Monday, September 02, 2019
Immigration Matters: Cyprus, the easiest route to EU citizenship
Immigration Matters: Cyprus, the easiest route to EU citizenship: Cyprus is a modern fast-growing EU country, which is also steeped in history. The Bible mentions the early Apostles who travelled to Cypr...
Cyprus, the Fastest Route to EU Golden Visa Citizenship and Permanent Residency
Cyprus is a modern fast-growing EU country, which is also
steeped in history. The Bible mentions the early Apostles who travelled to
Cyprus and formed early Christian churches in the region during the days of
Roman Empire.
As a member of the European Union and Commonwealth, Cyprus
is strategically placed to take advantage of economic growth in a growing
region straddling Europe and the Middle East.
Cyprus has recently been ranked the 5th best relocation
destination in the world by an international lifestyle review (source: 2014
report prepared by Knight Frank, a leading independent, global real estate
consultancy firm). Ranked by key business and leisure indicators, Cyprus was
the only European country alongside Switzerland to make it into the top five –
ahead of London, Madrid and Monaco. Cyprus ranked highly because of its
favourable tax regime for new residents, particularly high net worth
individuals. And with at least 320 days of sunshine a year, and classified as
the sunniest European location, you can enjoy an incredible lifestyle on this
beautiful island in the sun.
Europe has established itself as the most sought-after
region in terms of high net worth immigration, accounting for over half of the
total number of global citizenship applications, with the Caribbean in second
place, followed by North America in third. Recent studies conducted by global
immigration experts, ranked the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program among
the “top ten best in the world”.
The Cypriot immigration policy and legal framework now
enable Non-EU applicants to obtain Cypriot citizenship on an expedited basis –
fast. There are a number of reasons the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment
Program is now considered to be the most attractive in Europe, including:
·
Application process takes 6 months, with approval
granted within 2 to 3 months, being by far the fastest route to EU Citizenship.
·
There is no requirement to make a donation to
the local government, in contrast to many other citizenship programs worldwide.
·
Cyprus does not require applicants to live on
the island prior, during or after the application process, unlike all other EU
countries with citizenship programs that impose residency requirements.
·
Simple and straightforward application process
with no requirements to disclose source of wealth or funds,
·
No medical testing, no interview, and no
language requirements.
·
Approved by the EU (being one of only two CBI
programs in Europe with official EU approval).
·
English is widely spoken.
Since 2013, there have been over thousands of successful
applicants under the Cypriot programme, generating more than €3 billion in
investment.
How does the Cyprus Citizenship and Passport to EU Programmework?
A minimum investment of €2.0 million in property or real
estate is required, plus a donation of €75,000 to the Governments Research and
Development fund and €75,000 to the Land Development Organisation.
Cyprus uniquely offers a fast-track route to citizenship
within just 6 months of making the required investment. This guarantees a
Cypriot passport and citizenship of an EU country, giving the holder the right
of freedom of movement and work, travel, study and to live anywhere within the
EU, including countries such as Germany, France and Italy. The investment may be
reduced down to €500,000 after 5 years.
The obvious attraction for high net worth individuals is the
rapid citizenship for qualifying real estate investments.
How does the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme work?
Investors can secure permanent residency rights in Cyprus
through investment in new property or real estate in the country. The permanent
residency programme is one of the fastest and straight forward investor visa
programmes in Europe. It requires investment of only €300,000 into property to
gain the Cyprus residency permit.
The permanent residency visa is granted within two months of
the investment and covers the whole family including parents - of both the main
applicant and spouse - plus dependent children up to the age of 25. Residency
is valid for life and can be passed down to dependents and spouse.
The permanent residency programme offers rights of travel
throughout the European Union and requires a single visit to Cyprus by all
family members every two years.
Investments may be made by a company for which the main
applicant and spouse are beneficial owners. The investment can be in to a
maximum of two brand new properties provided they reach the €300,000 permanent
residency limit.
If you would like more information about the EU Golden Visa Cyprus Investment Programme, email charles@charleskelly.net
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Medical Health Tourism Uproar as NHS staff revolt against new UK government rules
NHS doctors and nurses object to checking patient’s
immigration status.
The government argues that the new procedures have brought in an extra £2 billion to the NHS.
Should the British NHS Treat Anyone Free of Charge Regardless
of their Residential Status?
What's your view?
Friday, May 10, 2019
Is Property Still a Good Investment
In light of tougher legislation on landlords, punitive taxes and falling house prices in london, Money Tips looks at whether property is still a good investment ?
First,
we had the George Osbourne 2015 finance act phsing out tax relief on buy-to-let
mortgages. Tax relief will be gone by next year as will many property owners
and landlords as they start to pay more tax and even struggle to show a return
on their investment. This is a travesty and goes against all principles of
business lending.
we had the George Osbourne 2015 finance act phsing out tax relief on buy-to-let
mortgages. Tax relief will be gone by next year as will many property owners
and landlords as they start to pay more tax and even struggle to show a return
on their investment. This is a travesty and goes against all principles of
business lending.
The
then Chancellor George Osbourne also removed wear and tear allowance, which
will cost small landlords dearly.
then Chancellor George Osbourne also removed wear and tear allowance, which
will cost small landlords dearly.
If
that wasn’t enough, the government are now proposing new rules to do away with
Section 21 notices, which enables landlords to legally regain possession of their
property without having to give a reason or find fault.
that wasn’t enough, the government are now proposing new rules to do away with
Section 21 notices, which enables landlords to legally regain possession of their
property without having to give a reason or find fault.
Many
property owners have already sold up or reduced the size of their portfolio in
order to cut borrowing. Property prices in many parts of the country have
dropped for a number of reasons, including of course Brexit.
property owners have already sold up or reduced the size of their portfolio in
order to cut borrowing. Property prices in many parts of the country have
dropped for a number of reasons, including of course Brexit.
Some
see this as an opportunity to buy more property as so-called amateur landlords
run for the hills.
see this as an opportunity to buy more property as so-called amateur landlords
run for the hills.
Others
worry that long term open-ended tenancies may be the beginning of the end for
the buy to let business as we know it. The banks will certainly be concerned
about gaining possession of their security in the event of a default on the
mortgage.
worry that long term open-ended tenancies may be the beginning of the end for
the buy to let business as we know it. The banks will certainly be concerned
about gaining possession of their security in the event of a default on the
mortgage.
The
BBC and media have been all over the story citing cases of victims of
unscrupulous landlords who apparently evicted them at short notice because they
made a complaint about a repair job.
BBC and media have been all over the story citing cases of victims of
unscrupulous landlords who apparently evicted them at short notice because they
made a complaint about a repair job.
We
usually only hear one side of these stories, which surprise me for two reasons.
usually only hear one side of these stories, which surprise me for two reasons.
One,
most landlords would want to maintain the property in good order and any that do
not are shooting themselves in the foot and giving the vast majority of good
landlords a bad name.
most landlords would want to maintain the property in good order and any that do
not are shooting themselves in the foot and giving the vast majority of good
landlords a bad name.
Secondly,
no landlord wants to evict a good tenant who is paying rent knowing that they will
have a void and then have to pay an agent to get another tenant.
no landlord wants to evict a good tenant who is paying rent knowing that they will
have a void and then have to pay an agent to get another tenant.
So
what do I think of this?
what do I think of this?
Housing
Crisis
Crisis
These
measures will not solve the housing crisis. If anything, it will make it worse
as more landlords pull out of the market to avoid open-ended long-term
tenancies. If this happens, rents will go up based on the simple economic laws
of supply and demand.
measures will not solve the housing crisis. If anything, it will make it worse
as more landlords pull out of the market to avoid open-ended long-term
tenancies. If this happens, rents will go up based on the simple economic laws
of supply and demand.
Long
Term Secured Tenancies
Term Secured Tenancies
Private
landlords were never meant to fill the gap in the market for long-term
tenancies. Buy-to-let mortgages do not allow such tenancy agreements under the
terms of a typical mortgage. Secured tenancies were traditionally was provided
by council housing, which have not been built in any great quantity in the
London area since the 1970s. Despite government encouragement and cheap
borrowing, councils are often reluctant to build more council houses as they
fear that they will lose them further down the road and the right to buy
scheme. Many have even sold of housing stock to huge housing associations.
landlords were never meant to fill the gap in the market for long-term
tenancies. Buy-to-let mortgages do not allow such tenancy agreements under the
terms of a typical mortgage. Secured tenancies were traditionally was provided
by council housing, which have not been built in any great quantity in the
London area since the 1970s. Despite government encouragement and cheap
borrowing, councils are often reluctant to build more council houses as they
fear that they will lose them further down the road and the right to buy
scheme. Many have even sold of housing stock to huge housing associations.
The
government and local authorities must build affordable rental social housing as
a matter of urgency. The current scheme of asking developers to give a percentage
of the development over to affordable housing is just not working or providing
enough stock. Frankly, in the south-east affordable housing is just not
affordable. I have seen developers who cannot offload affordable housing even
on shared ownership schemes.
government and local authorities must build affordable rental social housing as
a matter of urgency. The current scheme of asking developers to give a percentage
of the development over to affordable housing is just not working or providing
enough stock. Frankly, in the south-east affordable housing is just not
affordable. I have seen developers who cannot offload affordable housing even
on shared ownership schemes.
Has
Right-to-Buy Passed its Sell-by Date?
Right-to-Buy Passed its Sell-by Date?
The
government also needs to restrict right to buy in order to keep housing stock
within the social rented sector and remove the excuse local authorities use to
sit on their hands whilst spending millions housing people in expensive
temporary accommodation.
government also needs to restrict right to buy in order to keep housing stock
within the social rented sector and remove the excuse local authorities use to
sit on their hands whilst spending millions housing people in expensive
temporary accommodation.
The
right-to-buy was a revolutionary flagship policy under Margaret Thatcher‘s
Conservative government in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. It did a lot to help social
mobility and allow people get on the property ladder. The problem is that the
money from the sale of the council houses was not reinvested into building new
stock.
right-to-buy was a revolutionary flagship policy under Margaret Thatcher‘s
Conservative government in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. It did a lot to help social
mobility and allow people get on the property ladder. The problem is that the
money from the sale of the council houses was not reinvested into building new
stock.
Underlying
Shortage of Housing in the UK
Shortage of Housing in the UK
There
is still a massive shortage of housing in England, as the population has risen
sharply in recent years due to immigration and people living longer. Divorce
also increased the need for smaller rental units such as studios in one-bedroom
apartments. Net migration, the difference between people coming into the
country and people leaving the country, has been running at around half a
million people each year for years. A small city the size of Bristol would have
to be built every year to just to cope with the number of new arrivals alone,
according to organisations like Migration Watch. As this is unlikely to happen
- as far as I know there is no plans to build another Milton Keynes or Basildon
- there will be a strong demand for property for the foreseeable future.
is still a massive shortage of housing in England, as the population has risen
sharply in recent years due to immigration and people living longer. Divorce
also increased the need for smaller rental units such as studios in one-bedroom
apartments. Net migration, the difference between people coming into the
country and people leaving the country, has been running at around half a
million people each year for years. A small city the size of Bristol would have
to be built every year to just to cope with the number of new arrivals alone,
according to organisations like Migration Watch. As this is unlikely to happen
- as far as I know there is no plans to build another Milton Keynes or Basildon
- there will be a strong demand for property for the foreseeable future.
Even
if there are fluctuations in the market, the fundamentals and underlying demand
will still remain. The U.K.’s population is set to hit 60 million within the
next decade and they all will need somewhere to live.
if there are fluctuations in the market, the fundamentals and underlying demand
will still remain. The U.K.’s population is set to hit 60 million within the
next decade and they all will need somewhere to live.
As
for this latest announcement, we don’t know exactly how the new rules will play
out or when they will be implemented. We do know that the government do not
want to go back to the bad old days of protected tenancies where a landlord
could never regain possession of their property or increase the controlled rent.
Until a few years ago, there were thousands of these properties with sitting
tenants dating back to the 60’s and 70’s. Owners would sell off the properties
at huge discounts at auction. Tenants were offered thousands of pounds in
bribes to vacate. A good friend of mine used to buy these properties in London
and then negotiate with the tenant to leave with a nice cash sum! They made a
fortune. If we return to this situation, the supply of private rented
accommodation will dry up.
for this latest announcement, we don’t know exactly how the new rules will play
out or when they will be implemented. We do know that the government do not
want to go back to the bad old days of protected tenancies where a landlord
could never regain possession of their property or increase the controlled rent.
Until a few years ago, there were thousands of these properties with sitting
tenants dating back to the 60’s and 70’s. Owners would sell off the properties
at huge discounts at auction. Tenants were offered thousands of pounds in
bribes to vacate. A good friend of mine used to buy these properties in London
and then negotiate with the tenant to leave with a nice cash sum! They made a
fortune. If we return to this situation, the supply of private rented
accommodation will dry up.
Like
it or not, the government needs private landlords as there is simply not enough
social housing provided by councils and housing associations. Some corporate
landlords are coming into the market but they are catering for the luxury end,
such as in the city centre studios and co-living for young professionals.
it or not, the government needs private landlords as there is simply not enough
social housing provided by councils and housing associations. Some corporate
landlords are coming into the market but they are catering for the luxury end,
such as in the city centre studios and co-living for young professionals.
So
for all of the above reasons, I think there will be a demand for private rented
accommodation even with anti-landlord legislation. Landlords are small business
people and small business people are resilient to legislation changes and
government red tape such as licensing (another issue for the sector to cope
with). They will survive and adapt. Like Darwin said, it’s not the strongest
species that survive, but the most adaptable.
for all of the above reasons, I think there will be a demand for private rented
accommodation even with anti-landlord legislation. Landlords are small business
people and small business people are resilient to legislation changes and
government red tape such as licensing (another issue for the sector to cope
with). They will survive and adapt. Like Darwin said, it’s not the strongest
species that survive, but the most adaptable.
Property
is a long-term investment and there will always be challenges.
is a long-term investment and there will always be challenges.
Landlords
and investors need to keep abreast of new legislation by attending courses and
seminars run by reputable organisations.
and investors need to keep abreast of new legislation by attending courses and
seminars run by reputable organisations.
The
National landlords Association is a good source of information and it lobbies the
government on behalf of landlords.
National landlords Association is a good source of information and it lobbies the
government on behalf of landlords.
Property
still a good investment because you can use leverage or bank and other people’s
money to acquire properties.
still a good investment because you can use leverage or bank and other people’s
money to acquire properties.
If
you currently own property, I would not jump ship just yet. If you are planning
to invest, I would proceed with caution and always educate yourself before
dipping your toe in the market.
you currently own property, I would not jump ship just yet. If you are planning
to invest, I would proceed with caution and always educate yourself before
dipping your toe in the market.
If
you like further details a property courses, such as a one-day introduction to
property investing, drop me a line.
you like further details a property courses, such as a one-day introduction to
property investing, drop me a line.
I
have a limited number of complimentary tickets to attend an excellent course run
by experts, which will give you a clear overview into the market.
have a limited number of complimentary tickets to attend an excellent course run
by experts, which will give you a clear overview into the market.
My
new book, Yes, money can buy happiness,
is due out on the 4th of May. Watch out for a special offer for all my podcast
subscribers!
new book, Yes, money can buy happiness,
is due out on the 4th of May. Watch out for a special offer for all my podcast
subscribers!
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Immigration Matters: Can you really "Think and Grow Rich" as Napoleon H...
Immigration Matters: Can you really "Think and Grow Rich" as Napoleon H...: Think and grow rich, really? One of the all-time great self-help books has to be Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I still ha...
Can you really "Think and Grow Rich" as Napoleon Hill claims in his famous book?
Think and grow rich, really?
One of the all-time great self-help books has to be Think
and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I still have my battered old copy of the book,
which I bought in the Philippines in the 1980’s.
and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I still have my battered old copy of the book,
which I bought in the Philippines in the 1980’s.
Written in the 1930s by Hill while working in the White
House for President Roosevelt during the dark American depression years, it
still inspires people 90 years on.
House for President Roosevelt during the dark American depression years, it
still inspires people 90 years on.
This book is the daddy of all self-improvement books selling
well over 10 million copies and still selling. It claims to have made thousands
of people millionaires and I know people have turned their lives around after
reading this book and taking action.
well over 10 million copies and still selling. It claims to have made thousands
of people millionaires and I know people have turned their lives around after
reading this book and taking action.
My treasured battered old copy of Think and Grow Rich
One of Hill’s mentors, Andrew Carnegie, started him on a 20
year quest to study and write about what makes people successful and gave him
his secret, which Hill cleverly sprinkles throughout the book without
specifically revealing it.
year quest to study and write about what makes people successful and gave him
his secret, which Hill cleverly sprinkles throughout the book without
specifically revealing it.
Carnegie, then the richest man in the world worth over 400
million and still one of the all-time wealthiest men when his wealth is
adjusted for inflation, introduced Hill to the likes of Henry Ford and Harvey
Firestone. He went on to give most of his fortune away setting up thousands of
Carnegie libraries in America and Britain. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are
following in Carnegie’s footsteps.
million and still one of the all-time wealthiest men when his wealth is
adjusted for inflation, introduced Hill to the likes of Henry Ford and Harvey
Firestone. He went on to give most of his fortune away setting up thousands of
Carnegie libraries in America and Britain. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are
following in Carnegie’s footsteps.
The brilliant title, “think and grow rich”, is actually a
little deceiving because it suggests that you can merely “think” and grow rich.
little deceiving because it suggests that you can merely “think” and grow rich.
I remember reading:
First you have to decide on exactly how much money you want.
Secondly, you must decide what you will give in return for
the money, as there is no such thing as something for nothing.
the money, as there is no such thing as something for nothing.
There’s always a catch!
However, if you read the book, you’ll discover that it’s
packed with practical ideas and advice to help you accumulate wealth and riches
– whatever that means to you.
packed with practical ideas and advice to help you accumulate wealth and riches
– whatever that means to you.
The author never suggested that you could just sit there meditating
and think and grow rich. Ohm, the money will come!
and think and grow rich. Ohm, the money will come!
Hill specifically refers to many steps including, organised
planning, specialise knowledge, taking decisions, masterminds, goal setting and
taking action to start a small business or getting a better job.
planning, specialise knowledge, taking decisions, masterminds, goal setting and
taking action to start a small business or getting a better job.
Interestingly, some of the small business idea are not
dissimilar to the sort of things you would do as a start-up entrepreneurial
today.
dissimilar to the sort of things you would do as a start-up entrepreneurial
today.
Napoleon Hill writes about how to start in a service
business, which is ideal for somebody with little or no capital. That’s still
true today. He even offers bookkeeping as an example of a good service to start
with. Even today, most businesses need a good bookkeeper just as much as they
need an accountant. When I was in business, we always struggled to find a good
bookkeeper and had to pay well to find a good one.
business, which is ideal for somebody with little or no capital. That’s still
true today. He even offers bookkeeping as an example of a good service to start
with. Even today, most businesses need a good bookkeeper just as much as they
need an accountant. When I was in business, we always struggled to find a good
bookkeeper and had to pay well to find a good one.
Other useful tips he gives are getting help writing a better
CV so that you can get a higher paid job and gaining specialist knowledge as
opposed to the general knowledge taught in schools.
CV so that you can get a higher paid job and gaining specialist knowledge as
opposed to the general knowledge taught in schools.
He also talked about people bringing business ideas to
venture capitalist and becoming overnight millionaires.
venture capitalist and becoming overnight millionaires.
Some of the chapters were a little weird, but overall the
advice is still relevant even by today’s standards.
advice is still relevant even by today’s standards.
Hill cleverly mentions the one ‘big secret’ placed
throughout the book, but doesn’t tell what it is! You have to read the book to
find it.
throughout the book, but doesn’t tell what it is! You have to read the book to
find it.
Nowadays, it is far easier to get started in business with
the advent of the digital age. Fortunes have been made faster than ever before.
We have so many tools at our disposal that you can get on business within a day
with no premises, leases or staff.
the advent of the digital age. Fortunes have been made faster than ever before.
We have so many tools at our disposal that you can get on business within a day
with no premises, leases or staff.
More training and specialist knowledge – from courses on
getting started in property or setting up an Amazon store - is available than
ever before. You don’t need years or even months to learn new skills.
getting started in property or setting up an Amazon store - is available than
ever before. You don’t need years or even months to learn new skills.
If you would like to learn how to increase your earning
power and expand your wealth, drop me an email to charles@charleskelly.net
power and expand your wealth, drop me an email to charles@charleskelly.net
Check out my Money Tips podcast: on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/money-tips-podcast/id1442532994?mt=2
Friday, January 18, 2019
7 Tips to be more creative 17 Jan 2019
7 Tips
To Become More Creative And See Opportunities
To Become More Creative And See Opportunities
Have
you ever been in a country and had trouble finding a taxi? This happened to me
many times in America, where I was stuck for hours miles from my hotel., And in
the Philippines where it was not only hard to find a cab but when you found one
they always tried to rip you off.
you ever been in a country and had trouble finding a taxi? This happened to me
many times in America, where I was stuck for hours miles from my hotel., And in
the Philippines where it was not only hard to find a cab but when you found one
they always tried to rip you off.
I
had a story recently that the founders of Uber was in a similar situation while
attending a conference in Paris a few years ago but decided to do something
about it. They of course went on to found a company which now provides millions
of people with a good transparent service, which we can use from our phone and
pay for without cash.
had a story recently that the founders of Uber was in a similar situation while
attending a conference in Paris a few years ago but decided to do something
about it. They of course went on to found a company which now provides millions
of people with a good transparent service, which we can use from our phone and
pay for without cash.
According to Investopedia.com, Uber’s story began in Paris
in 2008. Two friends, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, were attending the
LeWeb, an annual tech conference the Economist describes as “where
revolutionaries gather to plot the future".
in 2008. Two friends, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, were attending the
LeWeb, an annual tech conference the Economist describes as “where
revolutionaries gather to plot the future".
In 2007, both men had sold start-ups they co-founded for
large sums. Kalanick sold Red Swoosh to Akamai Technologies for $19 million
while Camp sold StumbleUpon to eBay for $75 million.
large sums. Kalanick sold Red Swoosh to Akamai Technologies for $19 million
while Camp sold StumbleUpon to eBay for $75 million.
Rumor has it that the concept for Uber was born
one winter night during the conference when the pair was unable to get a cab.
Initially, the idea was for a timeshare limo service that could be ordered via
an app. After the conference, the entrepreneurs went their separate ways, but
when Camp returned to San Francisco, he continued to be fixated on the idea and
bought the domain name UberCab.com.
one winter night during the conference when the pair was unable to get a cab.
Initially, the idea was for a timeshare limo service that could be ordered via
an app. After the conference, the entrepreneurs went their separate ways, but
when Camp returned to San Francisco, he continued to be fixated on the idea and
bought the domain name UberCab.com.
In 2009, Camp was still CEO of StumbleUpon, but he
began working on a prototype for UberCab as a side project. By summer of that
year, Camp had persuaded Kalanick to join as UberCab’s ‘Chief Incubator’. The
service was tested in New York in early 2010 using only three cars, and the
official launch took place in San Francisco in May.
began working on a prototype for UberCab as a side project. By summer of that
year, Camp had persuaded Kalanick to join as UberCab’s ‘Chief Incubator’. The
service was tested in New York in early 2010 using only three cars, and the
official launch took place in San Francisco in May.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Uber’s disruptive technology, explosive growth, and constant
controversy make it one of the most fascinating companies to emerge over
the past decade. The almost ten-year-old company soon grew to become the
highest valued private startup company in the world. But with its rapid
growth came many controversies that knocked down its valuation from a lofty $70
billion to $48 billion in its last funding round in Jan. 2018. On May 23, 2018,
the company announced a new tender offer that would bump the company's
value to $62 billion. Source: Investopedia.com
controversy make it one of the most fascinating companies to emerge over
the past decade. The almost ten-year-old company soon grew to become the
highest valued private startup company in the world. But with its rapid
growth came many controversies that knocked down its valuation from a lofty $70
billion to $48 billion in its last funding round in Jan. 2018. On May 23, 2018,
the company announced a new tender offer that would bump the company's
value to $62 billion. Source: Investopedia.com
On
my recent holiday I was able to use Uber and similar apps. The cars are clean,
the vast majority of the drivers are polite and I no longer get ripped off when
arriving at an airport.
my recent holiday I was able to use Uber and similar apps. The cars are clean,
the vast majority of the drivers are polite and I no longer get ripped off when
arriving at an airport.
Do
you ever find yourself complaining about a service or situation?
you ever find yourself complaining about a service or situation?
Dr Joe
vitality said that whenever you see a lot of people complaining about something
there is always an opportunity there.
vitality said that whenever you see a lot of people complaining about something
there is always an opportunity there.
I
used to complain about not been able to find a taxi or getting ripped off, but
I never saw the opportunity to do anything about it.
used to complain about not been able to find a taxi or getting ripped off, but
I never saw the opportunity to do anything about it.
You
may have seen the recent movie, The Greatest Showman, which was about BT
Barnum. Barnum was not only a great showman, but it was someone that sort
opportunities where other people only saw problems. In other words, he was a
visionary.
may have seen the recent movie, The Greatest Showman, which was about BT
Barnum. Barnum was not only a great showman, but it was someone that sort
opportunities where other people only saw problems. In other words, he was a
visionary.
Thousands
of products and businesses have been started by people who wanted to solve a
problem. I’m sure you have had ideas for products or services, but perhaps you
were not able to follow them through. Sometimes our mind or that voice in our
head tells us things like:
of products and businesses have been started by people who wanted to solve a
problem. I’m sure you have had ideas for products or services, but perhaps you
were not able to follow them through. Sometimes our mind or that voice in our
head tells us things like:
“That
will never work”
will never work”
“
someone else is probably doing it already”
someone else is probably doing it already”
Or,
“ it’s too difficult and you can’t do that”
“ it’s too difficult and you can’t do that”
Before
you know it, you’ve talked yourself out of it and a few years later you find
that someone else has “stolen” your idea!
you know it, you’ve talked yourself out of it and a few years later you find
that someone else has “stolen” your idea!
By
opening your mind to the opportunities around you, you too can become a
visionary. You don’t have to form an Uber or a Google or Facebook. Remember
that all of these companies were formed to solve a problem. In the case of
Facebook the founders wanted to meet girls on campus. Do you remember what it
was like using search engines before Google?
opening your mind to the opportunities around you, you too can become a
visionary. You don’t have to form an Uber or a Google or Facebook. Remember
that all of these companies were formed to solve a problem. In the case of
Facebook the founders wanted to meet girls on campus. Do you remember what it
was like using search engines before Google?
7 techniques
to help you become more creative and see opportunities:
to help you become more creative and see opportunities:
1.
Open
your mind and realise that problems are opportunities. There’s an old saying
that where there’s muck there’s brass meaning that where there’s dirt or messy
problems, there is money and opportunity.
Open
your mind and realise that problems are opportunities. There’s an old saying
that where there’s muck there’s brass meaning that where there’s dirt or messy
problems, there is money and opportunity.
2.
Clear
the clutter and noise from your mind. Sometimes we literally can’t see the wood
from the trees because our minds are cluttered with so many things that we
can’t see things that are right in front of us.
Clear
the clutter and noise from your mind. Sometimes we literally can’t see the wood
from the trees because our minds are cluttered with so many things that we
can’t see things that are right in front of us.
Techniques to clear your mind include meditation and just
being quiet with yourself. Meditation doesn’t need to be complex, but you will
improve with practice.
being quiet with yourself. Meditation doesn’t need to be complex, but you will
improve with practice.
Dry just sitting and breathing into your belly for a few
minutes. Just take deep breath right down into your belly and watch your
stomach move up and down
minutes. Just take deep breath right down into your belly and watch your
stomach move up and down
just concentrate on the breathing and let other thoughts
come and go. See if you can do that for two minutes. Then extend it for longer.
You don’t have to think of anything or listen to meditation musical tapes.
come and go. See if you can do that for two minutes. Then extend it for longer.
You don’t have to think of anything or listen to meditation musical tapes.
3.
Sit
still for 30 minutes.
Sit
still for 30 minutes.
I learned this from the great Brian Tracy. His technique
involves going into a quiet room and sitting for 30 minutes with no music no
phones, no coffee or food just you in a chair in a quiet room. You don’t need
to think of anything but you need to be quiet and just alone with yourself.
involves going into a quiet room and sitting for 30 minutes with no music no
phones, no coffee or food just you in a chair in a quiet room. You don’t need
to think of anything but you need to be quiet and just alone with yourself.
Nowadays we are hardly alone with ourselves for any length
of time because we have so many distractions, especially our smart phones which
are buzzing and pinging every minute. Try this technique and you’ll be amazed
at how many ideas just pop into your head when you least expect it. You will
also feel relaxed, refreshed and calmer.
of time because we have so many distractions, especially our smart phones which
are buzzing and pinging every minute. Try this technique and you’ll be amazed
at how many ideas just pop into your head when you least expect it. You will
also feel relaxed, refreshed and calmer.
4.
Go
for a walk.
Go
for a walk.
This
is especially effective if you can walk around nature in a field or a park.
Just walk and admire nature, the Sun or the sky. Health practitioner suggests
that we should walk for at least 30 minutes a day so you can combine the
techniques and kill two birds with one stone!
is especially effective if you can walk around nature in a field or a park.
Just walk and admire nature, the Sun or the sky. Health practitioner suggests
that we should walk for at least 30 minutes a day so you can combine the
techniques and kill two birds with one stone!
5.
Keep
a notebook or a journal and write down every idea you think about during the
day.
Keep
a notebook or a journal and write down every idea you think about during the
day.
You
might be surprised at how many ideas you’re already generating right now. When
doing your own “brainstorming”, remember that you’re not judging the idea at
this moment. Just write them down and return to them later. Serial
entrepreneurs like Richard Branson and Simon Woodroffe (who founded Yo! Sushi) carry
notebooks and journals with them and make notes all the time. You can also make
notes on your phone or laptop, but there’s something about physically writing
an idea down that activates your brain. The late Jim Rohn used to be big on
giving journals. He kept journals all of his life. I remember him saying to me,
don’t trust your memory.
might be surprised at how many ideas you’re already generating right now. When
doing your own “brainstorming”, remember that you’re not judging the idea at
this moment. Just write them down and return to them later. Serial
entrepreneurs like Richard Branson and Simon Woodroffe (who founded Yo! Sushi) carry
notebooks and journals with them and make notes all the time. You can also make
notes on your phone or laptop, but there’s something about physically writing
an idea down that activates your brain. The late Jim Rohn used to be big on
giving journals. He kept journals all of his life. I remember him saying to me,
don’t trust your memory.
6.
Act
on your ideas immediately.
Act
on your ideas immediately.
It
has long been known that acting on an idea immediately gives it far more chance
of going from gestation to birth. Acting on your idea could mean something as
simple as writing it down or putting in your diary to follow up later. Nowadays
we can research things immediately on Google, so we have no excuse!
has long been known that acting on an idea immediately gives it far more chance
of going from gestation to birth. Acting on your idea could mean something as
simple as writing it down or putting in your diary to follow up later. Nowadays
we can research things immediately on Google, so we have no excuse!
7.
Finally,
never underestimate the power of your own mind.
Finally,
never underestimate the power of your own mind.
You
don’t have to be a genius to be wealthy or successful you just have to be
focused.
don’t have to be a genius to be wealthy or successful you just have to be
focused.
I remember working in commission only salesforce in the
1980s where the top salesman, a guy called Doug, was earning 20 times the
income of the bottom 20% - around £100,000 per annum, which was a lot of money
back then. He didn’t seem to work any harder than anybody else. Doug was in his
50’s and put in a full day but never really looked stressed. However, he did
not hang around at the coffee machine gossiping or chatting about the recession
we were going through – he decided not to join it! He did have a PA, which
separated him from the rest, but other than that he was a fairly ordinary guy.
He came out on an appointment with me once and I thought I was going to say
this really super salesman. Surprisingly, he was quiet, unassuming, normal and
did more listening than talking.
1980s where the top salesman, a guy called Doug, was earning 20 times the
income of the bottom 20% - around £100,000 per annum, which was a lot of money
back then. He didn’t seem to work any harder than anybody else. Doug was in his
50’s and put in a full day but never really looked stressed. However, he did
not hang around at the coffee machine gossiping or chatting about the recession
we were going through – he decided not to join it! He did have a PA, which
separated him from the rest, but other than that he was a fairly ordinary guy.
He came out on an appointment with me once and I thought I was going to say
this really super salesman. Surprisingly, he was quiet, unassuming, normal and
did more listening than talking.
The manager of our branch got him to give a talk on how he
was so successful and earned so much commission when others were struggling.
was so successful and earned so much commission when others were struggling.
When I heard he was given a talk I was really excited and
thought I was really going to get some big secret and new ideas. When he gave
the talk, I was a little disappointed as he didn’t really say very much that I
didn’t already know.
thought I was really going to get some big secret and new ideas. When he gave
the talk, I was a little disappointed as he didn’t really say very much that I
didn’t already know.
However, there are two things that stuck out in my mind from
his talk all those years ago. Firstly, he was a relentless prospector and
marketer and was always sending out letters or making calls.
his talk all those years ago. Firstly, he was a relentless prospector and
marketer and was always sending out letters or making calls.
Secondly, when asked by my audience member what his secret
to success was, he just pointed his finger to his head and said, “it’s all up
there, in your mind”.
to success was, he just pointed his finger to his head and said, “it’s all up
there, in your mind”.
You only need one good idea, followed through with action
and persistence to turn your fortunes around. There are thousands of stories of
men and women of all ages from 10 year old YouTube millionaire kids to Colonel
Sanders, who started KFC when he was 65 years old and unable to live on his
pension – he approached thousands of companies before his idea took off.
and persistence to turn your fortunes around. There are thousands of stories of
men and women of all ages from 10 year old YouTube millionaire kids to Colonel
Sanders, who started KFC when he was 65 years old and unable to live on his
pension – he approached thousands of companies before his idea took off.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/money-tips-podcast/id1442532994?mt=2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)