Today, I’d like to share some of my favorite J. Paul Getty quotes from his best-selling book How to Be Rich.
J. Paul Getty was at one time the richest man in the world. He was an ultra-successful entrepreneur and businessman. Mr. Getty was a wildcatter in the oil industry, where he built his fortune.
He’s also the author of the best-selling book How to Be Rich. If you’ve never read the book yourself, do yourself a favor and order a copy. Study the book. The lessons are time tested and very valuable.
Top 21 J. Paul Getty Quotes
What I want to do in the paragraphs below is share some of my favorite J. Paul Getty quotes from the book. These are quotes I think will be beneficial for network marketers specifically. Each quote is in bold and italics. At the end of each quote I will also share my own two cents. Enjoy.
# 1: In business, and in politics, it is never easy to go against the beliefs and attitudes held by the majority.
If everyone agrees with what you are doing, you are probably going down the wrong path. Look at the masses and do the opposite. Always trust your own intuition.
# 2: There will always be room for the man with energy and imagination, the man who can successfully implement new ideas into new products and services.
The world loves doers and dreamers. If you are a person of action you can accomplish just about anything you set your mind to.
# 3: There is plenty of room at the top.
Only the bottom is crowded. There is always room for successful people, especially in our great industry. The quickest way to get to the top is to find someone who has achieved what you are trying to do and then model their behavior.
# 4: It’s not easy to build a business and make a million. It takes hard-extremely hard-work. There are no nine to five hours and no five day weeks for the boss.
Entrepreneurs put in long hours. It comes with the turf. There is no such thing as fast, free or easy success. You must be willing to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes.
# 5: Almost without exception, there is only one way to make a great deal of money in the business world – and that is in one’s own business. The man who wants to go into business for himself should choose a field which he knows and understands.
If you want to build wealth, work for yourself. It’s hard to get rich with a job. Follow your passions and find a need in the market place and fill it.
# 6: Luck, knowledge hard work – especially hard work – a man needs them all to become a millionaire.
The harder I work the luckier I get. Decide what you want, make your plan, and follow your plan UNTIL you hit your goal.
# 7: The first acid test of an executive is his ability to think and act for himself.
You must be able to lead yourself and make tough decisions. Being a leader has nothing to do with being liked. If you’re worried about being liked, you won’t do well as a leader.
# 8: Any seasoned top level executive would much rather have his mistakes pointed out to him early by a subordinate than have those mistakes make themselves painfully apparent later in the company’s profit and loss statement.
Successful people are always looking for ways to improve themselves and are open to constructive criticism. The surround themselves with other people who have different talents and abilities than they do, and they listen to these subject matter experts about their area of expertise.
# 9: Example is the best means to instruct or inspire others.
Always lead by example. People will do what you do, not what you say. Set a good example at all times.
# 10: The best leader never asks anyone under him to do anything he is unable – or unwilling – to do himself.
Be the tip of the spear and lead from the front. Do the things you want your followers to do.
# 11: Praise should always be given in public; criticism should always be delivered in private.
This should be common sense to most people. If you have an issue with someone, pull them aside and address it in private.
# 12: Businessmen and executives must run their workdays on the tightest of schedules.
Plan your work and work your plan. Learn how to be excellent, effective and efficient in everything you do.
# 13: A businessman has to be willing to take risks.
Take calculated risks. Minimize your risks whenever possible, but don’t be scared to take risks. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
# 14: There’s nothing wrong in asking the opinions of others and in taking them into consideration. The mistake lies in accepting and following other people’s advice blindly, in accepting their opinions without first determining if they are backed up by facts.
Seek counsel from qualified people, but always trust your instincts. Get the facts whenever possible and make a quick decision with the information you have on hand.
# 15: I still believe that the less overhead there is in business the better.
Keep a close eye on your expenses. Evaluate each expense and look for ways to reduce or eliminate it.
# 16: The truly great giants and geniuses of American business habitually worked 16 and 18 hour days – often seven days a week – and seldom took vacations.
If you want success, you must put in the time. There is no shortcut to success!
# 17: An ambitious executive must know how to summon the best from those around him, regardless of the pressure, or lack of it.
You won’t make it to the top by yourself. Surround yourself with great people whenever possible. You are only as good as your team.
# 18: The perfect business does not exist.
There is no perfect business or perfect person. Everyone experiences obstacles and setbacks. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Expect problems and realize your paycheck is a reflection of the size of the problems you can solve, and how well you can do it.
# 19: The successful businessman – the true business leader – is the individual who develops the ability to retain his composure in times of stress and in the face of setbacks.
Stay calm, cool and collected whenever possible. Don’t be emotional, be logical.
# 20: All top businessmen I know have made their biggest strides up the success ladder because they were able to see the possible in what others rejected or ignored as the impossible.
You must be able to see things before they exist. You need to have vision if you want to succeed in the business. Know who you are and where you are headed. Don’t expect everyone around you to see what you see.
# 21: In my opinion, no one can possibly achieve any real and lasting success or get rich in business by being a conformist.
You must go against the grain. Entrepreneurs don’t follow trends. They create trends.
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About J. Paul Getty
Born in 1892, J. Paul Getty was an industrialist and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Getty Oil. In 1957 he was named the richest man in the world by Forbes Magazine.
About the Book
How to Be Rich is a classic “success” book for any executive, network marketer or entrepreneur. It talks about everything from mindset, to investing, to success tips, etc. It was written many years ago, but the principles are still valid today. You can order a copy online or at your local bookstore.
Final Thoughts
In review, these are my favorite J. Paul Getty quotes from How to Be Rich. Which J. Paul Getty quote is your favorite and why? Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day.
Chuck Holmes
20+ Year Network Marketing Professional
Top Earner & Top Recruiter
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
P.S. Learn how to grow a successful network marketing business. Secret tips, training, and practical ideas. Free training delivered by email.