A rundown of The Last Safe Investment by Bryan Franklin and Michael Ellsberg
Don’t worry, there’s not a dress code for this article – although it looks like there might be one for the book itself.
Investments are dangerous these days. Everything just gobbles up my money while giving me nothing in return.
Settle down, there, cowboy. Luckily, not “everything” works that way.
Have you ever heard of a little term known as systematic spending? It should serve as your guideline when it comes to parting with that leafy green presidential parchment.
This basically keeps you on the right track and averts you from any frivolous indulgences.
The principle of systematic spending is very, very simple: As long as you’re funneling your funds into things that will contribute to your own self-development, you can invest however you wish.
It’s like dropping guap on taekwondo lessons instead of buying a life-sized Karate Kid statue. See the difference?
Life experiences are often a safe bet for spending. Through lessons learned, they equip you with skills, and skills then equip you for life.
After all, isn’t that how everyone grows and accrues knowledge, savvy, and overall value?
This value isn’t just for you, either, pal. It bleeds into the lives of everyone around you, whether you like it or not. (So you might as well like it.)
So um… What exactly do I shoot for? What skills should I be chasing? I’m already pretty good at Jenga. Does that count?
…Yeah. That counts. For something, somewhere. But uh, let’s talk about what The Last Safe Investment calls superskills. It’s doubtful that Jenga mastery is included, though, champ.
- Interpersonal Superskills
You know, talking with folks, developing lasting and positive relationships, being able to lighten the mood or slice through the tension of an awkward situation.
Customer service is definitely a part of it, but you should also remember that networking and even general friendliness and etiquette fall under this umbrella.
Master the art of communication, and you hold in your hand the key to the universe. Well, metaphorically speaking, anyway. This book doesn’t come with a key.
Subsets of interpersonal superskills:
- Leadership and influence
- Public speaking
- Teaching
- Selling
It’s not always about the sale itself. In fact, it very rarely is. This is what so many talented and potential-filled wantrepreneurs unfortunately overlook. Social skills normally do all the heavy lifting for you.
Anything from commanding a crowd to having a grounded, honest conversation with a consumer requires that gentle touch of genuine care, tact, and respect.
2) Creative Superskills
Say that, for example, you’re a terrible painter. Not trying to beat you up, that’s just the way it is.
Have you ever thought that it very well could just be because you don’t know the first thing about the art form?
A few basic classes that cover the fundamentals might save you from those all-too-frequent trips to the shredder. Awaken that sleeping creative genius inside of you!
And hey, maybe painting just isn’t your thing. That’s okay, too. Creative superskills don’t just stop there.
Subsets of creative superskills:
- Improvisation
- Writing / copywriting
- Storytelling
- Design
It’s all about bringing ideas to life, man. You are an originality hub, and the sooner you develop the ability to tap into that, the better.
You would be surprised to discover just how much latent value you have rolling around in the imagination corner of that noggin.
- Physical Superskills
Okay, the phrase “physical superskills” makes it sound like you’re going to be bench-pressing busses and jumping over buildings like Superman, but that isn’t the case.
Your body is an essential part of your business venture, but you should also consider your immediate surroundings an extension of you.
Be productive, be healthy, and uh… clean up every once in a while, would ya?
This is Alex. He has no idea where this year’s expense report is. Don’t be like Alex.
Subsets of physical superskills:
- Extending someones physical productive worklife
- Taking care of your body/mind (they are connected, don’t forget that)
- Increasing mental clarity
- Maintaining a neat appearance
- Organizing your work environment
This one is pretty straightforward. People need help in their daily lives and mastering a physical superskill can create immense value in someone else’s life. Take care of them and they take care of you. On to the next one!
4) Technical Superskills
Do you even know how to think? That might sound like a jab, but it’s an honest question. Can you dial in thoughts and actually produce fruit from the gears turning inside of that skull?
Learn how to turn your noisy monkey brain into a well-oiled idea factory.
Subsets of physical superskills:
- Creating mental models
- Thinking systematically
- Visualizing
- Conceptualizing
- Logic-izing
Your brain is your ultimate asset. Imagine it as a business partner that will never leave your side. Investing in how this sucker breaks things down is definitely a good move.
**RED ALERT** This category has the highest ROI (return on investment – do your homework, you should know this one by now). Whoop whoop!
But I don’t have the resources / money / time / <insert excuse here>!
Don’t you have internet access? How are you reading this right now? Yeah, we thought so.
Don’t stand in your own way! The web is a fascinating place that is teeming with outlets and information banks that are just waiting to be tapped by YOU.
Do some research, take some classes, connect with some people who know what they’re doing, and keep checking back in with us. We’ll hook you up with the essential nuggets.
The Last Safe Investment gets into the nitty-gritty with you, making it well worth your time and money.
Your end goal here, and in many situations, is to grow and accrue value. Aim high and keep at it. You are worth more and more every day.
With these skills and the right mindset, no investor, customer, employer, or in-law will be able to deny your inherent value.
Now get out there and build you!
The post How to drastically boost your value as an entrepreneur – and as a human appeared first on StartupBros.