From D for Dummy to M for Millionaire
by Myles Glew, Fraser Books (Masterton), $19.95
This is a how-to-succeed book with a difference. Self-made businessman and author Myles Glew doesn't offer the usual glib advice about doing well at school and then getting as much tertiary education as possible.
As he says,
for some young people, this is a totally unrealistic goal and not being able to achieve it can make them feel like losers. Although learning to read is very important, Glew says, success at school is no guarantee of success in life, and even those with the worst marks at school can be, as he has shown, highly successful as adults.
It's a down-to-earth Kiwi style, no nonsense book. Glew doesn't beat around the bush - he hated school and didn't do very well at all. But that didn't stop him becoming a millionaire through common sense principles and hard work.
Unfortunately, many of us are reluctant to practise both nowadays, and expect good fortune to fall into our laps. Not so with Myles.
Some of the help lines put forward are:
"Get to work early and do the best possible job you can. Someone will notice."
"Make your money within the law and not through dishonesty, because your peace of mind is as important as your money"
"Make it a rule of life - no borrowing for anything else but a house or a business."
"Save at least 10 per cent of your income."
In 17 short chapters Glew explains how he went from class D in school to not having to work if he doesn't want to.
I hasten to add that he is not against schooling, apprenticeships or university - as long as you know that it is really really what you want to do in your life.
This little book would be a good read for youngsters (and older people for that matter) who are a bit down about their opportunities or lack thereof.
It is a self-help book with a difference. It's easy to read, uses plain language and will appeal to all ages. The publisher could have set it out a bit more attractively with a few bullet points and some quotes here and there. But plain as it is we can benefit from the advice and experiences offered.
