responsibility for the CHARACTER of the company. Third, you have to take ultimate responsibility for LEADERSHIP. That in a nutshell, is the job of the Chief Executive, and it's not more than that. It's rather simple if you have a good team to be the captain of, and we are very fortunate we have a terrific team at the Coca Cola Company!" Roberto Goizueta.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Some are like me
How some forecasters define those of us who are like me:
Número 1:
Amigo.
La esencia de estas personas las hace convertirse en excelentes amigos, empleados o parejas, ya que siempre están preocupados por las necesidades del otro. Son cooperadores y solidarios, enemigos de los pleitos y siempre se encuentran dispuestos a solucionar los conflictos. Su parte negativa es que por tratar de agradar a los demás suelen abandonar cosas importantes de su personalidad.
Es una persona ambiciosa, creativa y con un carácter especial para liderar y organizar. Es perfeccionista y autoexigente, pero tiene un problema para reconocer sus propios errores y por esta razón no soportan fácilmente el fracaso. En casos muy extremos pueden llegar a ser personas muy autoritarias.
Signo de la creatividad, independencia, originalidad, sentido del yo y autosuficiencia. Naturaleza individualista y agresiva. Iniciadores de acciones, espíritu pionero, coraje, extraordinaria voluntad y determinación.
Es símbolo del liderazgo, aquellos con capacidades y habilidades para el mando. Ambiciosos y dispuestos a asumir riesgos para llegar a la cima. Llamados a destacar en el trabajo y los negocios.
Aparentemente, respeta las opiniones de los demás; puede acatar órdenes de muy buen grado, pero en realidad lo que hace es no enfrentarse. Siempre buscará la forma de salirse con la suya sutilmente, reafirmando su convicción de que la mejor manera de hacer tal o cual cosa es la que él utiliza. Las opiniones de los demás sólo le sirven para mejorar las propias y alabará una opinión ajena, solamente si es coincidente con la suya.
Número 2:
Es altruista; tiene la particularidad de vibrar intensamente por todo aquello que concierne a la paz ya la armonía en el mundo. Ama el orden sobre todas las cosas. Es, por lo general, simpático y atractivo. Sabe hacerse estimar y es capaz de agitar montañas por una causa que le conmueva. A cambio, cae fácilmente en la melancolía y el fatalismo.
Querría ver a todo el mundo feliz. Desearía la paz sobre la tierra y sufre enormemente cuando se encuentra ante situaciones turbias o no muy claras, que no quiere comprender. Suele estar a la defensiva. Además de afectuoso, el es muy emotivo, sensible y sentimental, pero a menudo es tímido también. Sabe comportarse en público y podría triunfar perfectamente en una empresa en la que se precise un contacto con la gente. Pero esto le supone a veces un enorme esfuerzo porque siente un gran temor a revelarse en público. Lo consigue más fácilmente cuando lo hace, no por él, sino por una empresa, una tercera persona o una gran causa.
Aunque curioso por naturaleza, huye de los chismes y de las habladurías. Es un amigo seguro, capaz de consagrarse en cuerpo y alma a un amigo o a una causa noble.
Es un trabajador encarnizado y regular. Avanza lentamente, con orden y con eficacia. Es sensual y aficionado ala buena mesa.
Número 1:
Amigo.
La esencia de estas personas las hace convertirse en excelentes amigos, empleados o parejas, ya que siempre están preocupados por las necesidades del otro. Son cooperadores y solidarios, enemigos de los pleitos y siempre se encuentran dispuestos a solucionar los conflictos. Su parte negativa es que por tratar de agradar a los demás suelen abandonar cosas importantes de su personalidad.
Es una persona ambiciosa, creativa y con un carácter especial para liderar y organizar. Es perfeccionista y autoexigente, pero tiene un problema para reconocer sus propios errores y por esta razón no soportan fácilmente el fracaso. En casos muy extremos pueden llegar a ser personas muy autoritarias.
Signo de la creatividad, independencia, originalidad, sentido del yo y autosuficiencia. Naturaleza individualista y agresiva. Iniciadores de acciones, espíritu pionero, coraje, extraordinaria voluntad y determinación.
Es símbolo del liderazgo, aquellos con capacidades y habilidades para el mando. Ambiciosos y dispuestos a asumir riesgos para llegar a la cima. Llamados a destacar en el trabajo y los negocios.
Aparentemente, respeta las opiniones de los demás; puede acatar órdenes de muy buen grado, pero en realidad lo que hace es no enfrentarse. Siempre buscará la forma de salirse con la suya sutilmente, reafirmando su convicción de que la mejor manera de hacer tal o cual cosa es la que él utiliza. Las opiniones de los demás sólo le sirven para mejorar las propias y alabará una opinión ajena, solamente si es coincidente con la suya.
Número 2:
Es altruista; tiene la particularidad de vibrar intensamente por todo aquello que concierne a la paz ya la armonía en el mundo. Ama el orden sobre todas las cosas. Es, por lo general, simpático y atractivo. Sabe hacerse estimar y es capaz de agitar montañas por una causa que le conmueva. A cambio, cae fácilmente en la melancolía y el fatalismo.
Querría ver a todo el mundo feliz. Desearía la paz sobre la tierra y sufre enormemente cuando se encuentra ante situaciones turbias o no muy claras, que no quiere comprender. Suele estar a la defensiva. Además de afectuoso, el es muy emotivo, sensible y sentimental, pero a menudo es tímido también. Sabe comportarse en público y podría triunfar perfectamente en una empresa en la que se precise un contacto con la gente. Pero esto le supone a veces un enorme esfuerzo porque siente un gran temor a revelarse en público. Lo consigue más fácilmente cuando lo hace, no por él, sino por una empresa, una tercera persona o una gran causa.
Aunque curioso por naturaleza, huye de los chismes y de las habladurías. Es un amigo seguro, capaz de consagrarse en cuerpo y alma a un amigo o a una causa noble.
Es un trabajador encarnizado y regular. Avanza lentamente, con orden y con eficacia. Es sensual y aficionado ala buena mesa.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Why have a Goal?
"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects." Albert Einstein.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sé tu mismo
La gente te amará por lo que eres, y muchos te odiarán por la misma razón! Pero no por eso, dejes de ser tú mismo!!!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Mi Exito
"Si estás ausente en mis momentos difíciles, no esperes estar presente en mi éxito".
WILL SMITH.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Lo que muchos piensas de mi
Ser bueno no es sinónimo de ser idiota. Ser bueno es una virtud que algunos idiotas no entienden!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
La Crisis según Einstein
No pretendamos que las cosas cambien si siempre hacemos lo mismo. La crisis es la mejor bendición que puede sucederle a personas y a países, porque la crisis trae progreso. La creatividad nace de la angustia como el día nace de la noche oscura. Es en la crisis que nace la inventiva, los descubrimientos y las grandes estrategias. Quien supera la crisis se supera a si mismo sin quedar "superado".
Quien atribuye a la crisis sus fracasos y penurias, violenta su propio talento y respeta más a los problemas que a las soluciones. La verdadera crisis es la crisis de la incompetencia. El inconveniente de las personas y los países es la pereza para encontrar las salidas y soluciones. Sin crisis no hay desafíos, sin desafíos la vida es una rutina, una lenta agonía. Sin crisis no hay méritos. Es en la crisis donde aflora lo mejor de cada uno, porque sin crisis todo viento es caricia. Hablar de crisis es promoverla, y callar en la crisis es exaltar el conformismo. En vez de eso trabajemos duro. Acabemos de una vez con la única crisis amenazadora que es la tragedía de no querer luchar por superarla.
Quien atribuye a la crisis sus fracasos y penurias, violenta su propio talento y respeta más a los problemas que a las soluciones. La verdadera crisis es la crisis de la incompetencia. El inconveniente de las personas y los países es la pereza para encontrar las salidas y soluciones. Sin crisis no hay desafíos, sin desafíos la vida es una rutina, una lenta agonía. Sin crisis no hay méritos. Es en la crisis donde aflora lo mejor de cada uno, porque sin crisis todo viento es caricia. Hablar de crisis es promoverla, y callar en la crisis es exaltar el conformismo. En vez de eso trabajemos duro. Acabemos de una vez con la única crisis amenazadora que es la tragedía de no querer luchar por superarla.
Sobre uno mismo. About one's self...
No se equivoca el hombre que ensaya distintos caminos para alcanzar sus metas. Se equivoca aquel que por temor a equivocarse nunca trata de enayar!
El no volar...
No se equivoca el pájaro que ensayando el primer vuelo cae al suelo. Se equivoca aquel que por mantener la seguridad del nido y por temor a caerse renuncia a volar.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
JFK on Thomas Jefferson
John F. Kennedy famously commented, addressing a group of Nobel laureates at the White House, that it was, "The most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House - with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
Saturday, February 11, 2012
From the film The Ides of March
Paul Zara in The Ides Of March:
"I value TRUST over SKILL, ... and in politics, in f... politics, the only currency that counts is LOYALTY, and without it you are nothing!" Words spoken by Paul Zara, Senior Campaign Manager, to Stephen Meyers upon firing him from the job of campaign manager from the Mike Morris U.S. presidential campaign in the race for the White House. Taken from the award winning film, THE IDES OF MARCH.
"I value TRUST over SKILL, ... and in politics, in f... politics, the only currency that counts is LOYALTY, and without it you are nothing!" Words spoken by Paul Zara, Senior Campaign Manager, to Stephen Meyers upon firing him from the job of campaign manager from the Mike Morris U.S. presidential campaign in the race for the White House. Taken from the award winning film, THE IDES OF MARCH.
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