Greatest Thing I’ve Learned From … Jeffrey J. Fox

I was introduced to a book written by Jeffrey J. Fox when I was an up-and-coming manager for a Fortune 500 company and had just been promoted to the next position (in the next facility, in the next town, …)   The book was titled How To Become CEO – The Rules for Rising to the Top of Any Organization.   My current leader gave me this book, and it greatly affected me.

I know that I have the greatest “thing” that I have learned, but this one requires a couple of “things” I have learned.

Avoid Staff Jobs, Seek Line Jobs

In other words, Fox was saying, “Do work that helps the company make money.”   It is a lot harder to be fired when you have a definitive and tangible link to helping a company make money.   This increases your value and positions you for growth.

Send Handwritten Notes

Be personable.   Be real.   Let people know when they do great work.   A handwritten note trumps verbal praise, congratulatory emails, and bonuses – combined.   When was the last time you received a handwritten thank you?   When was the last time you sent one?

Jeffrey J. Fox has written several books similar to this one.   Have you read any of them?   What are your thoughts?

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Greatest Thing I’ve Learned From … DAVID CHILTON

I was around 12 years old when my dad gave me a copy of David Chilton’s book, The Wealthy Barber.     It taught me one of my life’s greatest lessons – the POWER of compound interest!   Now, I know I was a little on the “nerdy” side as a kid, but this book actually kept my attention.   So much so that when I obtained my first full-time job, I immediately raced to the benefits person and set my 401(k) contribution to the maximum allowed.   I have NEVER regretted that decision.   I also learned the negative side of compound interest, but it took a little first-hand experience with that for me to fully grasp that lesson (which I share in I Was Broke. Now I’m Not.)

David Chilton is also a JosephSangl.com Financial Hero.

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Greatest Thing I’ve Learned From … DAVID BACH

There are two things I have learned from author, investor, and speaker David Bach:

1.   Latte Factor

This is the one thing in each person’s life that they could give up and save $5 – $10/day on.   For some it is StarFourbucks lattes.   For others it is lunch at restaurants.   For others, it is the home phone.

Consider your spending habits.   Is there something you can give up that would save you money nearly every day?

2.   Make it automatic

His books and speaking have reinforced to me the importance of making every important financial goal automatic.   My retirement savings is important.   So is my son and daughter’s 529 college savings plan. (so cool to say “son” and “daughter”!!!).   I’ve made each of them automatic draft.   What do you need to make automatic?

David has authored several books, but one of my favorites is The Automatic Millionaire

By the way, David Bach is another JosephSangl.com Financial Hero – HERE.

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Greatest Thing I’ve Learned From … DAVE RAMSEY

It was December 2, 2002 that I experienced my IHHE Moment (I Have Had Enough Moment) and determined to change my financial future.   One of my brother’s had mentioned this guy named Dave Ramsey, so I bought his book, Financial Peace Revisited.

The greatest thing I learned in that book were Dave’s 7 Baby Steps (HERE).   They provided a terrific roadmap for me to walk out of my financial mess and into financial freedom.

I actually printed out the 7 Baby Steps and we (my bride and I) wrote down a goal date to achieve each one.

Thanks Dave – that’s why you are one of my Financial Heroes!

What is the greatest thing YOU have learned from Dave Ramsey?

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