Eight secrets to getting rich by Felix Dennis
Ideas don't make us rich, execution does
My LinkedIn profile picture features me intently reading the book How to Get Rich. The author, Felix Dennis (1947–2014), was a colourful British publishing tycoon, poet and eccentric millionaire. Felix's legacy includes building a publishing empire with titles like Oz (a 1960s countercultural magazine), PC World, MacUser and Maxim. Beyond business and poetry, he planted over a million trees to create The Forest of Dennis. He was renowned for his extravagant lifestyle, including mansions, art and wild parties.
At a dinner party, Felix was challenged to prove he could recite poetry better after wine. In response, he demanded a ladder and performed a dramatic reading from the top. As he neared the climax, the ladder wobbled and Felix tumbled into a giant chocolate fountain. Emerging covered in chocolate but triumphantly holding his wine glass intact, he declared, A toast to poetry! Guests erupted in laughter, cementing another legendary Felix Dennis moment.
Eight secrets to getting rich
The three most dangerous addictions are heroin, carbohydrates and a monthly salary. - Felix Dennis
Here is how Felix Dennis sums up How to Get Rich:
Looking for the secret to getting rich is not a sensible exercise. If there are such secrets then I have never discovered them. But as humans love lists and secrets, here is my best shot at a very short list:
Analyse your need. Desire is insufficient. Compulsion is mandatory.
Cut loose from negative influences. Never give in. Stay the course.
Ignore 'great ideas'. Concentrate on great execution.
Focus. Keep your eye on the ball marked 'The Money Is Here'.
Hire talent smarter than you. Delegate. Share the annual pie.
Ownership is the real 'secret'. Hold on to every percentage point you can.
Sell before you need to or when bored. Empty your mind when negotiating.
Fear nothing and no one. Get rich. Remember to give it all away.
Other resources
Face to Face with Felix Dennis by Country Channel TV
How to Join the New Rich post by Phil Martin
Building Our Digital Assets post by Phil Martin
With characteristic directness, Felix Dennis sums it up. Humans love secrets, but there isn’t one - just do the work.
Have fun.
Phil…
