If I asked 100 self-made millionaires...

[mrmr]

... for the secret to their success (or read the 100 most popular business/entrepreneurial books looking for the same kind of information), I'm sure I'd get 100 different answers.

My (superficial) understanding/assumption is that these self-help business books are mostly either 1. scams or 2. one particular person's success story, with no serious reason to believe that that particular formula for (their) success is The formula for success, or will work in other circumstances, or indeed will work again at all in any circumstances.

However, I wonder, if I asked those 100 people or read those 100 books, what answers would be common to all of them? Or maybe 95% of them?

[Slider]

You have to love what you do... That's the secret to success.

The ability to be a successful entrepreneur exists in every single field of business. Without Passion and Drive, no amount intelligence will allow you to excel.

[piggity]

[ QUOTE ]

My (superficial) understanding/assumption is that these self-help business books are mostly either 1. scams or 2. one particular person's success story, with no serious reason to believe that that particular formula for (their) success is The formula for success, or will work in other circumstances, or indeed will work again at all in any circumstances.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think this is a very keen insight. A close friend of mine who made his money during the late 90s as an engineer would probably have a completely different "formula" in mind than my other friend who is now running a chain of Japanese restaurants (after going through a failed start-up during the same period).

[cantsitstillbr]

Actually, I think most would have the same answer.

[cantsitstillbr]

[ QUOTE ]
You have to love what you do... That's the secret to success.

Without Passion and Drive, no amount intelligence will allow you to excel.

[/ QUOTE ]

sounds nice, but this is not close to true. (if your talking strictly about $$)

[Baulucky]

They found how to get the best of it, in one or more areas, for an extended period of time and big enough stakes.

[WarBus]

Hard work, the ability to save money, and some luck.

You have probably met some self-made millionaires and didn't know it. They are not always the ones driving the BMW or living in the giant house. Many are just ordinary people who have a successful business and don't spend beyond their means.

[Biesterfield]

Always living below your means.

[Biesterfield]

And paying yourself first.

[GoblinMason (Craig)]

Someone did this, it can be found in The Millionaire Mind (the author escapes me atm.)