3 Lessons Learned From a Multi-Millionaire CEO

Recently, I have had the great fortunate to talk with (mainly listen to) a multi-millionaire CEO entrepreneur.  Here is what I learned (so far…)

Making money is the easy part; you just have to do what you love

This comes from a guy that started with less than $2000 and several years later, cashed out making him a multi-millionaire.  It was not  an internet business and had nothing to do with real estate.  Was it a fluke?  Maybe, but he turned around and is doing it again, this time  growing a business to $25M and looking up.  How about that for doing what you love.

You have to be dedicated

You will miss your family, your friends, and a large part of your life while you are building your business.  If you can come to grips with that, you will be successful.  It may take years, but if you stick with it, they money will come.  Most people are never willing to make the sacrificing, wanting a little comfort now more than greatness that is at the end of hard work.

Unless you are having fun, it’s not worth it

Even if you are doing what you love, it doesn’t matter if everyone around you is miserable.  Enjoy the journey.  Live life.  Have fun.  When in doubt, refer to #1 and if you don’t love what you are doing, do something else.  Life is too short.  Happy people work harder than miserable people.

For years, I have read about success, starting businesses, making money, etc.  Pretty much everything I have read was repeated by this guy in his own words.  Anyone can run around saying that you should do what you love and you’ll be rich but to hear it from someone who is actually doing it is another thing all together.

Advice takes on a whole new meaning when it comes from someone further along on the same journey you are taking.  Even if you fall in the same holes they did, they can help keep you on the right path and remind you how great the view is from the top.

Are you seeking out exceptional people in your life?  More importantly, are you asking for and implementing their advice?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments.