The Surest Way to Wealth
April 18th, 2007 by Bob Bly
Which of the following is most likely to make you rich?
1. What you know.
2. Who you know.
3. How hard you work.
In Russia, they believe it’s #2.
A recent poll showed that 45% of Russians think “having influential connections” is the key to becoming wealthy.
Only 32% picked “hard work.”
How would you have voted? And why?
P.S. Among Russians over 60, “stealing” was the top-rated path to wealth.
Source: The Week, 4/27/07, p. 9.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 18th, 2007 at 6:24 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
April 18th, 2007 at 6:58 am
I agree with Russia. You can know a lot and work hard — but who you know gets you there much faster.
April 18th, 2007 at 7:17 am
Knowledge and work ethic are endearing attributes… but they’ll never make you rich. Not until you find a venue where you can capitalize on them – through connections and who you know – will you ever reap the rewards.
April 18th, 2007 at 8:58 am
I’m not sure I agree with Kelly and Timothy. In the early years of my copywriting/consulting career I learned lots and worked damned hard. I didn’t know anybody. Yet, I was successful. It’s only recently that I’ve gotten to know some influencial people.
I think you need all three. But if I had to choose only two, it would be working smart (#3 & #1)
April 18th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I vote for #1 – what you know. It’s not enough, but without it, who you know doesn’t make any difference, you have nothing to offer.
And working harder isn’t the secret to wealth. I don’t believe wealthy people work any harder than many who toil in cubicals day after day.
I believe working smarter is a closer secret to wealth. Which is related to what you know.
April 18th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Hi Bob,
I think all the three play a role and they have their place in the hierarchy.
Let’s take me as an example. A hypothetical one, I may add.
I am a copywriter. In training. I work hard at my skill.
Now that you know me, you refer me to your clients because you are kinda busy. Or you like to help me. 😉
Because I work hard, I deliver profit pulling copy. Your client is impressed and you are happy that you made the right decision.
So my take is hard work on what you know coupled with who you know is the surest way to wealth.
Sincerely,
Edward Santosh
PS: I’d love this hypothetical experience turn into reality, I may add. 🙂
April 19th, 2007 at 11:52 am
I think it’s definitely What You Know, with Who You Know in a close second.
We all know lots of people who work way hard and are flat broke and people who work part time who are millionaires. It’s all about working in the right areas.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:18 am
>1. What you know.
>2. Who you know.
>3. How hard you work.
The truth is there is not just one ingredient that is the “secret” to making you rich. Knowledge is required, how hard you work is a significant factor, contacts help considerably.
Funnily enough I ended up making a lot of money in an area that I knew absolutely nothing about when I started!
If I had to pick one factor that seperates potential millionaires from Joe Average I would say “know thyself”.
April 21st, 2007 at 9:52 pm
I think it’s ultimately who knows what you know. That’s powerful.
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:29 am
Brett: do you mean: who knows that YOU know what you know?
May 17th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Well, I’m Russian and I agree about things here. Fortunately, things are tend to change. I myself believe in #1.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:51 pm
A slight variation on Brett’s idea…
I think of it this way. It’s not “who you know”, it’s WHO KNOWS YOU. Interestingly enough, if you don’t know anything and don’t work, you may not be worth remembering.
December 21st, 2013 at 4:29 pm
With havin accordingly a large amount in black and white subject matter do you ever scurry into some issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of inimitable content I’ve either bent myself otherwise outsourced except it looks comparable a lot of it is popping it up every over the web with no my authorization. Achieve you know one solutions to avoid keep beside gratify commencing being ripped off? I’d certainly be thankful for it.
December 7th, 2020 at 3:45 am
Hello, I am Irving Allen, Manager of Bisca A/S. We are providing you the Frozen Chicken Parts suppliers to make better relationship with your clients.
December 22nd, 2020 at 3:35 am
If You’re looking For Facebook For PC Then You Are At Right Place Because In This Article I Have Written About How To Download Facebook For Pc.
May 5th, 2021 at 6:40 am
Why they think like that
June 12th, 2021 at 1:10 am
puppies for sale,pug puppies for sale in oregon,pug puppies for sale in az,pug puppies for sale in va,pug puppies near mepugs for sale,pug puppies for sale,pugs for sale near me,cheap pugs for sale,pug puppies for sale near me teacup pug [ We breed with exception. We are engaged in the breeding of Pug puppy for sale, which is the most desired bulky puppy. During many years of work we could breed Pug puppies, with the most unique and exceptional colors you will dream of having. At the moment our cattery isour Pug puppies completely at ease with other pets.pugs for sale,pugs for sale near me,cheap pugs for sale,pug puppies for sale,pug puppies for sale near me.
https://pugslandbreeder.company.com
August 26th, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Best Merchant Cash Advance Leads are exclusive Leads addressed to you Merchant Cash Advance Leads is the Qualified MCA Leads Data provider as a firm in the entire globe.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:15 am
Borjan is providing best quality shoes which are very cost-effective. Shop from borjan for comfy footwear.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:19 am
Borjan is providing best quality shoes which are very cost-effective.
July 15th, 2022 at 3:02 am
ECS offers best sunglasses and glasses frames for girls which make you look cool and prevent you from eyes itching and classic allergy from sunlight.
September 15th, 2022 at 4:46 am
Ndure is among some of the best shoes brands in Pakistan, bringing a great mix of affordability and quality.
November 2nd, 2022 at 12:51 am
Much obliged to you such a huge amount for offering such superb data and I am exceptionally glad to see this sort of article and it is extremely useful for all the individuals! Yellowstone jackets
January 24th, 2023 at 5:41 am
To win this prize, you need to share your honest feedback in M&S Feedback Survey conducted at Makeyourmands.co.uk.
Marks and Spencer Feedback Survey is an online questionnaire that asks you about your experience at Tell Marks and Spencer.www-Makeyourmands.co.uk.
February 21st, 2023 at 1:52 pm
Are you in search of a New Design Dress in Pakistan? Highway fashions offer a large variety of women’s dresses online in Pakistan. So, order your favorite dress today and enjoy.
February 21st, 2023 at 2:54 pm
If you are looking for the most appropriate hamilton marijuana store, then you are at a suitable place. Royalleafs is a premier cannabis store in Hamilton. You can find online plenty of Cannabis products such as Cannabis pre-rolls, raw and milled flowers, drinks, and accessories such as bongs and vapes of the highest quality at Royalleafs.
February 21st, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Get the best quality Fashion Jackets for Men online from Sarmun. Check the variety of men’s fashion jackets online at Sarmun. Order your favorite fashion jackets at great prices across America.
August 3rd, 2023 at 2:20 pm
Great ways to wealth. I am sure some genius written these steps.
August 22nd, 2023 at 6:21 am
I appreciate the detailed explanations and step-by-step instructions in this blog. It’s incredibly important to understand proper form and technique when embarking on a fitness journey. If you’re currently searching for the best gym near GK 1 area, there’s no need to worry because Fitness Xpress is the perfect solution. We’re thrilled to welcome you to our gym near GK. Our Fitness experts are dedicated to helping you reach your fitness goals. Prepare yourself for an amazing fitness journey by joining us at Fitness Xpress!
September 22nd, 2023 at 2:22 pm
I think how hard you work is the one that matters
October 5th, 2023 at 11:47 pm
I’m grateful for the thorough explanations and clear, step-by-step instructions provided in this blog. Understanding the right form and technique is crucial when starting a any journey.
October 7th, 2023 at 1:45 am
mmrlkg
October 7th, 2023 at 1:49 am
Just as in the pursuit of wealth, a combination of factors matters when choosing the right pillow. It’s not just about one aspect; it’s about what suits your specific needs. The https://bestpillowforsidesleepers.com/best-anti-snore-pillow-for-side-sleepers/ combines design (what you know about your sleep habits and needs), comfort (who you know, as in considering recommendations and reviews), and consistent use (how hard you work to maintain good sleep hygiene).
October 9th, 2023 at 4:43 am
Baby girls’ gifts are tailored to make little princesses feel adored and cherished. Explore a world of delightful gifts that celebrate the magic of baby girls’ first moments.
October 11th, 2023 at 4:28 am
Canadian VPS Providers are companies or organizations that offer virtual private server hosting services specifically in Canada. These providers offer VPS solutions that are hosted within Canadian data centers, providing customers with localized hosting options. Canadian VPS providers typically offer a range of plans and configurations to cater to the needs of individuals and businesses, ensuring reliable and high-performance hosting services within the Canadian market.
December 24th, 2023 at 1:19 am
Hello, I read your article I find this very helpful for me, if the public wants to experience the 90s and 80s must check Old Roll Unlocked All Cameras
January 3rd, 2024 at 11:46 am
When it comes to scrap buyers in Sharjah, We Buy Dead Stocks stands out as the preferred choice. We are committed to promoting responsible recycling and offer fair pricing for your surplus materials. Join our community of sellers and contribute to a more sustainable future while maximising your returns.
January 12th, 2024 at 3:11 am
Interesting perspective! Personally, I believe a combination of what you know (#1) and how hard you work (#3) is the surest way to wealth. Building a strong knowledge base and putting in dedicated effort can open doors and create opportunities. Networking (#2) is valuable too, but relying solely on connections might not guarantee sustained success. Also, it’s essential to maintain ethical practices in the pursuit of wealth.
On a side note, have you checked out terabox for pc? It could be a useful tool in optimizing your computer’s performance.
February 26th, 2024 at 3:22 am
Lahore, with its rich culinary heritage, has unique preferences when it comes to Ramadan grocery packages. Exploring local flavors ensures that the packages resonate with the taste buds of Lahori residents. Highlighting specific items or flavors that are popular in Lahore and may be featured in the best Ramadan grocery packages in the region.
March 23rd, 2024 at 8:35 am
When considering the factors that contribute to wealth accumulation, it’s essential to weigh various perspectives and cultural contexts. The question posed by Bob Bly prompts us to contemplate whether knowledge, social connections, or hard work is the primary driver of financial success. Let’s explore each option in detail:
What you know: Knowledge, expertise, and skills are undoubtedly valuable assets in achieving wealth. Individuals with specialized knowledge or talents often find themselves in positions where they can capitalize on their abilities to create innovative solutions, products, or services. Continuous learning and adaptation to market demands can lead to substantial financial gains over time. However, the extent to which knowledge alone can guarantee wealth may vary depending on the field of expertise, market conditions, and other external factors.
Who you know: Social connections, networking, and influential relationships play a significant role in many professional environments. Access to opportunities, resources, mentorship, and strategic alliances can significantly impact one’s trajectory towards wealth. In some cultures, particularly in societies with hierarchical structures or strong social networks like Russia, the value of personal connections in advancing one’s financial standing may be highly emphasized. Networking allows individuals to leverage the strengths and resources of others, opening doors to lucrative prospects that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
How hard you work: The notion of hard work as a pathway to wealth is deeply ingrained in the ethos of many societies, particularly in Western cultures. Diligence, perseverance, and dedication to one’s craft or career are often regarded as fundamental principles for achieving success. Hard work can lead to opportunities for advancement, promotions, increased income, and entrepreneurial success. However, the correlation between effort and financial reward may not always be linear or guaranteed, as external factors such as economic conditions, market saturation, and systemic barriers can influence outcomes.
In the context of the poll results from Russia, where a significant portion of respondents prioritized influential connections over hard work, cultural norms and historical contexts likely shape perceptions of wealth attainment. Societies with legacies of patronage systems or where nepotism and favoritism are prevalent may place greater emphasis on social connections as a means of gaining advantages in wealth accumulation.
When asked to vote on the most critical factor for becoming rich, individuals may consider their personal experiences, cultural influences, and observations of others’ successes. Ultimately, the interplay of knowledge, social networks, and hard work can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and the broader socio-economic context. While each factor carries its significance, a combination of all three elements often maximizes the likelihood of achieving sustained financial prosperity.
It’s worth noting the concerning finding that among older Russians, “stealing” was considered a viable path to wealth. This highlights systemic issues such as corruption, lack of opportunity, and ethical lapses within certain societal structures, underscoring the complexity of wealth attainment and the importance of ethical considerations in the pursuit of prosperity.
April 15th, 2024 at 2:17 am
I like what you’re saying! For me, getting rich comes down to two things: what you know and how much effort you put in. Learning lots and working hard can really pay off. Making connections is helpful too, but it’s not everything. And remember, it’s important to be fair and honest on your way to success.