Wealth Builders
Wealth Builders
Armstrong Williams
April 16, 2006
Usually in this column I share with you my opinions about ways you and your family can build wealth and secure your financial future. However, recently I have become more and more intrigued by the personal financial stories of celebrities and notable individuals, and how they’ve built, grown, and sustained their wealth. So in today’s column I’ve interviewed several stars from various industries to learn what they believe is necessary for building wealth. Most importantly, I wanted to know how their value system contributed to their financial success. Here are their stories.
Robert J. Brown
CEO and Founder B&C Associates
I believe that trust is the critical value in building financial success. If people know that I am worthy of trust, not only will they confide in me their innermost thoughts and ideas, but eventually they will bring me on board for business partnerships that are financially rewarding. Confidence in my word and my ability to deliver what I promise is fundamental to success. More important than any value though, is my faith in God. My faith in God is vital to building wealth because when it appears that everything is going up in flames, my faith allows me to remain positive, focused, determined, and prioritized. These traits come directly from my relationship with the Lord, and enable me to get the job done when others cannot.
Harold E. Doley, Jr.
Founder Doley Securities
Only African American to own a seat on the New York stock exchange
Man has a natural inclination of knowing the difference between right and wrong. However, what separates great men from all the rest is a willingness to do the right thing every time. Doing what is right is the most important value for building wealth and prospering financially. There will be times when withholding information, sharing insider knowledge, lying, or cheating could greatly help you close a deal or make more money in the short term. But eventually this will catch up to you and bring you down. Doing right by your family, friends, customers, and clients will help you overflow with abundance. It will secure you more jobs, get you more clients, and increase your credibility. If you have the right foundation, the right values, and a desire to achieve goals the right way, you will eventually succeed – I guarantee it.
Kevin Johnson
Former guard for the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns
Founder St. Hope Academy charter schools, Sacramento California
Martin Luther King, Jr. said that education without character is dangerous. I too believe that no matter how much you study the stock market, learn about the business world, or experience the financial industry, you will not achieve optimal wealth until you improve your character. Your word must mean something. Your hand shake must be as dependable as a signed contract. You must remain loyal and humble regardless of your growth. And most importantly you must improve your character by improving your relationship with your creator. Because I believe that true and everlasting self-esteem only comes from your faith in God, and knowing that no matter what your lot in life is, He will not only sustain you, but give you unimaginable success and prosperity.
Terry Giles
Lawyer
From a financial standpoint the most important value one can have is credibility. Without credibility you can’t borrow money, you can’t get partners, and you can’t be trusted. Without credibility you won’t close a deal or make a sale – it is that simple. To gain credibility, start monitoring your day to day activities and focusing on your integrity during each action. Are you being honest with your time? Are you being honorable with your work ethic? Are you being loyal with your knowledge and confidentiality agreements? Are you trustworthy with your projects? Your integrity during these day to day interactions, projects, and negotiations will either bring you the credibility you need or prevent you from ever being a financial success.
The Honorable Alphonso Jackson
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
You don’t have to trample on or step over people to be financially successful in this country. As long as you focus on where you want to go and what you want to achieve, your wealth will not be dependent on another’s demise. If you support and love others while you go after your goals, you will encounter many people who will help you achieve your aspirations. The next time you have an opportunity to promote someone’s business – do it with gusto. The next time you can help someone get a job – do it proudly. The next time you can mentor a novice – do it with passion. Be sure of this: the more you build up others, the more you will be built up.
