Lessons from a Billionaire

"There are 1645 billionaires world-wide, and contrary to popular belief we don't all wear hoodies, jeans and tennis shoes."  

A few months ago I was networking at a business roundtable where the keynote speaker happened to be one of these 1645 billionaires.  He is a distinguished member of our community, and an incredible philanthropist.  When a billionaire (not a millionaire) offers advice, you pay very close attention.

That first statement was his opening statement, and not what any of us expected.  His message centered on the very art of networking, and how crucial it is to any individuals success in life.  He offered brilliant and real usable information. Here are just a few of the highlights and his "billionaire" reasoning:

• Dress for success - money attracts money and money is serious. Dress serious, look professional, clean shaven, suited and booted as the British say.  If you want to turnoff money and repel success, then by all means drop your standards and dress casually. 
• No hoodies jeans and tennis shoes - there are very few dotcom billionaires, and what you see in public is not how they show up to board meetings, meetings with their banks and meetings with other movers and shakers.  Stop being fooled. 
• Money is serious business and should be treated accordingly - any lack of respect in your professional presentation, speech, and attitude will repel the very people you're trying to attract. 
• Money hangs out with money, better look the part - if you want to be apart of the club or close the deal, you have to play in the right spheres of influence.  Stop associating and spending your time with people who can't help you or support your success.
• It's not fake it until you make it; it's become the person you must be in order to attract and live the life you desire - Make your best effort to look, behave and become the success you desire.  Make that your new norm, not a false representation. 

Interestingly, during the Q&A, on the of the guests questioned why people shouldn't just accept them for who they are, and not based on how they look or talk.  Mr "billionaire" simply said "if that's the way you feel, you're right, good luck."  He turned his head and said "next question". 

We knew the billionaire.  No one remembers the guest.  Hmmm, lesson learned from breakfast with a billionaire.  

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