Getting Rich

Becoming a millionaire at 26 wasn't easy. It took a lot of hard work, dedication, sacrifices and most importantly believing in myself. Now if I could do it, I'm sure you can.

People often ask me if money has changed me in anyway. My first response to them is no. Then I ask myself, has it? I'm sure it has. I have learnt to appreciate the good things in life. Nice houses, good food, good hotels, good clothes, fancy cars, respect, the list just goes on....

Being 28 now and 2 years on, I can however say I have kept my head on my shoulders. Even though I do things now I could never have dreamt of doing before, I have worked hard to achieve them. I never grew up with money so I am enjoying the fruits of my labour as one can say. I still carry on working as hard as ever, often spending over 48hrs in front of 5 computer screens with no sleep. If you really want something, you must work for it. Most importantly, if you want something you never had before you must be prepared to do something you have never done before.

Am I big headed? I don't think so (even though most people who know me would say I am). OK, so I enjoy spending money, I enjoy seeing the smile on others less fortunate than me with things I do for them, but that's just me. I am happy when people around me are happy. I don't do it to blow my trumpet but I do it because it makes me feel good.

The best thing about having money is that you are always treated like a king. I tip everybody well and I always pay cash. When you pay for things in cash, it shows people that you have got money, that you are successful, powerful and most importantly that you know what you want

However, money should be used carefully to achieve certain objectives. If you have money or make a lot of money, don't be a fool with it. Use it to make more money.

Contacts are important in making more money. If any of you read my previous article, you would have read that The Dorchester in London is a great place to be. Men with money and power tend to hang around expensive places like these for obvious reasons. These kind of people can help you make more money so you have to make these contacts and hang with this kind of crowd. You have to have access to enough capital to gain entrance to these places (and don't forget to dress the part).

One thing you must always remember is that even though money can buy a lot of things and people will often treat you with a certain respect, most of the time people will be just after your money. It was only 3 weeks ago when an ex business partner of mine whom I had not talked to for over 3 years turned up at my office asking for $100,000.00 saying if he did not get this money he would be dead in 2 days. Well it's been 3 weeks and he is still alive!

But remember, no matter how much money you may have, health should always be your priority. Without health you are nothing. If you are not in good health what is the point of having money? Be sure no matter what you do to make money will not hurt your health because once your health is gone, everything else becomes pointless.

So how can you become a millionaire? Well, you have to be fearless, bold, dedicated and most importantly believe in yourself! According to a recent survey by the Affluent Market Institute, only 4% of the U.S. population are millionaires, meaning that only a few had the necessary dedication to become millionaires.

1- Long-term plan
Many won't become millionaires overnight. For most it's a process that could take over a decade.

Recent surveys say it takes approximately 25 years to make your first million, and five years to make the second. I made my first million in the first year of giving up my existing job and my second million in the second year. So don't believe everything you read. Everything is possible when you put your mind to it.

2- Mingle with successful people
Mingling with the rich and powerful is a great way to help you make valuable contacts, who can help you make money.

3- Work on several projects
I always say don't put all your eggs in one basket. Embark on various ventures simultaneously,

Like all things in life, good things are hard to come by, and no one will give you a lot of money simply because you think you deserve it. Being rich is something you must work hard for and make sacrifices for. However, it will all be worth it in the end, trust me!

Richard Chambers