Real Deal REInvestor Network

In the book “Acres of Diamonds” by Dr. Russell Conwell, you will find an inspirational story of an extremely successful man who came from a poor economic background. He is not very famous but once you take a look at what he has done you will wonder why he wasn’t famous. Dr. Russell Conwell talked about how we must begin where we are & what we are in order to advance to the next level. The biggest obstacle I feel that we face is ourselves. If we don’t improve ourselves in the inside, how are we going to improve the world? The thoughts that we think about the most will ultimately dominate our focus to the point where our reality is created. Dr. Russell Conwell was a great leader because through out his whole life he was always recognized as a person of righteousness. A New Yorker man who was head of a great corporation mentioned that Dr. Russell Conwell has done more good than any man who has lived since Jesus Christ. Can you imagine that? I noticed that his work ethics were above admirable (16 hour every day!). He used a sword that was symbolic to him to remind him of his WHY. The sword it self has a story of its own, but I find it remarkable the way he used this sword to impact the world the way he did. Through out his life he was always known of being a great leader. He empowered others & had the ability of communicating very effectively. Out of all of the accomplishments that he did, what I find the most fascinating is the fact that he thought of money as an instrument for helpfulness! For example, the money he made from his speeches of “Acres of Diamonds” was given in form of a scholarship to a student of need to advance their studies. This impacted me the most because his action of helping others with his talents is truly impressive. He would also help the poor families in the churches by giving them food. I feel that God blessed this man so much because his actions were geared towards helping others. What are you doing to help make the world a better place to live in? What will your legacy look like?

 

 

 

 

"Acres of Diamonds" A book review by Sean T. Brown

Is it not true that only the really great writings can stand the test of time? Although this story may seem
ridiculously simple, it is the lesson behind it that is mans continuous folly and will forever keep it revelant now
and beyond our years.

It is a classic story of a farmer disgruntled with his yield, wanting so desparatley to figure out another way to
improve his life beyond his current condition. He becomes frustrated with his land and decides to sale it for pennies
in comparison and packs up to wander his country in search of riches else where. Upon exhausting all his resources,
apparently eluding riches at every turn, he finds himself desolate, indigent, his spirit broken and decides to take
his own life, never to realize him farm was full of "Acres of Diamonds."

This story touches home for me because as an entrepreneur at some point or another we have all been struck with the
"shiny rock" sydrome. Meaning I have spent countless hours at seminars and courses chasing what I thought to be the
next best money making opportunity, only to find out if I would have dug in a little deeper I was only a few feet from
from gold or diamonds.

We all have our skepticism, however I have been proven wrong on a number of occassions, where I took a leap of faith
only to be revealed that I was surrounded by everything I needed, just when I thought it could never be so.
This vision, this third eye if you will, is always open, without practice and conscious effort we have a tendency
to ignore what is right beneath our feet.

I highly recommend reading this e-book, for it is a good reminder that we should first look within before we end up without!

Get your copy here:

http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/Dr.-Russell-Conwell-Acres-of-Diamonds-Free-Ebook.pdf

Sean T. Brown

Millionaire in Training

www.mmmchallenge.com

www.realdealcommunity.com

Acres Of Diamonds Book Review

A classic writing from Dr. Russell Conwell

 

While Dr. Conwell was a man of variable traits and successes, he had a high esteem for his follow man and teaching others to be successful through his habits and life experiences. I believe he felt all men and women could be successful if only to use the tools at their hands, learn from their experiences, not overlook the obvious, keep their focus and wits about them. Are these not the traits we are learning in the Challenge?

 

Dr. Conwell talks of many who over looked riches and wealth they had right in front of them for the bigger over-all picture of wealth they were pursuing. Most tried so hard to find the things they wanted, they never managed to reach their goals. Had they looked at the smaller picture, focused, and used their resources better, they could certainly have achieved their overall goals.

 

He also alludes to the fact that man or woman must learn to earn. That by being given the silver spoon, so to speak, not many if any, have ever sustained. By learning the value of hard work and money, one can truly appreciate the fruits of their labor and success, but not without. Not knowing true value of their wealth in most instances has only lead to failure in the end.

 

Conwell emphasizes that to do well in business, as well as, life in general you should know your audience. By this I mean to get to know the people you will supply with product or service. By determining need and knowing the person/s with which you want to do business you can not help but be successful. Is this not another of the teachings we have been shown throughout our apprenticeship here...learn to show 'Value'. When value is shown to others first, they will want to know more about us and perhaps, most likely do business with us if our criteria meets their needs or refer us to others that may be looking for our services.

 

I found Dr. Conwell's book quite interesting and it made me think quite a bit about my life, where I have been and where I am headed. It makes me wonder 'what if ' or perhaps 'what have I overlooked or taken for granted' ? Maybe where I should have 'zigged' instead of 'zagged'. It makes me wonder why I have not had the success I have surely thought I would have. It has enlightened me and presented me with findings that surely will have an impact as I move forward and continue to grow. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so much so, it causes me to see the values that the mentors of this great program are attempting to bring forth from us all. The qualities they are trying to instill within us as we move forward with our over-all lives. And, as in the past, there is certainly a method to the madness. :)

 

And since some who read this over time may not really realize the process or metamorphoses to which I have been exposed, just know that to take the time to read this book can hopefully put you on the same path. The teachings that Dr. Conwell exposes can be both eye-opening and contagious to your overall success if digested properly. So go to the link provided and take the time to read this magnificent, timeless work of art and learn where your 'Acres of Diamonds' is hidden before you go throughout life looking for something that is right in front of, or perhaps even under, you.

 

You can download the book here for free:

http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/Dr.-Russell-Conwell-Acres-of-Diamonds-Free-Ebook.pdf

In “Acres of Diamonds” the author shows me how to identify the riches and opportunity that lie all around and inside of me. Many people search their entire life for opportunity never realizing that everything they need to succeed is already within their reach if only they recognized it. The central idea of the work is that one need not look elsewhere for opportunity, achievement, or fortune; the resources to achieve all good things are present in one's own community. As with anyone seeking something, we have a tendency to look beyond our own neighborhood or backyard.

This book has lessons that should be applied to everyone, whether you seek success in business, in physical fitness, or anywhere for that matter. It starts with us and where we are at. It does not start by going to some distant place. It starts in our own area.  Life throws up many curveball from time to time, but with the right attitude, these experiences that have shaped our life can be seen as a rich store of valuable and profitable information. A treasure is of no use to us while it remains hidden. We could be sitting on your very own Acres of Diamonds without even realizing it!

We need to identify them, choose a hungry target market, and get the word out to that niche in a manner that calls them to action. That knowledge could be so precious as a high carat diamonds. Opportunities are right on your doorstep, you don't have to look far to get them. Start from what we enjoy doing, gives your best to it and in the end you'll be able to gather your own diamonds.

Three Great Ideas that I Can Use and apply to my real estate business:

1. Look carefully and persistently for opportunity in your own community, taking inventory of myself and among my own associates. Don't spend time dreaming of fame or fortune far away, find it if I seek it at home. Stop following my competitors (and information guru’s) without putting thought into my own business. Strategies such as newspaper advertising, cold calling, telemarketing, and direct marketing can work, but it’s important that I also use inbound marketing strategies for long term success.  Inbound marketing is when I focus on attracting people to your business. Stick to a focused investing plan. I know that it’s tempting to think I can solve everyone’s house problem. I want to try and make money on every lead that comes in, but it’s not realistic. An example of this is setting up a hub site where you post valuable content relevant to your industry.  By building a following, establishing yourself as an authority, and getting my business out there, it will be easier to make more sales because people are already familiar with me and my credibility.   

2. Anyone can find many excuses for why they cannot succeed. Spend my time and energy finding reasons why I can succeed. Make Progress Every Day even it appears to be so small. The single biggest thing I could do to fix the problem is commit to spending at least 2 hours a day on my business. Nothing fancy, just a simple commitment to make progress every single day.  When I do that, I feel a TON better about me, and the progress started to build up.

3. Conwell raised millions of dollars as a public speaker. He appealed to people's best potential and urged them on. Encourage others and you too will find the best in them. I must expand my network.  For years I didn’t do that kind of thing.  I sort of kept to myself, for privacy if nothing else. I was also really busy keeping up with my daily job.  But I can say from experience that not expanding my contacts will result in:

1) Cut me off from meeting lots of great people I can help, and who can help me

2) Slowed down my progress towards getting where I am today.

I highly recommend reading this classice master piece.

You can download your copy at:

http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/Dr.-Russell-Conwell-Acres-of-Diamonds-Free-Ebook.pdf

Toshi Endo

Millionaire in Training

www.mmmchallenge.com

www.realdealcommunity.com

 

 

 

 

 

We all know PT Barnum for his circus. What I didn’t know is the man behind the circus. This book shares some insight into that. There is a lot more depth than I expected.  I was fascinated to learn his philosophy of work, money, and life … Good advice we have all heard before, but interesting in the concept that is over 100 years old and it still applies today. Finding your path, treating people well, etc. I got a lot more out of this than I expected and it gave me new insight as to the man PT Barnum was.

Written in 1880 The Art of Getting Money is a must read for anyone wanting to make progress in their financial situation. Barnum writes this volume in a way that makes the reader feel like they are listening to their grandpa share good common sense and wisdom with them. What Barnum writes is not complicated, difficult to understand or even hard to implement.

We have all become sensitive to time wasting activities such as “Chasing the Next Shinny Object”.  Therefore, I was specifically moved by the fact that Barnum recognized this in the following rule:

“LET HOPE PREDOMINATE, BUT BE NOT TOO VISIONARY
Many persons are always kept poor, because they are too visionary. Every project looks to them like certain success, and therefore they keep changing from one business to another, always in hot water, always “under the arrow.” The plan of “counting the chickens before they are hatched” is an error of  ancient date, but it does not seem to improve by age.”

This was so fascinating that I actually did a Google search on this phrase or passage and was interested to learn that it appears in 30 books written and published from 1822 through 2007.  The following rule also appears in 48 books during this same time period.

“DO NOT SCATTER YOUR POWERS
Engage in one kind of business only, and stick to it faithfully until you succeed, or until your experience shows that you should abandon it. A constant hammering on one nail will generally drive it home at last, so that it can be clinched. When a man's undivided attention is centred on one object, his mind will constantly be suggesting improvements of value, which would escape him if his brain was occupied by a dozen different subjects at once.‎”

I don’t mean to belabor the point, but my research also revealed the following popular passages:

1. - There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.‎
Appears in 848 books from 1793-2008

2. - Let a dozen boys of ten years get together and you will soon observe two or three are " whittling " out some ingenious device ; working with locks or complicated machinery. When they were but five years old, their father could find no toy to please them like a puzzle. They are natural mechanics ; but the other eight or -nine boys have different aptitudes. I belong to the latter class ; I never had the slightest love for mechanism ; on the contrary, I have a sort of abhorrence for complicated machinery....‎
Appears in 15 books from 1869-2007

3. - I never knew a man to succeed by practising this kind of economy. True economy consists in always making the income exceed the out-go. Wear the old clothes a little longer, if necessary; dispense with the new pair of gloves; mend the old dress ; live on plainer food, if need be ; so that, under all circumstances, unless some unforeseen accident occurs, there will be a margin in favour of the income.‎
Appears in 12 books from 1869-2007

4. - Whatever you do, do with all your might — work at it, if necessary, early and late; in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned and never deferring for a single hour that which can just as well be done now. The old proverb is full of truth and meaning : 'Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.‎
Appears in 35 books from 1822-2007

5. - But don't fall into the idea that some persons practice, of giving a prayer instead of a potato, and a benediction instead of bread, to the hungry. It is easier to make Christians with full stomachs than empty. DON'T BLAB Some men have a foolish habit of telling their business secrets. If they make money they like to tell their neighbors how it was done. Nothing is gained by this, and ofttimes much is lost. Say nothing about your profits, your hopes, your expectations, your intentions. And this should...‎
Appears in 23 books from 1871-2007

6. - But I think there is a royal road to both. The road to learning is a royal one; the road that enables the student to expand his intellect and add every day to his stock of knowledge, until, in the pleasant process of intellectual growth, he is able to solve the most profound problems, to count the stars, to analyze every atom of the globe, and to measure the firmament — this is a regal highway, and it is the only road worth traveling. So in regard to wealth. Go on in confidence, study the rules,...‎
Appears in 11 books from 1869-2005

7. - We all depend, more or less, upon the public for our support. We all trade with the public — lawyers, doctors, shoemakers, artists, blacksmiths, showmen, opera singers, railroad presidents, and college professors. Those who deal with the public must be careful that their goods are valuable ; that they are genuine, and will give satisfaction. When you get an article which you know...‎
Appears in 18 books from 1870-2007

8. - Those who deal with the public must be careful that their goods are valuable; that they are genuine, and will give satisfaction. When you get an article which you know is going to please your customers, and that when they have tried it, they will feel they have got their money's worth, then let the fact be known that you have got it. Be careful to advertise it in some shape or other, because it is evident that if a man has ever so good an article for sale, and nobody knows it, it will bring him no...‎
Appears in 10 books from 1869-2006

I trust you will agree that the content of this book is truly timeless.  If you would like to read this book in its entirety, I would encourage you to download/print it here: http://www.hisrealestatenetwork.com/userfiles/P_T_-Barnum-The-Art-of-Money-Getting-Free-Ebook.pdf

Most people are familiar with P.T. Barnum’s circus, the “Greatest Show on Earth”.  He was called the “The Greatest Showman in the History of the Universe”.  However, the fact that Barnum was one of the richest men of his time and taught success principles is not as known.  Barnum’s, “Art of Money Getting”, is chock full of very relevant insight for any time.  He gives 20 “rules” that a “money-getter” must live by in order to be successful.  Barnum begins with noting the importance of mind set in being able to define, plan for, and then accomplish what one sets out to do.

 

Barnum noted “even though it easy to make money, it is much harder to keep it”.  Simply put, to make money, expend less than you earn.  Even though you might think this simple, he says, “perhaps more cases of failure arise from mistakes on this point than almost any other.”  People only think they understand the economy and they don’t.  “Economy is not meanness”, true economy is making income exceed the outgo.  Cutting corners in a miserly way, and then splurging on the frivolous will not make one a success.

 

“Forego consumerism for consumerism sake”, stated Barnum; live more simply, consume less.  Save pennies and dollars, accumulate interest, and save for a rainy day.  If you have more month than money, he suggests a ‘cure for extravagance’.  Barnum’s exercise will help assess spending habits, necessaries/comforts versus luxuries.  Let go of the need to keep up appearances, unnecessary to prove self-worth.  Vanity and envy lead to false standards of perfection, and just keeps one poor.

 

Barnum’s premises around making money, saving, and the economy rang so true.  Taking a look at what is going on world-wide with economic issues, debt, and consumerism, it is clear that sound principles, basic truths, of living/business have oft been discarded.   

 

Good health is wealth, according to Barnum.  He called it the foundation of success, the basis of happiness.  Being aware of the laws of nature, and staying close to them is key, as is avoiding alcohol and tobacco so as not to dull the mind and get in the way of clear business decisions.

 

Don’t mistake your vocation - be clear on what you are setting out to do, and then focus.  Select the right location, look at the competition, and avoid debt, as debt will rob you of your self-respect.  Debt means that your money works against you.  “Money is in some respects like fire; it is an excellent servant but a terrible master.”

 

The “rules” that Barnum set forth are certainly worth reviewing for one’s self-inventory.  Persevere; what ever you do, do it with all your might; depend upon your own personal exertions; use the best tools; don’t get above your business (borrowed money can be suicide); let your business be one of service and excellence; learn something useful; let hope predominate, but be not too visionary; be systematic; be versed in world affairs; diversify but don’t invest in that which you don’t know, or you’ll lose.

 

Barnum also said don’t endorse without security, or you’ll lose.  I’m aware of a number of investors who have lost millions during the recent real estate downturn as they hadn’t secured their loans, a tough lesson to learn, the hard way.   

 

Advertise your business, be polite and kind to your customers, be charitable, hold your business secrets close to the vest, and preserve your integrity, were other ‘rules’ Barnum espoused.  Although this might seem to be a list of the obvious; it is obvious, that it isn’t obvious. 

 

“The inordinate love of money is the “root of all evil”.  Money, when properly used, blesses, enabling expansion of the scope of human happiness and influence.  Wealth, requires responsibly, and using it as a friend to humanity, not to hoard or be greedy. 

 

The history of getting money is the history of civilization; and, whenever there was the right use of money there has been proliferation of art, higher learning, cultural and educational institutions, and science advancements.  The money-getters are the benefactors of our race.  Today, the pendulum appears to have swung too far one way and is painfully finding its way back to Barnum’s “true economy”.

 

Barnum’s work was inspiring and affirming, providing principles for success that never change.  Personally, I’ll be keeping a list of these rules in my business plan for periodic review.  Though always striving for excellence, it is essential to make sure it is built into the business plan, while holding employees, or joint venture partners, to these standards. His call for focus and immersion were strong as well, so necessary when building a business.    

 

P.T. Barnum’s wisdom and inspiration is strong, a must read for anyone who is in business, and seeking success.  When writing, or reviewing, your business plan or manifesto for living, inculcate the “rules” that Barnum so adeptly set forth.  Use them as a benchmark for your business, and life, and see where you might have strayed or failed to put some rule into place.  I certainly plan to do so.  To our continued success!

 

 

 

 

Book Review - The Art of Money Getting

This little book took me to the basic of making money and makes several references of important principles of other self-improvement books.  All the principles that this book teaches are NOT something quick fix, or something totally new.

All the great books are showing us the same principles.  The problem for most of us, is that we do knot know where to start or looking for somethng totally unheard of or secret to make money tools.  I found that what is really important is that being conscious of what you have learned and taking strategic planned action on that knowledge is crucial to your success and accumulation of small things day in and out will produce result.  Although everyone is seeking something quick and or instant gratification, there is a reason all great self improvement books shares same principles and they are still remaining as masterpiece in today’s fast paced society. Universal rules for business or anything in life remains the same.  As I am going through the MMM challenge, I re-realized "principles" do not change, tactics do depending on the technical advancement in our society.

 Here are some points from this book that really hit the nail on the head.

1) The Foundation of success in life is good health: that is the substratum fortune

Yes, everyone knows this...but everyone tends to take our good health as granted, and does not realize how important our health is.  Healthy body and mind lead to clear thinking.  I will watch my diet and keep continue exercising regularly.  I commit myself to balanced life and stay health, so I can pursue my goals.  This is so simple, but it is not easy.  There are so much temptations to be side tracked.  The evidence shows itself how so many people have unhealthy life style.

 2) Stick to your Business, master your field

This is also a theme of MMM challenge in my opinion.  Many people scatter their powers. While it is tempting to have many things at the same time (shiny object syndrome), a lot of fortunes have passed people by because they cast themselves too wide and not deep enough.  This MMM challenge totally helps me stay on the course, I realized I am not distracted as much as before and I am very grateful.

3) Most successful business people are self-made. Not to depend on too much on other people’s inheritance particularly.  If easy money will hold us back.

This is encouraging and so true.  We need to train ourselves to be a better manager to retain the wealth.  This is a straight forward Business Ethic Book.  Whether you are thinking of starting in business or looking for way to improve your own financial status, I would definetley recomment this book.

This book takes us through process we need to think throguh to be successful and make money.

Go to the link below to read this book

http://www.hisrealestatenetwork.com/userfiles/P_T_-Barnum-The-Art-of-Money-Getting-Free-Ebook.pdf

      The book by James Allen, As A Man Thinketh is a short read on how we determine our lives based on our thoughts. We, as humans, tend to blame that which we don’t like about our lives on fate, luck, he did, they did or didn’t, if only. If only we had better thoughts about ourselves is where we need to start.

 

” Man is made or unmade by himself. In the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself.”

 

This is a very strong passage taken from the book. I see it as we can create or destroy who we become by the thoughts we carry. If we fell poor me, everything bad happens to me, why do I have such bad luck, you will create these realities in your world; self destruction. On the other hand if we believe and create the activities to grow our thoughts we can achieve greatness, no matter our past or current situation we can change based on changing our thinking.

 

“Every man is where he is by the law of his being; the thoughts which he has built into his character have brought him there, and in the arrangement of his life there is no element of chance, but all is the result of a law which cannot err.”

 

    In reading the book I agree with the author in that our body and health are a direct result of our thinking. If we are thinking sickly thoughts then our body will produce sickly results. The old saying “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired” holds fast to those that think it. Exercise your mind and your body will follow. You will start taking the necessary steps to strengthen your body.

 

“If you would perfect your body, guard your mind. If you would renew your body, beautify your mind. Thoughts of malice, envy, disappointment, and despondency, rob the body of its health and grace.”

 

As athletes exercise their body, they also exercise their mind. It is the mind that determines overall performance.

 

     The author notes that we must link thought with purpose. I strongly support this; some may call this your WHY. We need purpose in order to gain direction in our lives. There will be obstacles along every path towards becoming more. It will be our thoughts guided by our purpose that gets us through these challenges, thus we become that much stronger.

 

“They who have no central purpose in life fall on easy prey to petty worries, fears, troubles, and self-pityings, all of which are indications of weakness, which lead, just as surely and deliberately planned sins (thought by a different route), to failure, unhappiness, and loss, for weakness cannot persist in a power-evolving universe.”
    

   In summary  “If we think it, we can achieve it” as we strengthen our mind against impure thoughts, dream stealers, nay Sayers, negative energy, our own visions of a bad world, we can grow our mind and truly become that which we desire to be. In order to have more we need to become more, this I truly believe. To steal a quote from the late Jim Rohn “Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.”

 

You can get a copy of this fantastic book here  http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/James-Allen-As-A-Man-Thinketh%20Free%20Ebook.pdf