It’s a fact: We live in an age where people are seeking instant gratification. More than this, many people want results immediately – without having to do anything.
Ever wondered why there are so many of those spammy looking sites, selling ebooks / programs that promise to make you RICH in 30 days?
Those sites exist because there are a significant number of people who REALLY want to believe it’s possible. They see the promise of instant wealth and think;
“It’s only a $29 ebook – why not?”
They then download the ebook and realise they’ve just wasted $29 and are no closer to that silver bullet for success they dream about. It was a scam, like all the others.
By the way, I’ll give my secret to getting on the fast track to riches in a moment – And for free!
Get rich slow
I know lots of successful businesspeople, many of whom are self-made millionaires. Guess how many got rich quick?
None! By the way, that’s NOT a coincidence.
The simple truth is that lasting success comes as the result of an ongoing commitment to intelligent activity.
My last speaking gig (almost 5 years ago) earned me over £12,000 for around 4 hours work. On my drive home, I had a sudden realisation.
I realised that I had just been paid £3000 an hour!
Then it hit me!
I was wrong. What REALLY happened, was that I had been paid £12,000 for giving people the benefit of years worth of my experiences. I had been paid so handsomely, because of my reputation as a marketer – built on the back of years worth of bloody hard work.
I had not earned that £12,000 on the day – But on all those days before the event; as I burnt the midnight oil, perfecting the effective marketing strategies and ideas that I had become known for.
My secret to getting wealthy as quickly as possible?
The fastest way to achieve the best possible results, is not to waste a second of your time thinking about short-cuts to instant wealth.
I would very much like to hear what you think about this!
Photo: Don Hankins
Hi, Jim. This also applies to advertising. Many business owners want instant gratification, and that’s why so much of advertising is filled with ad-speak, hype, sales and unsubstantiated claims. I prefer a long-term, marathon runner approach.
Thanks for the post.
Tom Wanek´s last blog ..The Mechanism Behind Apple’s Marketing Machine
Good point Tom. Handling client expectations, so they are based on the reality of the situation, is a key part of the delivery process.
Thanks for stopping by the blog sir.
Yes, Jim
We must also have strong FAITH in what we do & in ourselves even more!
I really don’t know how anyone e can fall into those silly online schemes!
But true wealth is when You do something You really, really like and get PAID for it!
Thank You
Jim Connolly
Norman Flecha
STRAIGHTALK
STRAIGHTALK´s last blog ..scriptaculous V1.8.3: Prototype 1.6.1, service release/bug fixes
Hey Norman.
You make an excellent point there, regarding the importance of working on something that you really like.
It’s soul destroying to be stuck doing something you dislike, just to get a pay cheque.
Thanks for the feedback sir!
Heh, the moment I saw your headline I instantly thought of something I wrote last summer that echoes the sentiment: http://ariwriter.com/how-to-get-21347-twitter-followers-in-2-weeks/
People who game the system are only gaming themselves. I feel bad for the people who fall victim.
Ari Herzog´s last blog ..Learning Online Marketing from McDonald’s and Coca-Cola
Good point Ari. It’s often those that can least afford it, who become victims of the scammers.
Knowing you, Jim, I had a feeling that the end point of your post wasn’t going to match your headline and of course, I was glad that I was right. I’ve always known that Get Rich schemes don’t work but at the same time, I know that you have to invest in your future to succeed. So get rich slow is the right idea and so is your comment about all the hours you had invested in the past. My goal to is to focus and get much further on my goals than I have in the past in 2010.
Julie | Resume Services´s last blog ..Changing your Focus
Hello Julie. You’ve just given me an idea for a new post.
I found it interesting that your past experiences of me and my work, were sufficient to reassure you that there was no way there would be come scheme or whatever to buy into, as you read through the post.
Some things never change, like the value of a good reputation.
Thanks for the idea!
So true…This is also why it is important to do things you are passionate about. If you spend all of your time doing something to become rich and it never ends up happening, then you’ve just wasted your life. However, if you spend your time pursuing your passions, it is rewarding either way. And let’s face it – people can tell. If you are passionate about what you do, it will pay off.
Great post! Thanks – for the sake of clarity!
Taylor´s last blog ..How To Get Shit Done: Just Say No To Drinks
Like you say Taylor, passion is important.
In my experience, passion can also be contagious. I have seen people speak with passion about a project, and attract offers of funding – without even asking!
Hi Jim
You almost had me Jim, if I hadn’t been reading your blog for awhile now, I may have skipped reading this article. I love the article and it’s message. Thanks!
Yael Brisker´s last blog ..I Have A Dream – Living Nonviolently #3
Thanks Yael.
The title of this post was deliberately used, in order to do 2 things:
1. Grab people’s attention, which it did.
2. Test a theory I have had for a while, regrading how easy it is to have the email version of a blog blocked in junk mail filters.
I’m actually writing a brief post, regarding that second point.
“The fastest way to achieve the best possible results, is not to waste a second of your time thinking about short-cuts to instant wealth.”
Love this, great post.
Michael Locke´s last blog ..Tools for Creating Contact Forms for Your Website
Amen!
Many people are looking for the make money fast schemes because they are just chasing the buck in the way your describe. I think the key is to focus on putting strong business foundations in place that deliver consistent and sustainable results. This doesn’t happen by buying magic formulas. Relates to your post from the other day about looking at really successful people – the clues are there!!! Great to hear someone calling it as it is.
Ali Davies´s last blog ..How would a crisis impact your business success?
Interesting points Ali, thanks.
I think a key word you used in your comment is “FOUNDATION”.
A sustainable business requires robust foundations; just like a house. It reminds me of the story of the 3 little pigs! There’s a message there.
Jim, hope all is well with you…
If there are any short-cuts, I certainly have not found any in the last 20+ years starting and managing businesses. I don’t believe there is any “easy” money out there. Maybe winning the lottery may qualify as such. But in the business world, it takes everything you’re willing to give and more. It’s perseverance, hard work and a bit of luck. Not everything works. In fact, most things don’t work. However, if you work your butt off and refuse to quit, YOU WILL GET PAID. That’s what sets self-made success stories apart from others – they simply refuse to accept anything less than success.
Mark Harai´s last blog ..Change – Yes You Can
Good points there, Mark.
There are things, which will help us become financially successful more quickly – but instant wealth via get rich quick schemes are not the answer. Certainly, that’s my experience.
You are right ….but one should be shown the right direction to earn money online…..online money making is a big jungle ….most people try to work hard but their direction is not straight or people show them fake paths,,,