Secrets Of The Self-Made: Billionaires Share Their Secrets

The 400 Richest Americans

Secrets Of The Self-Made 2009

Ever wonder what the most successful entrepreneurs think about the stock market, public policy and the keys to amassing serious wealth? Look no further.

We asked eight of the wealthiest self-made members of the Forbes 400 to weigh in on 22 topics ranging from universal health care to the right amount of vacation. If you think you've had a rough year, consider that five of the eight lost a combined $2.65 billion in the last 12 months; only two increased their net worth. Clearly, these guys have a lot on their minds--and, for the most part, they were willing to share.

Business tips are a penny a dozen. A billionaire's playbook for success: priceless.

Go read the article.

It was a pleasant surprise to discover John Paul DeJoria on the list. I first heard of him in an Inc. magazine article in the mid 1980s. In his youth he was a member of an LA street-gang. Later on he had been a homeless person. In 1980 he launched his hair-care products company, John Paul Mitchell Systems with a $700 loan. Here's more on this impressive man.

Comments

[Myles]

Donald Trump is not by any stretch of the imagination a self-made man. WTF?

[Wendy Harper]

This really is a wonderful glimpse into the secrets of the self-made. My uncle is self-made but not a billionaire but thinks like this.

[MickB]

FYI:

http://www.thegrindshowonline.tv/