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The Investment Forum Newsletter |
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If Your Pockets Are Low, Now is Your Time to Shine!
On Monday, I attended a luncheon with former Vice President Dick Cheney at the Washington Press Club. A gentleman and I at my table enjoyed our gourmet lunch while discussing a few topics. One was why did Greta Van Susteren whose table was next to ours bring a team of 6 foot supermodels. The other was investment returns on equities and real estate markets. On Tuesday, I attended a luncheon with Robert Greifeld, CEO of the NASDAQ as we discussed the recent gains on Wall Street. The gentleman next to me engaged my knowledge of the $800 billion dollar Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. He wondered how I knew so much about the economic conditions of Dubai and surrounding areas. I had answers for a lot of the equity questions but for the hotel returns questions, I left my business cards and said I'd get back to them. At that point, I called out to the latest business mogul included in my upcoming book Slide 68, legendary St. Louis tycoon Mike Roberts. He and I have shared quite a few emails since sharing a few drinks at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas last month during the annual ICSC conference. Once again, I have to thank David Byrd and the Prince Georges County Executive Staff while also congratulating them on bringing Disney to the National Harbor.
Hodge Podging with the Muckety Mucks at upscale facilities is nice, but don't get it twisted for a minute. It's just a means to an end because I'd much rather have a Chicken Bacon & Swiss curly fry combo at Arby's with those little apple turnovers with raisons that I swear look like roaches. I'm not spending a lot of money doing this. In fact the three events I just mentioned cost me a whopping $50 parking fees included. When recessions loom, these are the golden times to research potential investments and connect with the people who are going to make it happen as the tide starts to turn. I don't care if you just lost a house, missed a car payment or drowning in credit card debt, when you are amongst the nations elite, do you really think they know your personal business? Even if they did, who cares? You are not defined by a temporary set back.
I recall the day I entered the 9600 sq.ft model home that I live in today. It was early 2003 and we just had a snow storm blow through. I had been out of work for 18 months and was down to my last $15. Two years later, I had a 5 figure checking account, 6 figure savings account and building the very home I was working in for the day. Trust that set backs are set ups for step ups. You can even have some fun along the way. I took full advantage of being in Las Vegas by renting a 35 MPG Ford Focus and driving to Beverly Hills for a tour of the stars home. Total cost was next to nothing because my Hilton time share where I stayed for the week for free gave me $50 cash for telling them no thanks, I don't want to upgrade. Can you say gas and Arby's money? I even made a new friend at the upscale Stefano Ricci store.
Next month, I'm headed to a hotel owner's conference in Miami to further enhance the relationships I've created. I'm stopping along the way to meet with John Henry, a world class architect who is designing Chateau D'Von, the most breathtaking dream home you've ever seen. I feed off of affluent houses and exotic cars but you feed off whatever works for you. Either way, don't let these tough times define you. The best part is you make very few monetary mistakes when you don't have money to spend. Create and nurture good relationships now so when the good times return you'll have directions and connections.
Here are a few noteworthy action steps.
1. Read Monday's business section of the Washington Post and browse the Face Time column as it tells you where the action is.
2. Visit the bookstores and read the latest best selling business profile books. Currently Paul Teutul, Sr (Orange County Choppers) has just released his profile that talked about how he went from a drinking party animal to the most successful custom bike shop in the world. Next to his book is the Mary Kay story. When the authors list their email addresses, WRITE THEM!
3. Volunteer a little time around events you want to be a part of. A two ounce key of volunteerism will unlock a 100 lb door of opportunity if you will just sacrifice watching a game or television show for a day or two. Keep your head to the skies, enjoy the good weather and remember if you are not where you currently want to be, don't define yourself by your current circumstance. When everyone else rises to the top, will you be there? Whether you think you will or you won't you're absolutely right. From the mobile home to where moguls roam, I'll always be the extraordinarily extra-ordinary Anthony "Von" Mickle and we'll see you at The Investment Forum.
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