The Education of Millionaires Book Summary - The Education of Millionaires Book explained in key points
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The Education of Millionaires summary

Michael Ellsberg

Everything You Won't Learn in College About How to Be Successful

4.2 (146 ratings)
16 mins
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    The Education of Millionaires
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    Google is your new resume

    What if everything you thought you knew about finding a great job was wrong? In today’s rapidly evolving world, the conventional path of crafting a perfect, polished resume and hoping to stand out from the stack of other qualified candidates is a losing proposition. Some of the most successful people have gotten where they are by doing the opposite – focusing on building a unique personal brand.

    Take Marian Schembari, a liberal arts graduate who dreamed of working in publishing but couldn’t land a single interview. Rather than sending out more resumes, she took $100 and bought Facebook ads targeting employees at the top NYC publishing houses. Her story went viral in the industry, and soon she was being urged to apply by insiders at every major publisher.

    Author Michael Ellsberg argues that your personal brand – what people think of when they hear your name – is significantly more important than your resume. A strong brand can open doors that no credential can. Too many people spend years building up their resume while neglecting to cultivate their brand and reputation.

    Building a brand means creating remarkable things and making sure there’s a Google trail leading to it all. Like Maria Andros, who went from being a corporate burnout to a successful entrepreneur while creating a devoted YouTube following documenting her journey. Or Robert Scoble, who made himself an influential tech blogger through his signature insider reports.

    The secret, Ellsberg argues, is to radiate your unique personality rather than conforming to expectations. Danielle LaPorte didn’t let her lack of credentials stop her from landing a top literary agent and a book deal – based, seemingly, on sheer moxie. Her business advice, dished out with provocative flair, now commands $1,000 per hour.

    The lesson is clear: what makes you stand out isn’t your degree or resume. Lots of people have that. The real key to professional success in the twenty-first century is to, first, create something original and, second, make sure the world knows about it. Conformity is out; cultivating a unique personal brand is in.

    As Ellsberg puts it, while resumes get lost in the stack, your personal brand stays with you for life. How can you start creating yours? Google is the new resume, and it’s time to make sure yours stands out.

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    What is The Education of Millionaires about?

    The Education of Millionaires (2011) argues that the most critical skills for success aren’t taught in traditional educational institutions. Based on interviews with millionaires and billionaires, it suggests that to thrive in the real world, people need to learn practical skills such as finding great mentors, building a strong network, creating meaningful work, and developing a personal brand.

    The Education of Millionaires Review

    The Education of Millionaires (2012) explores unconventional paths to success, making it a worthwhile read:

    • Offering real-life lessons from self-made millionaires, it challenges traditional education paradigms and inspires alternative approaches to achieving wealth and fulfillment.
    • Emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills over formal education, it empowers readers to take control of their destinies and create their own success stories.
    • With its engaging anecdotes and fresh perspectives on success, the book breaks the monotony of traditional success narratives, keeping readers entertained and motivated throughout.

    Who should read The Education of Millionaires?

    • Recent graduates disillusioned with conventional career paths
    • Creatives searching for ways to monetize their talents
    • Anyone feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job and looking for inspiration to bet on themselves

    About the Author

    Michael Ellsberg is an American author, blogger, and public speaker. He has written books on a range of topics, including The Power of Eye Contact, The Divine Absurdity of Love, and The Last Safe Investment. Ellsberg has also contributed to the New York Times, Time magazine, and the Washington Post.

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    The Education of Millionaires FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Education of Millionaires?

    The main message of The Education of Millionaires is about the importance of real-world skills in achieving success.

    How long does it take to read The Education of Millionaires?

    The reading time for The Education of Millionaires may vary, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is The Education of Millionaires a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Education of Millionaires is worth reading for its practical insights and unconventional education advice.

    Who is the author of The Education of Millionaires?

    The author of The Education of Millionaires is Michael Ellsberg.

    What to read after The Education of Millionaires?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Education of Millionaires, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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