Everything you learn, every cent you earn and save, and every dollar invested has the greatest value when you start early. Those who become financially independent early are the ones who start earning when still in school, save hard in the first few years of full-time working, and invest early. Those who do well academically are often the ones who have covered the syllabus one … Continue reading Start early
This scout’s motto works just as well for learning, earning, saving, investing, and retiring. Do your homework and get things ready before you need them. Retrenched employees who survive the best are those who monitor whether their employers would need them in the next few months, and who constantly check the market for new opportunities. Shoppers who get the best deals know what they need … Continue reading Be prepared
Put simply 80% of the impact comes from just 20% of the effort. Most of the activities that lead to career advancement come from a few key activities. Most job leads come from a small fraction of your contacts. Most of the impact from any presentation comes from a few key messages. The key in applying the 80:20 rule is to avoid diffusing your energy … Continue reading Practice the 80:20 rule
We often hear the advice ‘work smart, not hard’. In top management, in business and among the most accomplished professionals, it is rare to see any one who only worked smart without working hard. Early in my career, I saw a training program where a certain CEO had a lot of time on his hands – he could spend time on strategy and was always … Continue reading Work smart and hard
Writers and speakers emphasize the role of networking in earning an income, but it is also important in other areas of financial independence. See every person you meet as someone who can help you now or in the future. The mistake that many people make is to pass judgment on others, killing off potential sources of contact or information. In real life, all sorts of … Continue reading Network effectively
The ability to concentrate is one of the key factors separating those who succeed and those who don’t. One critical element in successful concentration is strengthening your will. The more committed and motivated you are, the better you can concentrate. Commit to a clear goal. You will naturally concentrate when the idea you are learning or the task you are performing fits in with your … Continue reading Concentrate
There is a wide range of behavioral styles one can use when interacting with people. A novice is comfortable with one or two styles, and uses them repeatedly. A master chooses the style that suits the situation. Using the same limited style and media can never be as effective as choosing the appropriate way to suit each person and situation. Use the right tone and … Continue reading Use the appropriate behavioural style
The right company for you is not only a great place to work in but one which enhances your value in the job market. Thus it has an excellent reputation for the kind of people it produces, and the kind of people it attracts. The right employer is usually successful in the market place, has a meritocratic culture, and gives great training. Training helps to … Continue reading Choose the right employer and boss
Jobs through recruiters typically pay very well. How do you get head hunters to notice you? Find out where their consultants used to work. Often they worked in consulting firms or major corporation. Work in organizations that frequently use headhunters to find new staff. Use headhunters to get your own staff – head-hunters become familiar with you and your organization. Caveats: Don’t send your CV … Continue reading Be head hunted
Mentors can help a lot with your career. They may come in at the critical points in your job progression by giving strong positive references or actually offering you jobs. Identify people who are active mentors. People are either interested in being mentors or they are not. In my consulting career, there were colleagues who developed younger people, while others never bothered. Understand their mentoring … Continue reading Encourage mentors
financial independence 