That is completely false. I have no "family connections" and have operated succesful entreprenuerial ventures. Where did you read this, i am curious. thanks, surf
It is a phenomenal time to be an entrepreneur, for all the reasons Altucher suggests. The internet is a GOLD MINE for creative people who can figure out how to market things. A family member of mine who is an artist might in any other era have struggled, yet with the power of the internet and the inherent phenomenal operational leverage, this person is making a small fortune (and very likely a large one within 5 years). That is the power of entrepreneurship today. IF you have an idea, you can reach a market and build an audience at very little cost. Totally Amazing. Everyone else, without this innate ability and without a government paycheck, is seeing their way of life arbed with the entire world, and it will only get worse. It is an era that will eventually be broken, in one way or another.
Here's what's over: the American religion: - go to college and that increases chances of having a nice life - buy a home and be happy - have a corporate job and be safe and comfortable while you rise thru the ranks and retire with a nice pension All of that is over. But the American dream is returning to its roots: - find the frontier of whatever your passion is - expand that frontier out with a new product or service - earn a piece of the $15 trillion pie that is our economy Forget the religion, but I believe in America -James Altucher
Facts are there is more money, more opportunity and its easier to make it today than ever before in history: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not so sure about this Surfer. I would have agreed pre 2007/2008. However, we are undergoing a huge Generational deleveraging of massive debt on both the Wealthy and the Middle Class. The "more money" is cheap money slashing around the system from the printing press that "Public Corporations and Banks are sitting on". From my experience in the Private Equity Game, the last 6 or so years raising hundreds of millions of dollars, since 2008, the penny pinch is on and the risk apatites of those individuals in the range of 5- 100 million are not so great. Sure, you great grand dad slaved hard man hours, using brawn and brute far more than we do today. However, it isn't easier to make money today, in fact I would say the opposite. Why do you think A: Gov and State are the main employers in this country now? B: why do you think the millions flock to IBM, SOFTY, BAC, JPM, HON, AA, and all the other blue chip and large cap companies for jobs? The American Dream is alive for those who work, harder than the past generation in Mind power, will power and who do not work in the "Yards" of the masses, IE: typical Service Industry Corporate Jobbers. So, I would agree with you that "Technology has allowed a more efficient way of doing business but Hard work and long hours are just the name of the game if you really want to work your way to the first few million and beyond. I have learned, there is no short cut and if it looks like a short cut, avoid such at all cost because you will loose.
When the "American Dream" is to be a renter instead of a home owner, you know that something has gone terribly wrong.
due to family/friendship connections and that the only entrepreneurial .... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, I doubt Surfer was handed a Chicken who lay's golden eggs. I know surfer from Victor Neder's "Private Group" as well as through my first mentor Mr. Frozen aka Rearden Metal. In fact I believe they hung out in NYC a few years back when Vic had is "Speculators" get together. I was out Surfing some coast during that Time I believe, so I did not attend. Second, there is nothing wrong with connection through Family and Friends. I have made a lot of friends, who in turn have become clients and vice versa. In fact, all my clients send me referrals all day long. If it was not for the one or two Clients who turned into friends, I would not have the access to the "List" of Wealthy that I do. This isn't some fairy tale world where you think you can be a "Sole" person behind your success. There is a 'Web' that one spins that collects friendships, business partners, clients, etc. Within the circle of influence you gain power and wealth. Very few people acquire power and wealth on a Solo basis. Don't fool yourself, there is always someone with more wealth and power that can squash you like a little bitch if and when he/she deems it necessary. Thus, building a "knights"of the round table with good people, friends, clients, etc is the smartest thing one can do while trying to build net worth. This is far different than being a "Trust Fund Kid" doing nothing but sending or some idiot who's family can afford to allow you to become a CEO or money to piss away, yet your to fucking stupid to build upon that wealth given. Or some daytrader who was given 50 grand to go make 50 million.
bearice's pertinent question, which started this thread, is asked by nearly all immigrants and by many americans.. tsing tao you obviously have personal issues which forces you to attack people on a personal basis. have you looked up the definition of spam?
This is a very good point. Even the "trust fund" people everyone loves to hate who have success beyond what was given to them (by building on it) keep building new networks. All should wish enough success to be able to better enable friends and family to succeed. Rich people have networks, poor people are isolated and/or hang out with people who want to stay small.
I think USA has lost 42,000 Factories since year 2001. http://www.domesticpreparedness.com...urity:_Does_the_Industrial_Base_Still_Matter/