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L'entreprise du 21e siècle
"
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内容介绍：
作者介绍：
目录：
罗伯特·清崎在《富爸爸21世纪的生意》中，非常系统地为大众介绍网络销售的发展历史和现状，分析网络销售创造财富的机制，强调网络销售和具有欺骗性的传销完全是两个概念，帮助人们正确认识网络销售。
——中国证券报
在对网络销售赞赏的同时，全书保持了富爸爸系列一贯理性客观的风格。比如，作者告诉人们，如何选择一家靠谱的网络销售公司，不要被眼前繁华所欺骗，而要看它是否真得愿意培养和教育你。
——凤凰财经
内容介绍：
许多人梦想过上财务自由的生活，朝九晚五的上班下班肯定与这个梦想背道而驰。成功创业可能是实现梦想的捷径，但是实现这个梦想的过程中，有人缺少创业激情，有人缺少启动资金，有人缺少创业能力……
有没有一种生意，能让你在不具备以上条件的情况下，也能帮你圆这个“创业梦”呢？“富爸爸”图书系列作者罗伯特·清崎，告诉我们：“一旦你懂得了金钱的运作方式，知道在21世纪你所能拥有的生意机会，你就可以开始过上你梦想的生活。”
他所谓的生意机会就是“网络营销”。
“网络营销”是适合我们的创业模式之一。它是一种生意教育，在这种生意模式下，你可以利用业余时间，凭借你的人际关系网的力量，和一群与你有着共同梦想和价值观的朋友合作，不断扩大和发展你的团队，在追求梦想的过程中，打造你的领导力。
作者介绍：
罗伯特·清崎
罗伯特·清崎生长在夏威夷，是第四代日裔美国人。他出生在夏威夷一个教师家庭，大学毕业后加入美国海军陆战队，作为军官和舰载武装直升机飞行员，被派往越南战场。
1977年，罗伯特·清崎创建了一家生产尼龙钱包的公司，开始自己的商业生涯，并大获成功。后来，他经历了三次商海沉浮。
1985年，第三次成为百万富翁后，他离开商界，与人共同创建了一家商业教育公司，教授商业和投资课程。他主持理财和投资教育的课程，并通过有线广播电视网播放。他还发明了一种教育玩具——“现金流”游戏，帮助人们学会原本只有富人才懂的金钱游戏。
罗伯特·清崎是《富爸爸穷爸爸》的作者，被誉为“百万富翁的教父”、“金钱教练”。
金·清崎
金·清崎原本是众多对金钱和投资一窍不通的女性中的一位。她生性独立、追求自由，通过学习和努力，白手起家，37岁就实现了财务自由。金现在已经是千万富翁，同时拥有着幸福的婚姻。。她是一个演说家、电视电台访谈节目嘉宾、美国国家广播公司《富女人》节目主持人，同时也是女性企业家网站专栏作家。
约翰·弗莱明
约翰·弗莱明在弗吉尼亚州里士满市出生和长大，出生于一个建筑世家。约翰弗莱明是一名企业家、顾问、作家和演说家。
目录：
前言
第一部分 掌握自己的未来
第1章 规则已经变了
第2章 硬币的另一面
第3章 你生活在哪个象限
第4章 核心财富观
第5章 创业者的心态
第6章 控制自己的收入来源
第二部分 一种模式，八种资产
第7章 我对这个行业的了解
第8章 资产的重要性
第9章 资产一：真实世界的生意教育
第10章 资产二：个人发展的捷径
第11章 资产三：一群和你有着共同梦想和价值观的朋友
第12章 资产四：网络的力量
第13章 资产五：可复制、升级的生意模式
第14章 资产六：无与伦比的领导力
第15章 资产七：创造财富的机制
第16章 资产八：追求梦想，实现梦想
第17章 一个女性占优势的行业
第三部分 你的未来从现在开始
第18章 智慧地选择
第19章 建立成功的网络营销业务的必备要素
第20章 过你梦想的生活
第21章 21世纪的生意
192 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2013
836 people are currently reading
12554 people want to read
About the author
Robert T. Kiyosaki
632 books9,403 followersRobert Toru Kiyosaki is an American businessman and author, known for the Rich Dad Poor Dad series of personal finance books. He is the founder of the Rich Dad Company, a private financial education company that provides personal finance and business education to people through books and videos, and Rich Global LLC, which filed for bankruptcy in 2012.
Since 2010, Kiyosaki was the subject of a class action suit filed by people who attended his seminars, and the subject of investigative documentaries by the CBC, WTAE-TV and CBS News. In January 2024, Kiyosaki revealed that he was more than $1 billion dollars in debt.
Since 2010, Kiyosaki was the subject of a class action suit filed by people who attended his seminars, and the subject of investigative documentaries by the CBC, WTAE-TV and CBS News. In January 2024, Kiyosaki revealed that he was more than $1 billion dollars in debt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 765 reviews
September 17, 2018
“This book is either going to excite you, or it is going to floor you”. The prediction uttered from the guy across from me at the Starbucks table as he pushed this piece of writing in my direction. Days earlier, I had met the gentleman in my place of work. He was nice enough. Very personable. Good communication and people’s skills. Easy to connect with. Traits that he felt he also found reciprocated in meeting me. Something that was evident when after I assisted him to the best of my ability, he asked the question that any person worth their weight in sales is asked by patrons like this gentleman. “How long have you been doing this?”. Followed by the expected, “Is this a long term thing for you or something you are committed to?”. . .
What can I say. I had fended off queries like this in year’s past, but this charming soul caught me on a rare kind of day. So flash back forward after I agreed to a sit down with him. He speaks of secretive projects, people he wants me to meet, random success stories of people who run in his circle, and it all stems from the question after he hands me this book. “What do you know about network marketing?”.
I was given a couple days to breeze past this before I met with the guy again to discuss what I thought and where this might lead to. And while I didn’t know much about network marketing before hand, I can attest after reading the book, I still didn’t know really that much after either. But I definitely know enough. Walking right into his prediction, it definitely floored me and I couldn’t help but give my two cents.
The “WOW Reads” library is what I call the collection I have over the years put together for my work family full of self help literature. Ranging from inspirational and motivational, to sales and leadership, to just plain personal development, it is a wonderful variety. Blessed by the names like Steve Farber, Og Mandino, John C. Maxwell, Stephen Covey, John Wooden, Jon Gordon, Brene’ Brown, and a fabulous list of historical figures we can learn from, you will not find Kiyosaki anywhere near this library. . .
It started to turn about the time Kiyosaki was explaining his trials and tribulations in 1985 when he and his wife were living in their old brown Toyota and doing little jobs here and there to put food in their bellies and “their home” (gas in their car purposefully alluded to for dramatic effect). Ever so often a friend would step up and help them out in their time of need. And when these friends would ask them why couldn’t they just get a job to steady their lives out, this would have been the time your typical self help writers would depict an inspirational message of how they were in dire straights and a positive mindset with a solid work ethic helped them get out of it. Not Kiyosaki. . .
In so many words in all the pages that followed, Kiyosaki’s response to his friends, his readers, and to everyone was, “why would I waste my time with work when I’m above it. . .”
Friend or no friend, you may have a good idea how wide I would open my door for a person that has that kind of mindset. But all things considered, by 1989, as Kiyosaki loved to gloat, he was a millionaire. . . Congratulations, well done, you figured out a system somehow and made your buck. And now he is here to share the secrets of his success for the small price to pay of his book (to which he gloats he has now 7 New York Time’s Best Sellers) or one of his seminars (you don’t want to know what those run for). I wish not do delve too deep into his theories or egocentric misleadings that he truly does care about you getting rich, but I will sum up some his rhetoric. Most of this brainwash derives from a four corner chart that all professionals can be chalked up to. The “E” quadrant stands for employees and the working class. The “S” quadrant for self-employed, small business owners, and career specialists (lawyers, doctors, firefights, etc). The “B” quadrant regards big business and corporate heads. The “I” quadrant is for investors and investment opportunities. From hearing that, one could assume that majority of the population resides in the E and the S quadrants while the prestigious few like Kiyosaki and his friends like the frequently name-dropped Donald Trump belong to the B and I quadrants. And according to Kiyosaki, the working class of the E and S who trade their time and energy for money are doing it wrong.
It’s a tough pill to swallow when you actually sit down with one of these I and B quadrant people and actually ask them “what is it that you actually do?”. A simple question, but you’ll find it complex, complicated, or down right difficult to get a straight answer. And not because you just might be an E or an S person and your small brain can’t possibly grasp it like they will lead you to believe. When it comes down to it, they're gamblers. They deal in just as much monopoly money as they do legitimate currency, and they strategically build their house of cards businesses/projects/systems in hopes that the slightest of friction doesn’t send it toppling down.
Yes, Kiyosaki played with the house money and became the rare exception to come out on top. He, like Trump, and so many other mogul’s sit atop the Forbes list and preach their “swing for the fences” propaganda with how they risked everything to get everything. The book further preaches that in order to be a B or an I person, you need to have the determination to take those chances and throw all caution to the wind. . . But do I need to remind you that less than 1% of total population in the world controls over 99% of the wealth? So how many of those thousands, millions, billions of people out there are struggling for the pipe dream of becoming the 1%, risking it all, and losing. Only to be told, “oh well, I guess you are just an E or an S person after all”. Barring the rare exception, and even those moguls on the Forbes list get tagged with a bankruptcy every now and again, the house always wins. . .
So here again is Kiyosaki, who after blathering for some time about his self-made success introduces the brilliant idea of “network marketing”. Turn the next page after he introduces it, I kid you not, the first thing he confesses is “I didn’t really make my money from network marketing nor do I technically. . . . DO . . . . network marketing”. And yet, here he is dedicating an entire book about it and pocketing the profits. To all the I and B quadrant thinkers out there reading this now, this is what he refers to as creating an “asset” that makes money for you. . . And damn am I glad the dude who had me read it just pushed his copy my way instead of making me buy my own and make my own contribution of supporting the problem.
I am personally all for letting people believe what they want to believe and to do what’s in their rights to do. However, I begin to have problems when someone is attempting to force what they believe onto someone else and flat out tells them they are bad or they are wrong if they are not doing it their way. Kiyosaki and all his B and I cult, yes cult followers, are free to shoot for the dream and go for their wealthy lifestyles. But don’t you dare look at the working class people who make this world turn and tear them down or make lesser of their lives. Especially when majority of the doings of this so-called cash cow being preached about here is typically chalked up to a bunch of shady dealings, pyramid scams, ponzi schemes, or whatever sham is being devised to cheat the working class they’re slamming at the same time.
It should be no shock that when this guy sat back down with me the second go around, the false empathy in his happy-go-lucky positive outlook demeanor couldn’t shake that I had just called his “bible” flat out pretentious and condescending to decent human beings. To my credit, I said it with a smile and in the inviting fashion to engage in the ever dying form of debate. But like most people these days, they are right, you are wrong. And when I gave the chance for him to explain what this project actually “does”, on came the I and B quadrant mumbo jumbo to tip-toe around the question that he simply chalked up to “I wouldn’t get because I was stuck on the other side of the chart and people like me would never understand”. He told me that it wouldn’t be a great fit, he wished me well with my job, and that if I ever changed my mind to give him a call and he would refer some names since he wouldn’t most likely be looking for anybody at that point anymore. . . Kiyosaki would be so proud.
Life lesson learned and my first Fail grade of the year on a book. WOOT
What can I say. I had fended off queries like this in year’s past, but this charming soul caught me on a rare kind of day. So flash back forward after I agreed to a sit down with him. He speaks of secretive projects, people he wants me to meet, random success stories of people who run in his circle, and it all stems from the question after he hands me this book. “What do you know about network marketing?”.
I was given a couple days to breeze past this before I met with the guy again to discuss what I thought and where this might lead to. And while I didn’t know much about network marketing before hand, I can attest after reading the book, I still didn’t know really that much after either. But I definitely know enough. Walking right into his prediction, it definitely floored me and I couldn’t help but give my two cents.
The “WOW Reads” library is what I call the collection I have over the years put together for my work family full of self help literature. Ranging from inspirational and motivational, to sales and leadership, to just plain personal development, it is a wonderful variety. Blessed by the names like Steve Farber, Og Mandino, John C. Maxwell, Stephen Covey, John Wooden, Jon Gordon, Brene’ Brown, and a fabulous list of historical figures we can learn from, you will not find Kiyosaki anywhere near this library. . .
It started to turn about the time Kiyosaki was explaining his trials and tribulations in 1985 when he and his wife were living in their old brown Toyota and doing little jobs here and there to put food in their bellies and “their home” (gas in their car purposefully alluded to for dramatic effect). Ever so often a friend would step up and help them out in their time of need. And when these friends would ask them why couldn’t they just get a job to steady their lives out, this would have been the time your typical self help writers would depict an inspirational message of how they were in dire straights and a positive mindset with a solid work ethic helped them get out of it. Not Kiyosaki. . .
In so many words in all the pages that followed, Kiyosaki’s response to his friends, his readers, and to everyone was, “why would I waste my time with work when I’m above it. . .”
Friend or no friend, you may have a good idea how wide I would open my door for a person that has that kind of mindset. But all things considered, by 1989, as Kiyosaki loved to gloat, he was a millionaire. . . Congratulations, well done, you figured out a system somehow and made your buck. And now he is here to share the secrets of his success for the small price to pay of his book (to which he gloats he has now 7 New York Time’s Best Sellers) or one of his seminars (you don’t want to know what those run for). I wish not do delve too deep into his theories or egocentric misleadings that he truly does care about you getting rich, but I will sum up some his rhetoric. Most of this brainwash derives from a four corner chart that all professionals can be chalked up to. The “E” quadrant stands for employees and the working class. The “S” quadrant for self-employed, small business owners, and career specialists (lawyers, doctors, firefights, etc). The “B” quadrant regards big business and corporate heads. The “I” quadrant is for investors and investment opportunities. From hearing that, one could assume that majority of the population resides in the E and the S quadrants while the prestigious few like Kiyosaki and his friends like the frequently name-dropped Donald Trump belong to the B and I quadrants. And according to Kiyosaki, the working class of the E and S who trade their time and energy for money are doing it wrong.
It’s a tough pill to swallow when you actually sit down with one of these I and B quadrant people and actually ask them “what is it that you actually do?”. A simple question, but you’ll find it complex, complicated, or down right difficult to get a straight answer. And not because you just might be an E or an S person and your small brain can’t possibly grasp it like they will lead you to believe. When it comes down to it, they're gamblers. They deal in just as much monopoly money as they do legitimate currency, and they strategically build their house of cards businesses/projects/systems in hopes that the slightest of friction doesn’t send it toppling down.
Yes, Kiyosaki played with the house money and became the rare exception to come out on top. He, like Trump, and so many other mogul’s sit atop the Forbes list and preach their “swing for the fences” propaganda with how they risked everything to get everything. The book further preaches that in order to be a B or an I person, you need to have the determination to take those chances and throw all caution to the wind. . . But do I need to remind you that less than 1% of total population in the world controls over 99% of the wealth? So how many of those thousands, millions, billions of people out there are struggling for the pipe dream of becoming the 1%, risking it all, and losing. Only to be told, “oh well, I guess you are just an E or an S person after all”. Barring the rare exception, and even those moguls on the Forbes list get tagged with a bankruptcy every now and again, the house always wins. . .
So here again is Kiyosaki, who after blathering for some time about his self-made success introduces the brilliant idea of “network marketing”. Turn the next page after he introduces it, I kid you not, the first thing he confesses is “I didn’t really make my money from network marketing nor do I technically. . . . DO . . . . network marketing”. And yet, here he is dedicating an entire book about it and pocketing the profits. To all the I and B quadrant thinkers out there reading this now, this is what he refers to as creating an “asset” that makes money for you. . . And damn am I glad the dude who had me read it just pushed his copy my way instead of making me buy my own and make my own contribution of supporting the problem.
I am personally all for letting people believe what they want to believe and to do what’s in their rights to do. However, I begin to have problems when someone is attempting to force what they believe onto someone else and flat out tells them they are bad or they are wrong if they are not doing it their way. Kiyosaki and all his B and I cult, yes cult followers, are free to shoot for the dream and go for their wealthy lifestyles. But don’t you dare look at the working class people who make this world turn and tear them down or make lesser of their lives. Especially when majority of the doings of this so-called cash cow being preached about here is typically chalked up to a bunch of shady dealings, pyramid scams, ponzi schemes, or whatever sham is being devised to cheat the working class they’re slamming at the same time.
It should be no shock that when this guy sat back down with me the second go around, the false empathy in his happy-go-lucky positive outlook demeanor couldn’t shake that I had just called his “bible” flat out pretentious and condescending to decent human beings. To my credit, I said it with a smile and in the inviting fashion to engage in the ever dying form of debate. But like most people these days, they are right, you are wrong. And when I gave the chance for him to explain what this project actually “does”, on came the I and B quadrant mumbo jumbo to tip-toe around the question that he simply chalked up to “I wouldn’t get because I was stuck on the other side of the chart and people like me would never understand”. He told me that it wouldn’t be a great fit, he wished me well with my job, and that if I ever changed my mind to give him a call and he would refer some names since he wouldn’t most likely be looking for anybody at that point anymore. . . Kiyosaki would be so proud.
Life lesson learned and my first Fail grade of the year on a book. WOOT
August 3, 2018
I call these types of business books “Feel Good” books. The authors spends most of their time making you feel good about yourself, and I have no problem with that, we should all feel good about ourselves! However, this is supposed to be a business book and when a business book sounds more like a pep rally it is time to head for the door! This book is full of contradictions! These contradictions prove to me that slight of hand is taking place. The book is no different from the Rich Dad, Poor Dad books that Kiyosaki wrote. There is some truth, and even a hint at good business advice in them, but the books fail on too many levels to be worth the time. I recommend you look to other business books if you are serious about creating a business, improving your financial health or learning more about the economy.
July 21, 2018
summary :
-become a salesman for a company
-find your friends
-convince them in purchasing from you
-inspire some of them to be a salesman just like you for the same company
I don't like the concept . What an awkward situation to be a salesman and the target of your salesman tricks are your friends, and even if you take off your salesman hat things still feel weird.
I would hate to be in a friends gathering and suddenly hear " hey the thing you sold me last week is a piece of junk , give me my money back "
-become a salesman for a company
-find your friends
-convince them in purchasing from you
-inspire some of them to be a salesman just like you for the same company
I don't like the concept . What an awkward situation to be a salesman and the target of your salesman tricks are your friends, and even if you take off your salesman hat things still feel weird.
I would hate to be in a friends gathering and suddenly hear " hey the thing you sold me last week is a piece of junk , give me my money back "
February 12, 2018
The book should be renamed "The business of building a pyramid scheme"
January 27, 2016
What a load of rubbish. More of a self-help book as it is devoid of any sort of "business of the 21st century". The author was probably looking to line his own pockets by talking up the scam of network marketing and attempting to push it on his readers.
Do not waste your time with this garbage, you'll regret it. I sure do.
Do not waste your time with this garbage, you'll regret it. I sure do.
September 29, 2017
I just read 115 pages of basically no valuable information. A lot of words with no substance. "This is going to be great!", "This will change everything!" "Freedom freedom freedom", "this works!" All without offering any concrete information on how this network marketing fully works.
June 5, 2020
Whatever Marx was to Soviet Union, Nietzsche was to third Reich, this is that for Pyramid scheme.
December 3, 2018
A whole lotta bad fluff.
Thinking I was doing basic career networking, instead I found myself listening to a spiel about “network marketing” one random afternoon. It was quite fun to pick apart the rehearsed vague praises of working your own hours, owning your own business, getting rich, retiring early, receiving mentorship, and building the “right mindset” about business. Somewhere in between a pyramid scheme, Amway, and Avon. If someone hands you this book, run away.
Thinking I was doing basic career networking, instead I found myself listening to a spiel about “network marketing” one random afternoon. It was quite fun to pick apart the rehearsed vague praises of working your own hours, owning your own business, getting rich, retiring early, receiving mentorship, and building the “right mindset” about business. Somewhere in between a pyramid scheme, Amway, and Avon. If someone hands you this book, run away.
December 19, 2012
Great book. Found it very informative. Robert expands on the way business is heading and to look out for yourself, you need to work for yourself. I'm on my way. I've found the right Net Work Marketing Company to succeed with. I believe in it and I'm going all the way...My goal is to be Financially free. Thank you Robert Kiyosaki for the inspiration!
February 8, 2018
This book is all about how you should be a part of a pyramid scheme. It even has literal illustrations of a pyramid scheme with one guy at the top.
Robert Kiyosaki is just gross.
Robert Kiyosaki is just gross.
October 31, 2017
Geared toward the network-marketing cult, but still has pearls for any entrepreneur. Some gems:
There are 4 types of people :
------------------------
1. People who always have to be right
** rarely change
** lawyers, accountants
2. Comfort-seekers
"... House could be burning down, but they're on the sofa watching football... "
3. Approval-seekers
** people who must be liked
** will probably never be successful, because their survival is linked to making others happy
4. People who like to win
** setting big dreams and goals
** achieving something no matter how long it takes
"Create assets, meaning something that generates wealth without you working on it."
"Do not work for money... Work to create an asset. That asset will create wealth for you. Assets are real wealth."
"Wealth is not measured in money, wealth is measured in time. If you have $1K in the bank, and your expenses are $1K monthly, then your wealth is 1 month. If you have an asset, then your wealth is infinite because it's always giving you cash."
"The people who win are the people who take action."
"Become bigger than your problems."
"The economy is not the issue... the issue is you."
.
There are 4 types of people :
------------------------
1. People who always have to be right
** rarely change
** lawyers, accountants
2. Comfort-seekers
"... House could be burning down, but they're on the sofa watching football... "
3. Approval-seekers
** people who must be liked
** will probably never be successful, because their survival is linked to making others happy
4. People who like to win
** setting big dreams and goals
** achieving something no matter how long it takes
"Create assets, meaning something that generates wealth without you working on it."
"Do not work for money... Work to create an asset. That asset will create wealth for you. Assets are real wealth."
"Wealth is not measured in money, wealth is measured in time. If you have $1K in the bank, and your expenses are $1K monthly, then your wealth is 1 month. If you have an asset, then your wealth is infinite because it's always giving you cash."
"The people who win are the people who take action."
"Become bigger than your problems."
"The economy is not the issue... the issue is you."
.
January 27, 2015
The good: It introduces readers to the power of a network in business. I thought I knew what this book was going to be about, but was surprised. Some lightbulbs went off, and it colored in certain ideas that had once only been in black and white. Also, this book reminds readers of the "cash flow quadrant" from his previous book of the same name, which is a very valuable notion to understand.
The bad: This book reads like a sales-pitch website. The kind where there's a thin row of text in the middle, and you scroll down for a long time, and then there's a link to some product at the end. I got a few good nuggets of knowledge from this book but it is 90% fluff.
The bad: This book reads like a sales-pitch website. The kind where there's a thin row of text in the middle, and you scroll down for a long time, and then there's a link to some product at the end. I got a few good nuggets of knowledge from this book but it is 90% fluff.
June 21, 2017
98% of the content in this book probably could have been said in 15-20 pages. The content is decent, but it just drags on and on.
September 27, 2018
Quick read but overall did not resonate with me. Though the author makes some good points (about the importance of building assets, the need to update our education system, etc), he was so unlikable that I had a hard time developing the trust that is necessary in taking someone’s advice. (He tells an anecdote, for example, about how at one point in his life he and his wife were so poor that they were living out of their car. Friends would sometimes offer them a place to stay or meals and ask them what they didn’t get jobs. His response was that they wanted a better life than being traditionally employed and refused to settle for anything less than financial independence. —That was one of the most arrogant things I’ve ever heard).
It’s important to know that this book is essentially trying to sell you on joining a network marketing company. However, even after I read all 115 pages of this book, I was still unclear on HOW it worked, and how it would bring you financial independence without encoding some kind of pyramid scheme.
That being said, it’s a quick and easy read. Propaganda, but quick and easy.
It’s important to know that this book is essentially trying to sell you on joining a network marketing company. However, even after I read all 115 pages of this book, I was still unclear on HOW it worked, and how it would bring you financial independence without encoding some kind of pyramid scheme.
That being said, it’s a quick and easy read. Propaganda, but quick and easy.
August 3, 2019
Whereas the majority of the books on my read shelf come from my favorite authors, recommendations from librarians and friends, or hearing buzz about my favorite topics and genres, this is the first book that has come to me thanks to a trip to Lowe's. Allow me to regale you with a true story before my review.
We hearken back to early July 2019, where we find our protagonist (me) shopping for granite countertop sealers at Lowe's, decked out in a sleeveless shirt from my college. I generally hit up Home Depot, as it is closer to my house, but they do not stock my preferred brand there. So I stand there in the aisle, picking out what I need. I turn to go check out when I hear, "Oh a [my college] grad! I went to [college nearby my college]!"
I turn to see an unassuming man in his early forties before me. (For this story, I will call Tom so I don't have to call him random Lowe's man.)
Not wanting to be rude, I say, "Oh I had some friends who went there."
Tom: "What brings you down South?"
I reply, "A teaching job."
Tom: "No way, I used to be a teacher. I eventually left to work in consulting."
Me: "I do some consulting on the side, too."
He looks at me for a moment. "You know, maybe a guy like you could work with me."
Knowing that extra income is always nice for public school educators, I say I'd be interested and we exchange numbers. A few days later, he texts me to set up a meeting at a cafe inside the local Wegman's, which seemed a bit amiss.
Nonetheless, I forged ahead. I roll up to the meeting and we make small talk. I hate small talk, but I do enjoy money, so I engage with him.
Eventually, it turns to business. He begins telling me about his business mentor who also happened to go to college and also happened to be a teacher, but he retired at 26 as a multi-millionaire. I should note that a generic name was given at one point, but he generally referred to him as mentor, so I will do the same.
Long story short, Tom had asked mentor to be his mentor and teach him how to business. I have no idea what the actual business is, but it apparently makes a lot of money. Tom then begins to ask me about my financial life.
Do I live the life I've always dreamed of? I truthfully reply that education isn't exactly a windfall, but it pays the bills.
Could I be happier with more money and financial freedom? Yes... but I feel like most people would say yes to that too.
(At this point, you're probably wondering how this story is going to eventually tie into a book review. I promise that we're getting there soon.)
Tom tells me he was in my shoes when he was my age. He had told his mentor about our meeting in Lowe's. Little weird, but sure, I guess I'm remarkable. Tom said he had asked his mentor if I could be brought on like he was.
I was confused at this point because I thought this was a quasi-interview to work for Tom as a consultant. Tom tells me his mentor kind of does what Amazon does, but smaller and differently - so basically, not like Amazon at all?
He then drops a bombshell. Tom's mentor makes money from something called "network marketing." When asked if I know what this is, I said it kind of sounds like BeachBody or MaryKay or the likes. Tom tells me it is, but it isn't. Such clear details I am getting.
Enter the book. (See, I promised it would be coming soon.)
Casually, Tom slides this book across the table to me. It's a slim volume, clocking in at about 115 pages. He asks how fast I can read it. Flipping through it, I say it should maybe take me a few days. He tells me the book is mine to read and mark up as I'd like, and I should send him my thoughts as I read it. As we're wrapping up, he wants to get another meeting on the calendar.
He says, "How does Thursday work for you?"
Somewhat perplexed, as I have learned no real information in the past hour, I reply, "Well that's my first full day of work, so I don't know if that will work." I should also note that this is Monday evening, effectively giving me three days to read this entire book - and I was in the middle of Pines already (which was fantastic).
He pushes for a Thursday meeting, and also asks me to bring my wife to meet his, which I find very strange. At this point, I just agree to it, since I want to leave. We part ways, and I leave with the book in tow and a ton of questions in my head. When I get home, I really have no words to explain it to my wife other than, "It was a very strange meeting, and I think there is going to be a second, and he wants you to come, too?" She is skeptical.
Wednesday evening rolls around, and I have not even begun the book. Tom texts me asking about my progress. I tell him I haven't even started. He asks me when I could be finished with it. I reply with, "Maybe by the end of the weekend?"
Tom: "Ok, I will ask my mentor if that is ok with him to extend you some more time."
I haven't felt such deadlines to read since my time in high school AP English and I am a bit taken aback by a man who is claiming to spout financial freedom needing to get permission for me to take a bit more time to read.
The next morning, my phone dings with a text from Tom. He's cleared it with his mentor - I now have until Monday to read this book.
My curiosity takes over. What could be in this book that is so urgent? I crack it open that evening and dive in...
Overall, it's very lackluster. There are a few nuggets of wisdom in there, but not enough to warrant 115 pages. The author alternates between humblebrags, thinly veiled put downs against the working class, and his close ties with Donald Trump, who seems to be the only wealthy person he knows.
This book was also written in 2009, and has not aged well. On one page, while mentioning successful businesses, he discusses Microsoft and Tupperware in the same paragraph... neither of which are exactly the same powerhouses today in 2019. The author also speaks at length about his time being homeless and living in his car, but refusing to work since it's "beneath him."
However, he says by thinking differently and growing assets, he made millions. Yet, he never gives too much away in the concrete details, so the reader has to infer a lot. When you read between the lines, you realize what he is calling network marketing is the same thing as multi level marketing or a pyramid scheme.
I may not make much as a teacher, but I also don't want to be blowing up friends and family with trying to get them to buy random crap. Not long after, I finished the book, more just because I wanted to add it to my read shelf since I haven't figured out this whole abandoned book shelf yet, and then dove into the Internet to learn more.
Apparently, there is an army of Toms out there who do the same thing to young people all over - approach them in a public place, strike up conversation, initiate a meeting later, give them this book, and then try to rope them in on this pyramid in further meetings.
Suffice it to say, I felt both flattered that I appeared young enough to be approached and shocked that I seemed like a good mark. I almost texted Tom to cancel the Monday meeting, but then I realized I could beat him at his own game.
When he texts me on Monday, I plan to ask for more time, saying I went to participate in a rodeo at a friend's farm for the weekend, forgot the book at home, and was too exhausted by the time I returned. Depending how that goes, I will continue giving increasingly ridiculous excuses why I couldn't read it until he eventually gives up.
It shall be my multi level marketing of sorts, in which it is I who is at the top of this pyramid... of comedy.
TLDR - Basically, the book is not worth your time, but you probably got it for free from your very own Tom, so at least you didn't waste your money!
We hearken back to early July 2019, where we find our protagonist (me) shopping for granite countertop sealers at Lowe's, decked out in a sleeveless shirt from my college. I generally hit up Home Depot, as it is closer to my house, but they do not stock my preferred brand there. So I stand there in the aisle, picking out what I need. I turn to go check out when I hear, "Oh a [my college] grad! I went to [college nearby my college]!"
I turn to see an unassuming man in his early forties before me. (For this story, I will call Tom so I don't have to call him random Lowe's man.)
Not wanting to be rude, I say, "Oh I had some friends who went there."
Tom: "What brings you down South?"
I reply, "A teaching job."
Tom: "No way, I used to be a teacher. I eventually left to work in consulting."
Me: "I do some consulting on the side, too."
He looks at me for a moment. "You know, maybe a guy like you could work with me."
Knowing that extra income is always nice for public school educators, I say I'd be interested and we exchange numbers. A few days later, he texts me to set up a meeting at a cafe inside the local Wegman's, which seemed a bit amiss.
Nonetheless, I forged ahead. I roll up to the meeting and we make small talk. I hate small talk, but I do enjoy money, so I engage with him.
Eventually, it turns to business. He begins telling me about his business mentor who also happened to go to college and also happened to be a teacher, but he retired at 26 as a multi-millionaire. I should note that a generic name was given at one point, but he generally referred to him as mentor, so I will do the same.
Long story short, Tom had asked mentor to be his mentor and teach him how to business. I have no idea what the actual business is, but it apparently makes a lot of money. Tom then begins to ask me about my financial life.
Do I live the life I've always dreamed of? I truthfully reply that education isn't exactly a windfall, but it pays the bills.
Could I be happier with more money and financial freedom? Yes... but I feel like most people would say yes to that too.
(At this point, you're probably wondering how this story is going to eventually tie into a book review. I promise that we're getting there soon.)
Tom tells me he was in my shoes when he was my age. He had told his mentor about our meeting in Lowe's. Little weird, but sure, I guess I'm remarkable. Tom said he had asked his mentor if I could be brought on like he was.
I was confused at this point because I thought this was a quasi-interview to work for Tom as a consultant. Tom tells me his mentor kind of does what Amazon does, but smaller and differently - so basically, not like Amazon at all?
He then drops a bombshell. Tom's mentor makes money from something called "network marketing." When asked if I know what this is, I said it kind of sounds like BeachBody or MaryKay or the likes. Tom tells me it is, but it isn't. Such clear details I am getting.
Enter the book. (See, I promised it would be coming soon.)
Casually, Tom slides this book across the table to me. It's a slim volume, clocking in at about 115 pages. He asks how fast I can read it. Flipping through it, I say it should maybe take me a few days. He tells me the book is mine to read and mark up as I'd like, and I should send him my thoughts as I read it. As we're wrapping up, he wants to get another meeting on the calendar.
He says, "How does Thursday work for you?"
Somewhat perplexed, as I have learned no real information in the past hour, I reply, "Well that's my first full day of work, so I don't know if that will work." I should also note that this is Monday evening, effectively giving me three days to read this entire book - and I was in the middle of Pines already (which was fantastic).
He pushes for a Thursday meeting, and also asks me to bring my wife to meet his, which I find very strange. At this point, I just agree to it, since I want to leave. We part ways, and I leave with the book in tow and a ton of questions in my head. When I get home, I really have no words to explain it to my wife other than, "It was a very strange meeting, and I think there is going to be a second, and he wants you to come, too?" She is skeptical.
Wednesday evening rolls around, and I have not even begun the book. Tom texts me asking about my progress. I tell him I haven't even started. He asks me when I could be finished with it. I reply with, "Maybe by the end of the weekend?"
Tom: "Ok, I will ask my mentor if that is ok with him to extend you some more time."
I haven't felt such deadlines to read since my time in high school AP English and I am a bit taken aback by a man who is claiming to spout financial freedom needing to get permission for me to take a bit more time to read.
The next morning, my phone dings with a text from Tom. He's cleared it with his mentor - I now have until Monday to read this book.
My curiosity takes over. What could be in this book that is so urgent? I crack it open that evening and dive in...
Overall, it's very lackluster. There are a few nuggets of wisdom in there, but not enough to warrant 115 pages. The author alternates between humblebrags, thinly veiled put downs against the working class, and his close ties with Donald Trump, who seems to be the only wealthy person he knows.
This book was also written in 2009, and has not aged well. On one page, while mentioning successful businesses, he discusses Microsoft and Tupperware in the same paragraph... neither of which are exactly the same powerhouses today in 2019. The author also speaks at length about his time being homeless and living in his car, but refusing to work since it's "beneath him."
However, he says by thinking differently and growing assets, he made millions. Yet, he never gives too much away in the concrete details, so the reader has to infer a lot. When you read between the lines, you realize what he is calling network marketing is the same thing as multi level marketing or a pyramid scheme.
I may not make much as a teacher, but I also don't want to be blowing up friends and family with trying to get them to buy random crap. Not long after, I finished the book, more just because I wanted to add it to my read shelf since I haven't figured out this whole abandoned book shelf yet, and then dove into the Internet to learn more.
Apparently, there is an army of Toms out there who do the same thing to young people all over - approach them in a public place, strike up conversation, initiate a meeting later, give them this book, and then try to rope them in on this pyramid in further meetings.
Suffice it to say, I felt both flattered that I appeared young enough to be approached and shocked that I seemed like a good mark. I almost texted Tom to cancel the Monday meeting, but then I realized I could beat him at his own game.
When he texts me on Monday, I plan to ask for more time, saying I went to participate in a rodeo at a friend's farm for the weekend, forgot the book at home, and was too exhausted by the time I returned. Depending how that goes, I will continue giving increasingly ridiculous excuses why I couldn't read it until he eventually gives up.
It shall be my multi level marketing of sorts, in which it is I who is at the top of this pyramid... of comedy.
TLDR - Basically, the book is not worth your time, but you probably got it for free from your very own Tom, so at least you didn't waste your money!
October 26, 2018
I don't normally write reviews, but I figured this needed to come with a warning.
To put it bluntly, this reads like a persuasive essay written by your typical third grader. It's rife with contradictions, crazy leaps in logic, unnecessary name-dropping, and lots of obvious points glaringly missing because it would destroy his argument. He appeals to the emotions of the reader (which, in my opinion, is not the way you should be thinking about your finances).
As someone who even minored in finances, warning bells were clanging loudly in my head all throughout this book. One thing he tries to push is that you're foolish if you think the security of a regular paycheck and benefits has any value compared to the possibility of financial freedom and not having to answer to anyone -- to the point that it's preferable to be homeless than to work a regular job.
No. Just. No.
As mother of a 6 month old, security is one of the biggest thing I want for my child.
Rant over.
To put it bluntly, this reads like a persuasive essay written by your typical third grader. It's rife with contradictions, crazy leaps in logic, unnecessary name-dropping, and lots of obvious points glaringly missing because it would destroy his argument. He appeals to the emotions of the reader (which, in my opinion, is not the way you should be thinking about your finances).
As someone who even minored in finances, warning bells were clanging loudly in my head all throughout this book. One thing he tries to push is that you're foolish if you think the security of a regular paycheck and benefits has any value compared to the possibility of financial freedom and not having to answer to anyone -- to the point that it's preferable to be homeless than to work a regular job.
No. Just. No.
As mother of a 6 month old, security is one of the biggest thing I want for my child.
Rant over.
April 22, 2020
About 10% of the book is useful advice and the rest 90% is marketing. Buy this book is like paying to watch ads.
The core principles of this book are based on Kiyosaki’s writings in Rich Dad Poor Dad and Cashflow Quadrant. That’s the 10%. The rest of it is about network marketing a la Tupperware and Amway dealers. Depending on your current situation this books may be the break you were looking for, or it may be a joke. While the network marketing scheme is said to be in the ‘B’ Quadrant, it hardly is. You’re still an E or an S at most as you don’t own the network marketing business or are at least the top part of the pyramid.
I’ve always had the opinion that if someone has an answer to the question of getting rich, it’s too good to be true. And this one is. Save yourself 4-5 hrs and give this one a skip. Read one of Kiyosaki’s originals and find the answers on your own, those are the ones you were probably looking for.
The core principles of this book are based on Kiyosaki’s writings in Rich Dad Poor Dad and Cashflow Quadrant. That’s the 10%. The rest of it is about network marketing a la Tupperware and Amway dealers. Depending on your current situation this books may be the break you were looking for, or it may be a joke. While the network marketing scheme is said to be in the ‘B’ Quadrant, it hardly is. You’re still an E or an S at most as you don’t own the network marketing business or are at least the top part of the pyramid.
I’ve always had the opinion that if someone has an answer to the question of getting rich, it’s too good to be true. And this one is. Save yourself 4-5 hrs and give this one a skip. Read one of Kiyosaki’s originals and find the answers on your own, those are the ones you were probably looking for.
Read
May 26, 2011NWM network marketing, multilevel
author of Rich Dad Poor Dad
p.16 quadrants how do you make money Employee/Self/employed-small-business/Business owner/Investorer
p.74 4 elements of leadership mental/emotional/spiritual/physical must control all 4 and help these 4 elements in your employees (to make them effective leaders) or you will fail
4 steps to financial freedom
1) build a business - generate a lot of $, tax brakes vs employee quadrant
2)Reinvest in your business -don't use your income as a source to live on (keep day job)
3)invest in real estate(as an income generating assest)
4)let your assets buy luxuries
p.83
"How can we afford it?" vs "We can't afford it"
Shift in mind from "Ican't" to "I can!!"
author of Rich Dad Poor Dad
p.16 quadrants how do you make money Employee/Self/employed-small-business/Business owner/Investorer
p.74 4 elements of leadership mental/emotional/spiritual/physical must control all 4 and help these 4 elements in your employees (to make them effective leaders) or you will fail
4 steps to financial freedom
1) build a business - generate a lot of $, tax brakes vs employee quadrant
2)Reinvest in your business -don't use your income as a source to live on (keep day job)
3)invest in real estate(as an income generating assest)
4)let your assets buy luxuries
p.83
"How can we afford it?" vs "We can't afford it"
Shift in mind from "Ican't" to "I can!!"
Read
June 6, 2018The awesome thing about this book is that it helps you become more adept at spotting other bullshit like it.
March 12, 2024
I still don’t know what a networking business is… some good tips here but most things felt super generic.
October 18, 2019
کتاب درزمینه معرفی و مزایای بازاریابی شبکه ای بود و مانند کتب دیگر کیوساکی با زبانی ساده بیان شده بود
June 8, 2022
the economy is not the problem i am 👍🏾
November 26, 2017
Excellent book from Robetre Kiyosaki, in which he describes the basic principles of financial independence and wealth of the 21st century. At the beginning of the book the author tells that every person should take his financial future under control and his success depends only on him. Next is a description of the main eight assets to create real wealth. Here are the 8 assets:
- knowledge of business in the real world;
- perfection of personal qualities;
- The circle of friends who share your values;
- strength of network structures;
- Reproduced and expanded business;
- Strong leadership qualities;
- the mechanism of creating a fraudulent wealth;
- big dreams.
At the end of the book, Robert puts the main theme - "your future begins today."
--------------------------------
Отличная книжка от Робетра Кийосаки, в которой он описывает основные принципы финансовой независимости и богатства 21 века. В начале книги автор рассказывает о том, что каждый человек должен брать свое финансовое будущее под контроль и его успех зависит тлько от него. Дальше идет описание об основных восьми активов для создания реального богатства. Вот эти 8 активов:
- знания о бизнессе в реальном мире;
- совершенствование личных качеств;
- круг друзей, разделяющих ваши ценности;
- сила сетевых структур;
- репродуцируемый и расширяемый бизнес;
- сильные лидерские качества;
- механизм создания подленного богатства;
- большие мечты.
В конце книги Роберт основной темой ставит тезис - "ваше будущее начинается сегодня".
I read books on Scribd or Google Books by
Readlax Chrome Extension
- knowledge of business in the real world;
- perfection of personal qualities;
- The circle of friends who share your values;
- strength of network structures;
- Reproduced and expanded business;
- Strong leadership qualities;
- the mechanism of creating a fraudulent wealth;
- big dreams.
At the end of the book, Robert puts the main theme - "your future begins today."
--------------------------------
Отличная книжка от Робетра Кийосаки, в которой он описывает основные принципы финансовой независимости и богатства 21 века. В начале книги автор рассказывает о том, что каждый человек должен брать свое финансовое будущее под контроль и его успех зависит тлько от него. Дальше идет описание об основных восьми активов для создания реального богатства. Вот эти 8 активов:
- знания о бизнессе в реальном мире;
- совершенствование личных качеств;
- круг друзей, разделяющих ваши ценности;
- сила сетевых структур;
- репродуцируемый и расширяемый бизнес;
- сильные лидерские качества;
- механизм создания подленного богатства;
- большие мечты.
В конце книги Роберт основной темой ставит тезис - "ваше будущее начинается сегодня".
I read books on Scribd or Google Books by
Readlax Chrome Extension
July 21, 2025
Stupid pyramid scheme book. If I could rate it 0 stars I would. Luckily it look me less than an hour to read because the book lacks and depth or substance
October 16, 2012
This is a really good book that talks about the merits of Network Marketing, and the need for people today to change their thinking from one of an "employee" to one of an "entrepreneur/business" owner if they ever want to be financially independent. While this is certainly not a new idea nor new information, this book really illustrates how this makes sense in simple, layman's terms. I think this is Robert's best book so far. I highly recommend it.
May 17, 2019
Ideal para todas aquellas personas que no saben cómo lograr su libertad financiera y para los que ya han escuchado sobre el mercadeo multinivel pero tienen muchas dudas, aquí el maestro Kiyosaki resuelve muchas de las preguntas que te puedes hacer al respecto. Si después de este libro decides cambiar tu vida, escríbeme y te guío paso a paso con la mejor compañía de Multinivel y el mejor sistema de formación de líderes para distribuidores independientes 💚
December 30, 2010
We all are heading to the choice of do something or remain the same. Networkmarketing is the perfect choice to learn and make money on the way
January 16, 2013
As usual pretty impressive thinking of Mr. Kiyosaki. I was amazed by a lot of facts in terms of finance freedom and I will try to do my best to achieve my goals.
April 20, 2020
I was approached on LinkedIn by a young and well-spoken man regarding an Ecommerce business opportunity which will help me earn a passive income aside of my normal 9-5 job. As a young university student wondering about remote work opportunities during the COVID-19 situation, I was curious and jumped at it. When asked to explain more, I was told that I would be scheduled for a phone call with his mentors. Meanwhile I was just informed that this Ecommerce business worked as a "collaborative model".
I had a three-way call after two days. There will be a fifteen minute delay of the call that I was told on advance by the admin guy, because apparently the mentor was "very busy" to attend on time. Once I was on the call, I was explained by the mentor that during this COVID-19 situaton, Ecommerce businesses are going to boom. What they do is streamline their supply chain online, and that they act as the middle man between the manufacturers and consumers. It is a 10 billion dollar ecosystem. The characteristics they are looking for in a candidate during the "selection process" are: 1) Ambition, aspiration beyond 9-5 job, 2) Ability to prioritise life to invest 12-14 hours a week into it, 3) Humble and teachable in learning something new. I will be taught a 7 step process during 2-4 weeks. Trust is important to be built during this process.
I was asked if I was fine with all that. I said yes, still not knowing what the business was about but open-minded to learn more. During the end of the phone call, the mentor kept emphasising his busy schedule to the young man doing the admin work, saying he is only available at a certain time during the weekend. I was then scheduled for a Zoom meeting for two days later. In the Google invite for the Zoom meeting, it was written that proper grooming and smart casual outfits are to be worn despite being a virtual meeting, and to respect each other's time. On the Zoom meeting, I met the mentor and his wife along with the admin guy. Apparently the mentors are a husband-wife duo working on the business. His normal day job is as a Business Development Manager for a large company, and her normal day job is as HR for a social service company. But then they both work under an IT professional couple from USA who have spread this business in several countries. We spent the first 20 minutes talking about ourselves and asking each other on what we do, our family and cultural backgrounds, hobbies, their daughter, my family's retirement plan, etc. I was a bit surprised at how much time was spent on discussing these apparently trivial matters when it is supposed to be a business discussion. The mentor man said it is important to know each other and ask about each other in a friendly way to build trust. Also he said he will use the personal stories to mentor me about the business to see how much I can relate to it. I was thinking, okay, but I am not here to play-talk and waste my time. Plus I really feel uncomfortable on having personal matters mentioned during a business conversation. But I didn't say anything. Anyway, then they started talking about the business.
I was told this is an asset-based income where I create business assets, which will act as a parallel income source. Their own mentors, the IT professional couple from USA who are aged 29 and 31, have been so good at it, that they have been financially free and able to quit their daily jobs to stay home. The next half an hour or so was spent talking about the positives of the industry more than actually explaining what the business does: financial freedom, ability to work from anywhere in the world, can be present for my children instead of at the office, compared job vs business to owning a home vs renting an apartment. In between the wife got up briefly to "serve food for her daughter who is in 9th grade" and the husband commented on how dedicated she is to her daughter. They used religious words in between to emphasise on the ethics of the business, knowing I am from the same religious background, although I am personally an agnostic and highly sceptical of such behaviour.
Then they explained the characteristics they are looking for in the right candidate during the selection process: 1) Level of ambition, 2) Very accountable to their future and to others, 3) High level of patience to create a large business generation in the next 2-3 years, 4) Teachable and open to learn and implement, 5) Ability to prioritise time, 6) Ability to focus on the work and focus on the outcome, which is to create freedom, time and make side money.
When I asked about the money required, they said money is not needed to start a good business. They gave the example of Uber, a billion dollar business, where people were made to use existing resources, e.g car and time, to generate profit. The principles their business adhered to were: 1) Use existing resources, 2) Give partnership, not employment, 3) Give more profit to the person rather than the business owner, 4) Use an IT platform. I was thinking, so far so good.
Then they talked about their business a bit more, where they mentioned a key word to the whole thing: NETWORK MARKETING. They said they are part of a Network Marketing Industry where a borrowed IT platform is used. A network of entrepreneurs are involved, and they develop business development assets. They are linked to several business giants like Target to do business with their products. That's all I got to know. Then they started talking about Robert Kiyosaki, a billionaire, who did business, succeeded, and wrote a book about it called "The Business of the 21st Century" that they will share with me. I was told not to discuss with family and friends too much about it because firstly, they did not take the business route which I can follow, secondly, they may try to give me misguided advice based on their scepticism and Google search. They gave the example of an engineer asking engineering advice from a doctor, and that I should ask business advice from those who actually walked down the same path.
Meanwhile they started talking in a rushed way, the man's phone rang a couple of times, the wife said he has a meeting due in five minutes. For the next meeting scheduled, I was asked to thoroughly read the book that they will give me from Chapter 1 to 16, make notes, and I should explain to them what I learned and understood. A bit like flipping the power. They said the most important thing is the mindset: moving from employee mindset to serious business. The topics about the eight assets in the book are very important. The man said they liked me, and said it was nice of me to ask questions about them such as about their daughter (wtf?).
I received a follow-up email from the admin guy along with the next meeting's invite. I googled this book's name out, and lo and behold, there have been a number of reviews about people sharing stories on having almost exactly the same experience I had. Network Marketing generally is highly risky, can damage relationships with family and friends, generates little to no profit, and can incur large losses. On top if there is no particular product that is used for doing the business, instead selling average or low worth products, you are participating in a pyramid scheme, which is illegal in a number of countries. I was disappointed, angry at them for having wasted my time, sad at how genuine all three of them really seemed (apart from the loopholes), and scared at the number of people who may fall into their scam further. I have blocked those people, and to raise awareness and protect people I have written this detailed review.
I had a three-way call after two days. There will be a fifteen minute delay of the call that I was told on advance by the admin guy, because apparently the mentor was "very busy" to attend on time. Once I was on the call, I was explained by the mentor that during this COVID-19 situaton, Ecommerce businesses are going to boom. What they do is streamline their supply chain online, and that they act as the middle man between the manufacturers and consumers. It is a 10 billion dollar ecosystem. The characteristics they are looking for in a candidate during the "selection process" are: 1) Ambition, aspiration beyond 9-5 job, 2) Ability to prioritise life to invest 12-14 hours a week into it, 3) Humble and teachable in learning something new. I will be taught a 7 step process during 2-4 weeks. Trust is important to be built during this process.
I was asked if I was fine with all that. I said yes, still not knowing what the business was about but open-minded to learn more. During the end of the phone call, the mentor kept emphasising his busy schedule to the young man doing the admin work, saying he is only available at a certain time during the weekend. I was then scheduled for a Zoom meeting for two days later. In the Google invite for the Zoom meeting, it was written that proper grooming and smart casual outfits are to be worn despite being a virtual meeting, and to respect each other's time. On the Zoom meeting, I met the mentor and his wife along with the admin guy. Apparently the mentors are a husband-wife duo working on the business. His normal day job is as a Business Development Manager for a large company, and her normal day job is as HR for a social service company. But then they both work under an IT professional couple from USA who have spread this business in several countries. We spent the first 20 minutes talking about ourselves and asking each other on what we do, our family and cultural backgrounds, hobbies, their daughter, my family's retirement plan, etc. I was a bit surprised at how much time was spent on discussing these apparently trivial matters when it is supposed to be a business discussion. The mentor man said it is important to know each other and ask about each other in a friendly way to build trust. Also he said he will use the personal stories to mentor me about the business to see how much I can relate to it. I was thinking, okay, but I am not here to play-talk and waste my time. Plus I really feel uncomfortable on having personal matters mentioned during a business conversation. But I didn't say anything. Anyway, then they started talking about the business.
I was told this is an asset-based income where I create business assets, which will act as a parallel income source. Their own mentors, the IT professional couple from USA who are aged 29 and 31, have been so good at it, that they have been financially free and able to quit their daily jobs to stay home. The next half an hour or so was spent talking about the positives of the industry more than actually explaining what the business does: financial freedom, ability to work from anywhere in the world, can be present for my children instead of at the office, compared job vs business to owning a home vs renting an apartment. In between the wife got up briefly to "serve food for her daughter who is in 9th grade" and the husband commented on how dedicated she is to her daughter. They used religious words in between to emphasise on the ethics of the business, knowing I am from the same religious background, although I am personally an agnostic and highly sceptical of such behaviour.
Then they explained the characteristics they are looking for in the right candidate during the selection process: 1) Level of ambition, 2) Very accountable to their future and to others, 3) High level of patience to create a large business generation in the next 2-3 years, 4) Teachable and open to learn and implement, 5) Ability to prioritise time, 6) Ability to focus on the work and focus on the outcome, which is to create freedom, time and make side money.
When I asked about the money required, they said money is not needed to start a good business. They gave the example of Uber, a billion dollar business, where people were made to use existing resources, e.g car and time, to generate profit. The principles their business adhered to were: 1) Use existing resources, 2) Give partnership, not employment, 3) Give more profit to the person rather than the business owner, 4) Use an IT platform. I was thinking, so far so good.
Then they talked about their business a bit more, where they mentioned a key word to the whole thing: NETWORK MARKETING. They said they are part of a Network Marketing Industry where a borrowed IT platform is used. A network of entrepreneurs are involved, and they develop business development assets. They are linked to several business giants like Target to do business with their products. That's all I got to know. Then they started talking about Robert Kiyosaki, a billionaire, who did business, succeeded, and wrote a book about it called "The Business of the 21st Century" that they will share with me. I was told not to discuss with family and friends too much about it because firstly, they did not take the business route which I can follow, secondly, they may try to give me misguided advice based on their scepticism and Google search. They gave the example of an engineer asking engineering advice from a doctor, and that I should ask business advice from those who actually walked down the same path.
Meanwhile they started talking in a rushed way, the man's phone rang a couple of times, the wife said he has a meeting due in five minutes. For the next meeting scheduled, I was asked to thoroughly read the book that they will give me from Chapter 1 to 16, make notes, and I should explain to them what I learned and understood. A bit like flipping the power. They said the most important thing is the mindset: moving from employee mindset to serious business. The topics about the eight assets in the book are very important. The man said they liked me, and said it was nice of me to ask questions about them such as about their daughter (wtf?).
I received a follow-up email from the admin guy along with the next meeting's invite. I googled this book's name out, and lo and behold, there have been a number of reviews about people sharing stories on having almost exactly the same experience I had. Network Marketing generally is highly risky, can damage relationships with family and friends, generates little to no profit, and can incur large losses. On top if there is no particular product that is used for doing the business, instead selling average or low worth products, you are participating in a pyramid scheme, which is illegal in a number of countries. I was disappointed, angry at them for having wasted my time, sad at how genuine all three of them really seemed (apart from the loopholes), and scared at the number of people who may fall into their scam further. I have blocked those people, and to raise awareness and protect people I have written this detailed review.
February 15, 2018
The book revolves around financial education and building your career in network marketing business.
The book is good to gain knowledge about self development, finance management and learning skills to build long term wealth.
A good read for students and people who lacks basic financial knowledge.
The book will help you to develop thinking and make plans on how to achieve your financial dreams with the help of network marketing business or any business.
The 4 quadrant rule is must to Know about.
The book tells that network marketing is not the business of selling, although it is a business of self development, developing communication and management skills and educating ourselves and others as well.
The book is good to gain knowledge about self development, finance management and learning skills to build long term wealth.
A good read for students and people who lacks basic financial knowledge.
The book will help you to develop thinking and make plans on how to achieve your financial dreams with the help of network marketing business or any business.
The 4 quadrant rule is must to Know about.
The book tells that network marketing is not the business of selling, although it is a business of self development, developing communication and management skills and educating ourselves and others as well.
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