Page 5 - August 2022

Similarly, other Americans who The author of Becoming Seriously deliver extraordinary insights
were either working class or poor Wealthy, John Bowen stated, and opportunities.”
such as Jack Welch, former CEO of “The self-made, super rich will Years ago, I heard if one wants to
Westinghouse and Thomas Sowell, masterfully develop and leverage be wealthy or successful, one must
American economist who became both expansive and nodal networks… associate with wealthy or successful
wealthy because of their ability to see have many casual professional people. This may explain all the
opportunities instead of limitations. relationships…their nodal network informal business and networking
The question that begs to be asked will be strategically designed to conducted on the golf course.
is how did these individuals see
beyond their own limitations and look
for opportunities?
Self-education is the driving
force. When one directs his/her
focus to expanding one’s knowledge
utilizing self-initiative, wonderful
opportunities are presented.
The adage states learning is
power. Although true, the actual
power is in application of knowledge.
One should take what they learned
and apply it as Carnegie did with
business or Lincoln with law.
For example, many professions
that require a license have required
continuing education classes or what
some may call CEUs. In Arizona,
the requirement for real estate
agents is 24 hours of CEUs every 24
months. Texas requires 18 hours of
CEUs every 2 years. A quick check
of financial advisors indicates 30
hours of CEUs within each required
reporting period is needed.
Today with information changing
almost second by second, with organi-
zations changing their requirements,
with local to national governmental
departments changing everything
from building codes to interstate laws,
staying abreast of what is happening
is essential to seize opportunities. Not
staying abreast of new information
creates limitations for expanding one’s
small business or individual practice.
Learning extends beyond attending
a CEU class or reading a book.
Research indicates 70% of all learning
is informal, which means we learn
more from each other. During any
economic time, especially downturns,
expanding one’s business to business
or business to consumer networking
is essential. Meeting other individuals
provides an opportunity for personal
connection and trust, which is a
strong building block for success.

NBIZ ■ August 2022 5