No Such Thing as an Overnight Millionaire

Occasionally, I see ads for a “system” that promises that you can make a million dollars (or some other large figure) with no effort, no skill, no customer list, and no risk. In response, I say, “Oh yeah? Well, if it were really that easy, why isn’t the author of the system doing it, again and again and again, each time making another million dollars?”

Seth Godin has a better quip about these make-money-fast schemes: “If no skill or effort is required, then why doesn’t the promoter just hire a bunch of people at minimum wage and keep the profits?”

Clearly, it can’t be that easy, or else everyone on the planet would either be a millionaire or would work for a millionaire who uses such a system. The truth is that even a simple business requires know-how, determination, and a success mindset. That’s why being self-employed isn’t for everyone.

-TimK

4 responses to “No Such Thing as an Overnight Millionaire”

  1. MichalT

    “Oh yeah? Well, if it were really that easy, why isn’t the author of the system doing it, again and again and again, each time making another million dollars?”

    How do you know the author isn’t doing precisely that? 🙂

  2. Bob Suruncle

    The system is: A fool and his money are soon parted. People who fall for get rich quick schemes are fools. The guy selling the scheme is “selling” this knowledge – if you are too foolish to believe those CDs and planners and books are worth $250 – then good luck the next time someone sells something on TV.

    Here’s a factoid: 80-90% of all MLM schemes are based in Salt Lake City Utah. Guess what other group is based in Utah?