Interview with a millionaire

You can learn much about money from people who are successful with money. Through seeking money, I have come into contact with many successful people and millionaires. I always thought it would be hard to gain lengthy access to millionaires, but as soon as I started to seek them, I started to find them. Here is a reproduction of an interview I did with one successful property multimillionaire named Mr Piper to find out how he sought his wealth. His net worth is about £4m:

Interview with a millionaire (2007) Mr Piper:
What is the key skill/knowledge/ etc to become a millionaire?
· The “want” to be a millionaire.
· Becoming a millionaire is like building a wall brick by brick. Each brick makes the wall stronger. Don't think about the whole wall, just think about laying each brick one at a time.
· You will never become a millionaire working for somebody else. (“They” will :-) )

What jobs have you had since leaving school?
· I was a mechanic for 4 years. At the same time I started as a mechanic, I had a Saturday job selling/serving chicken, cheese and bacon at a market. This Saturday job taught me valuable lessons in people skills and being in an environment where people are buying and selling.

What made you choose these jobs?
· I became a mechanic because I was good with my hands (dexterous)

If you were advising someone on how to make money what key advice would you give them?
· Seek a market that is in need. You need to fulfil a demand. You can't just invent a service that people don't want. You can't do something just because you want to do it.

Are there any books or courses that you think really helped you?
· A book I read recently is Rich Dad Poor Dad. Its more for investments, but has the right mental attitude.
· Don't go on stock market investment courses such as Darren Winters. I went to his preview seminar for a laugh with my friend, and audience members were actually paying for the full course with credit cards, as they did not have any money!

What made you want to make so much money?
· I wanted to be financially independent. I do it so I don't have to work for somebody else and jump to the beat of their drum.

What is a typical day like for you in terms of your business?
· There is no typical day when you are self-employed. From a motivational point of view, you have to be self-motivated every day. I keep on top of my business because it is in my best interest to do so.

What are some of the beliefs that you have about money or life that help you to make so much money?
· Look after yourself then when you are secure you can help other people (if you think they are worthy).
· A drive to be independent. One day I want to sell it all off.
· Being constructive........useful........profitable

Other tips:
· Be a bright fish and swim with the bright fishes. Don't swim with the dull fish. Be careful about who you hang around with.
· Get The Telegraph newspaper or The Times newspaper. I read them on the train sometimes. Look at the obituaries of the people in these papers. It shows how much people can achieve in their lifetimes.
· Too many people give up too quickly and too easily.
· You can make money in “need” industries i.e people always need their cars fixed.
· Too many people talk about their dreams but don't think about the reality. They don't think about the practicalities of their dreams.
· I estimate 85% of stock market investors lose money. They are set up by companies who create a “rush”. I would not get involved in the stock market.
· If stock market investment training companies are doing as well as they claim, they would not spend their resources on selling training courses.
· Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Don't invest only in one thing.
· If I started again, I would invest in property.
· Some of my idols are: Terence Conran because he's malleable and flexible in business. I admire what he's achieved in many different industries. Also Richard Branson. Adam Faith was a good businessman.
· A business is as good as its profit.
· I would rather have low rents on my properties as they are a more guaranteed rent. That is preferable to having high rents but leaving the property empty for a while, as you lose rent while you look for a tenant and so overall works out to less money.
· The most valuable lesson I learned is: do not lend money. Because if the other person does not have it to begin with, how can he give it back to you?

The interview shows that this millionaire became wealthy when he decided to seek money, and then took action. I have other millionaire friends, and I have noticed that they think for themselves and make their own decisions. Although you should listen to advice from those qualified to give it, ultimately you must seek wealth for yourself, as nobody can do it for you.