2004 is now upon us. I suppose this is the time many of us spend reflecting on the previous year. However, except where there is something to be learned from that, I've decided it is far better to reflect on the present than the past. With any luck I've learned those lessons, and now it is time to move forward.

You Say Gorilla, I Say Guerilla
Having said that, it seems Santa had this in mind for me as well. Some of my favourite gifts are the books Part III of the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” series, “Rich Dad's Guide to Investing” by Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter has been added to my library, as well as another volume in the “Guerilla Marketing” line-up by Jay Conrad Levinson, “Mastering Guerilla Marketing”. I look forward to the brilliant, insightful precedents provided by these masters of business and wealth creation. I am thrilled to have these books take their place in my library alongside their siblings in the respective series, and several other favourites: “One Minute Millionaire” by Robert Allen and Mark Victor Hansen, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, and “The Wealthy Barber” by David Chilton. Then there is “Creating Affluence”, “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success”, “The Way of the Wizard”, and “The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire” by Deepak Chopra, my favourite author of the personal development genre.

These tomes keep company on my shelves with more volumes by Robert Allen and marketing guru, Joseph Sugarman. But I'm disappointed that Santa was remiss in his mission to enlighten me. I'm still waiting for copies of “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle and “The Quest for the Corporate Soul” by Albert Koopman. Then again, if Santa was doing his shopping in Canada, he would be hard pressed to find Koopman's book unless he raided Albert's basement. Which reminds me to remind Albert next time I see him….

All Aboard
Okay, so now it appears I'm on my way to doing a book review of sorts. Come to think of it, considering the topic of the books I've mentioned, it seems to be an apropos subject for the beginning of the New Year. Keeping in mind that one of the traditional wishes for the New Year concerns prosperity, I might be on the right track. So, without going into a drawn-out, possibly boring litany on each title, I'd just like to give my opinion on all of the above in general with the exception of those that focus on marketing - I'll let them speak for themselves.

The reason I find these authors so compelling is that when they discuss wealth they define it in a holistic way, as opposed to the point of view of greed. To the last one they emphasize the enlightened approach to wealth creation, as it pertains to every aspect of an individual's being. You will especially notice an emphasis on sharing what you have. And the philosophy that you 'get what you give' is a common thread that weaves these great minds together. Deepak Chopra says it best when he warns that if your entire focus is on making money, you will never be wealthy. By the way, these authors unanimously agree that being rich, even in the arena of money, is never about spending, and never about acquiring things. In fact, they would be more likely to declare that is what poor people do. Confused yet?

To Hold or to Fold?
Well, I said I wouldn't discuss all of the books in detail. I won't. I'm not allowed that much space in the newsletter anyway! But there are a few insightful points I would like to share. I am reminded of a remark I read in Part II of the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” series, “ Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant”. Robert Kiyosaki suggests that he learned important lessons about investing from playing Monopoly. Essentially it's all about buying the little green houses, and trading them for the big red hotels. To put another spin on it, wealth building, business, whatever you want to call it, is just a game, and games are meant to be fun - challenging, of course - but fun. As Kiyosaki is only too quick to point out, being employed by someone else or even yourself, is on the opposite side of the quadrant from a business owner. How does he figure that?

If you read the book you'll find out. In fact, if you read any of the aforementioned books you'll discover they concur. I'll give you a hint: Even being self-employed is about having a job, whereas being a true business owner is about building a system as an investment. What's the difference? If you earn your income from a job, how long do you think you will need to have that job? As an investor the object is to have the business work for you, and ultimately to provide financial freedom in the shortest time possible.

Imagine working only because you want to, or being able to take off as much time as you choose to travel, or to contribute time and finances to a worthwhile cause. Imagine having the wherewithal to mentor someone else to accomplish what you have done. Good or good? Sound impossible? Interestingly enough, I can personally put you in touch with people who do exactly this. Am I talking about myself? I wish! And if you thought that was sarcasm you would be wrong. It is my wish. It's why I'm reading the books. And attending the seminars.

How far have I come with all this new education? Let's see, my health has improved, I'm now doing something I find interesting, fulfilling, and enjoyable (sometimes Blair has to drag me out of the office late at night - I'm still working on that balance thing!) I'm also happier. What I find most incredible is I believe I can do anything I want to do. So, maybe I'm still working on some aspects of what that might be, but hey, even at my age (no, I'm no spring chicken - or ahem, spring raven) I'm enjoying playing the game. And I'm finding it can be a lot of fun.

One Lump or Two?
Hmmmm....happiness, fun, interest, fulfillment, enjoyment. I believe that would be true wealth. Seems to me the 'so-called' business world could use a lot more of that. Am I recommending you read the books? Well, you might be surprised to find they are all fascinating, evocative, and entertaining. A couple even deliver their wisdom in the style of a novel. And if you think marketing and entertainment are mutually exclusive, please avoid reading Joseph Sugarman's books. I recommend you take the time to read the books only if you haven't already attained all of the above qualities as a constant in your life. Actually, I would far rather my readers were way ahead of me in this realm. I'm looking for more mentors. If you are willing to volunteer for the job, I'd love to hear from you. I may not be a quick study, but I am a determined student.

Conversely, if you find anything I have to say interesting or provocative, and would like to discuss it, or if you would like more information, please phone, fax, email, or drop in....uhhh, better call first, I have more than one office. In other words, I sometimes work at home, I mean in my nest.


For your success,

Team Corbin
 

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