Friday, 29 June 2012

The Narrow Road: A Brief Guide to the Getting of Money

I love Felix Dennis's books... His writing simply absorbing, provocative and always provide lots of huge fun. I truly enjoy his previous work on "How To Get Rich" ... Educational wise, it is a "street-smart" book to me. After all, some of the shared wisdom and experiences did happen in my real life. As such, I had no hesitation in getting this book... like I said above; I know I will enjoy his write up...

Well, I end up finishing this book in less than 24 hours...No, no, no.. No credit to my speedy reading... Two reasons contributed to the "pace" of reading.... First of all, it is simply enjoyable....Secondly; do not get cheated by the 200 plus pages. The wording is big enough and the empty spaces are almost everywhere... Hence, to finish it within 24 hours is no issue to any book lovers...

Overall, this is a nice book. In fact, it is more of a summary from the previous "How To Get Rich"... The title itself reveals that ~~~ A brief guide! Yes, it is simply a brief guide in reference to Felix Dennis previous book. Wordings are simple enough... yet fun enough for any readers, LOL.  In opposite; since it is more of a summary for previous book, repetition is definitely going to be an issue. However, I treat it differently... Since it summarize everything, this book will becomes my next pocket book where I will carry it everywhere and it will serves as my pocket book while I am waiting for morons who loves to be late, LOL. So, I actually love the idea from the author although his initial intention might be more on the commercial side. After all, we are talking about an author who was the founder of the mighty Maxim magazine and the author who surely knows how to "get rich", LOL.


As usual, these are some new findings (perhaps more like a list of reminders) or quotes that I really like...

The world is full of money. Some of that has your name on it. All you have to do is dig it out of the mine – but which mine?

Young, penniless and inexperienced ~~~ Excellent… having almost nothing, you have nothing to lose.

Slightly Better Off and On The Way Up? ~~~ you are getting too comfortable. It is time to choose.

Veteran Manager or Experienced Professional? ~~~ Are you reading this book for vicarious pleasure? Are you experiencing a midlife crisis? Or do you truly intend to make serious money at last? If the latter, you have left it perilously late, my friend….

Chances come to everyone in life, often on the most unexpected occasions, radiating risk and potential humiliation… It has everything to do with your capacity to accept the risk of being humiliated in the attempt – not just once, but many times, perhaps…

If you care what the neighbours think, you will never be rich.

If you are unwilling to fail, sometimes publicly, and even catastrophically, you will never be rich.

If you cannot bear the thought of causing worry and concern to your family whiles your walk in the shadow of the narrow road, you will never be rich.

Revenues are not within your control. Cash spent on perks and fancy gear is….

Common start-up errors: Reinforcing Failure ~~~ compare the collapse of the USSR with the raise of China: the first continued to reinforce the failure of its state-owned industries; the second quietly instigated a U-turn on the ground….

6 simple rules concerning talent: identify it, hire it, nurture it, reward it, protect it from being poached and when the time comes, fire it!!!

After all, who created the Egyptian pyramids? The pharaohs or the engineers? Think about it and go hire the best talent you can find – just as the pharaohs did.

Six ways of obtaining capital: inherit it, win it, steal it, marry it, earn it, borrow it.

Swimming with the fishes is the most likely way to raising capital. Sharks must be avoided. Banks help only those who help themselves and dolphins will pay you no mind at this stage. But the fishes are all around you.

It's the control that counts ~~~ very few entrepreneurs who accept a 51 percent partner in a new venture will get rich if they are also expected to run it.

Why would clever, cunning and adept people work for you? The answer is simple; there are many clever, cunning and adept people who are risk-averse. You are not risk-averse, because you are dedicated to becoming rich... They are happy to work for you, providing they do not have to brave the narrow road.

Team spirit is for losers, financially speaking. It is the glue that binds losers together - a strategy used by employers to shackle useful employees to their desks.

If I was a majority shareholder, I would strive for no Mexican standoff. If I was a minority investor, I might not invest without it. And if an equal partner? Sorry, but that's your problem. Equal partnerships suck !

Ownership isn't the most important thing in the getting of money - it is the only thing.

Important points in serious negotiations:
1. Most of us are poor negotiators (including those sitting across the table).
2. Most negotiations are unnecessary.
3. Detailed preparation is of inestimable value.
4. Whoever depends the least upon the outcome will usually prevail.
5. Tenacity nearly always trumps eloquence.
6. If in doubt, walk out.

Riding is always preferable to walking, just as cashing out a little early in the getting of money is preferable to all-out war with a better resourced enemy.

The getting of money is a marathon, not a sprint. Keeping mentally and physically fit is essential.

It would be strange if one or two direct rivals in your chosen industry did not eventually become good friends. The narrow road is lonely enough...

On misfortune ~~~ when going through hell, keep going...

The best time to sell a business is when you don't have to. The worst time is when you have little choices. You are in the game of getting the money, so don't forget to collect the money from time to time.

On buying private yachts, airplanes, etc ~~~ If it flies, floats, or fornicates, rent it. It's much cheaper in the long run.

Rating wise... since I am bias towards the author (I really like this fella, LOL), of course the rating would be high. If I rate "How To Get Rich" 10 out of 10, I will surely rate this book at 9 out of 10. (A single point being deducted thanks to the repetition, LOL)... Compulsive and hugely entertaining, awesome !!!

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