King Solomon’s Keys to Communication

In Steven K. Scott’s “The Richest Man Who Ever Lived”, he discusses King Solomon’s Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness.  King Solomon at an early age asked God for the gift of Wisdom and in return the Lord made King Solomon one of the Richest Kings ever!  I always knew that the book of Proverbs was full of Wisdom and it wasn’t until I read Scott’s insightful book, that I realized how much King Solomon’s principals are able to applied to business, as well as your personal life.  One reason King Solomon, and other successful entrepreneurs are able to experience a great deal of success, is because they are able to communicate effectively and have the ability to persuade.

In Scott’s book, He presents King Solomon’s Keys to Communication

1.     Speak in Such a Way That You Make Others Want to Listen

Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.”   When speaking, many people will say the first thing that comes to mind, based on their current feelings without thinking about how the other party may receive that information and the impact it may have.  King Solomon says the wise man will deliver his message to the other party in the most receptive way possible.

2.    Learn to Become Persuasive

Proverbs 16:23 says, “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lip.”  King Solomon says that is important to learn when to speak and when not speak.   When you do decide to speak, you should think carefully about what you’re going to say and the impact that your words could have on your audience.  This may be easier said than done and with practice the skill be learned.  King Solomon says that the wise man also is persuasive.  Many people may relate a persuasive person to a salesman trying to get you to buy something out of your will.  The persuasiveness that King Solomon is referring to is much different.  Scott says” Persuasion allows you present your point of view in a clear and compelling way to motivate someone to do what you believe to be in their best interest or for the common good”.  To learn the skill of choosing your words and being persuasive requires the lost art of “Listening”!

Related: 6 Helpful Tips For Public Speaking

3.    Listen Before Speaking

Proverbs 18:13 says, “He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.  Scott says “Whenever we begin to answer a person before the person finishes making his point, we are both foolish and rude.  This scenario is probably most present in arguments or heated discussions.  I have saw people arguing with their significant other and have saw friends having a heated discussion about their football team’s, and in both cases, one person is speaking, making a point and before that person can finish their thought, the other person either finishes their thought for them or goes on to say whatever is on their mind based on their present feelings.  I’m positive I have been guilty of this, especially when defending my Dallas Cowboys.  When you interrupt the other person speaking, it means you’re not practicing the act of active listening, which is vital in being an effective communicator.

4.    Be Slow to Speak and Guard Your Words Carefully

Proverbs 29:20 says, “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.  I don’t think that its coincidence that God gave us two ears and one mouth.  It is easy to speak quickly and say something that you may regret, because once your words come out, they are unable to be retracted.  King Solomon says in Proverbs 13:3, “The one who one guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”  If you want to be an effective communicator, be slow to speak and guard your words carefully!

5.    Never Tear Others Down- Rather, Build Them Up

Proverbs 12:18 says, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”  This is rules is extremely important in being a great communicator.  In todays world, with social media, and even in the workplace, it is easy to say things that may be cutting or not positive about someone directly or indirectly.  This is a trap that we must try our best to avoid.  We should aim to have words of encouragement, inspiration, and empowerment.  Any time you see yourself around any negativity, try to negate that energy by replacing negative words with positive ones.  If you don’t see an opportunity where you can build a person up, or don’t have anything positive to say, then its best to guard your mouth and not say anything at all.

Related: Developing Effective Communication Skills

6.    Stop While You’re Ahead

Proverbs 10:19 says, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”  King Solomon is basically saying the person who continues to talk once a point has already been made is going down the wrong path, which is not likely for a positive outcome.  Scott suggests “Make your point briefly and then be silent.”  Proverbs 17:28 says, “even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent. And he who makes a strong point with only a few words is highly esteemed by those around him.

7.    Share Genuine Wisdom

Proverbs 10:31a says, “The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom.  If you have wisdom, then sharing is caring.  Scott says, “True wisdom is a rare commodity in today’s culture, and King Solomon encourages anyone who hold this rare commodity to share it with others.  If you have wisdom it is great to share it, and if you are someone in search of wisdom, it is highly recommended that you seek out someone who is wise, whether that be a parent, grandparent, mentor, or colleague.  And remember the Sin of the Desert is knowing where water is and not telling anyone. The same concept can be applied to having wisdom.

8.    Always Speak Truthfully

Proverbs 10:18 says, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”  King Solomon explains that it is never smart to tell a lie.  Telling lies can have large consequences and impact those close to us. However, being honest will show that you have integrity and help build a solid foundation for yourself and those around you.

Related: Forbeson Why Communication is Today’s Most Important Skill

If you are looking for Quality Content in regards to the financial domain, you can contact the Alston Collab. We develop specific content by market (financial education, self-improvement, and entrepreneurship ) to increase the level of engagement by channel.

The 5 Keys to Wealth and Happiness

In becoming an entrepreneur, I have proactively sought out individuals who have obtained high levels success in their life.  I look for people, who have not only been financially independent, but those who are genuinely happy, healthy, and have great social relationships.  One common trait that I’ve noticed in these successful individuals is that they have all had a mentor of some sort, someone who has already achieved the results that they would like to have.  In doing my research, one individual that stood out, is Anthony Robbins, motivational speaker, life coach, and author. 

In Robbin’s National Bestseller book “Unlimited Power”, he told a story of a late night where he encountered a homeless man.  If you live in a large city, as I do in Dallas, I’m sure you’ve had a similar experience.  Robbins went on to tell of how the homeless man approached him, and asked for a quarter.  After pondering for a brief moment, Robbins asked the man, “A quarter? That’s what you want, a quarter?”  The homeless said that a quarter was all that he wanted. He went ahead and gave the homeless man a quarter, and then said “Life will pay any price you ask of it”.  The homeless man was stunned and walked away. Robbins went on to tell 5 things to use as road signs to success and getting the most that life has to offer.

      You must learn how to handle frustration.

Robbin’s quotes, “All successful people learn that success is buried on the other side of frustration.”  From my brief experience here on earth, it appears that frustration is inevitable due to problems that life often brings.  Frustration can put you in a negative state, and being in a negative state can easily prevent you from seeing the results that you want.  To be successful you must become the master of frustration and learn to deal with it in a positive manner to produce the results that you want.  Robbins gives two tips for handling frustration.

Two step formula for handling stress.
Step 1: Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Step 2: Remember its all small stuff.

In Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling”, it quotes (as if Jesus is speaking to you) “When little things don’t go as you had hoped, look to Me lightheartedly and say, “Oh, well”.  And by doing that simple act, you release the burden, and hopefully that will put you in a more positive state, and you will be in the right mental state to create a solution for your problem.

You must learn how to handle rejection.  Turn No’s into Hugs!

This is a lesson that I know far too well.  My first job out of college was as a Financial Advisor, and to build my business, I was to go door to door to meet prospects and clients.  We were required to get at least 25 contacts per day. And 4 and half months later, I was out of a job.  I have never experienced that amount of rejection in such a short period of time. Robbins, as well as any other high producing salesman, will tell you a large key to their success is being able handle rejection and continue on with the same level of enthusiasm that they have when they hear a yes.  A veteran advisor at my first firm, said the more No’s you hear, the closer you are to a “YES”.  Robbin’s says that “if you can learn to handle rejection, you’ll learn to get everything you want.  Sounds good to me!

Related: 7 Fundamental Character Traits to Ensure Success

      You must learn how to handle financial pressure.

I have always been a firm believer that if you are not able to manage a small amount of money, then chances of you being able to manage a large amount is slim.  Robbin’s says, “Handling financial pressure means knowing how to get and knowing how to give, knowing how to earn, and knowing how to save.”  Once you learn to acquire money there will be financial pressure from internal and external sources, and it will be important to learn to how deal with those pressures.  Robbins also emphasizes the importance of giving back once you begin to have financial success.  I’ve noticed that giving back is a common trait amongst those who are successful.  I’m not saying all wealthy people give back, but I like to believe many of them do.  I know that I will!

You must learn to how to handle complacency.

 Learn to judge yourself by your goals instead of by what your peers seem to be doing.  This is rule is extremely important in my opinion.  Robbin’s says that “Comfort can be one of the most disastrous emotions a body could have.”  I couldn’t agree more, because I have personally saw situations where people have remained in poverty, because they were afraid to get out of their comfort zone.  If you never leave your comfort zone, chances are you aren’t growing very much.  I personally believe that as long as we are here on this earth, there is always room for growth. 

Robbin’s says “Learn to judge yourself by your goals instead of by what your peers seem to be doing”.  If you’re doing the best out of all your peers, you may begin to think you are doing extremely well and your progress may come to a halt.  And if you are concerned about your peers who may do much better than you, you may end being concerned with their affairs instead of working toward your own goals.  When you begin to stay focused on your own goals, you will keep yourself in a position to produce the results that you want.

Related: Positive Approaches to Overcoming Obstacles

      Always give more than you expect to receive.

Robbin’s says, “This may be the most important key of all because it virtually guarantees true happiness.  The saying goes, “it is better to give than to receive”.  I would concur with this statement.  The artist Drake, said in one of his songs, “You get what you give”!  I would wager $1 that if you find a person that gives a lot, that they are not concerned with where their next meal is coming from. I’m not sure if you ever gave a gift to someone in need, or spent time with someone who really appreciated your time and expressed a great gratitude, that feeling is honestly better than being on the other end of receiving a gift. 

In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, “Give, and you will receive”.  Your gift will return in full- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.  The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”  It seems like clear instruction to me. 
   

Related: A Video on the Formula for Success

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The 5 Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me

I once watched a YouTube video of business man who said if you want to learn how to get wealthy, read any and all books that have Millionaire in the title.  I can easily say that I have gotten worse advice.  A book that I did enjoy and learn a lot from was “The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me: About Life and Wealth” (2006) by New York Times Bestselling Author Richard Paul Evans. Evans is also a sought after motivational and inspirational speaker. Evans is respected amongst his peers, and I would certainly recommend his book.  

The thing I admired most about his journey to financial success, is that he did things the right way in becoming wealthy.  He shares the knowledge that was passed to him from a millionaire on five lessons in acquiring wealth.  Currently, I have not reach millionaire status, but as Evans states in the first lesson, is that you have to “Decide to be Wealthy”! Here are the lessons that are explained in his book.

1.       Decide to be Wealthy

In regards to being wealthy, Evans quotes, “It’s a mindset… It’s all or nothing!! (p.13) So before you can become wealthy, you must first decide that you do indeed want to accumulate wealth!  I think its important to understand that being wealthy is not all about having a lot of money.  Evans says, “Life isn’t about money.  It’s about God.  It’s about love.  It’s about family and relationships.  It’s about personal evolution, learning and growth.”  He also stated that “Money is a powerful ally.”  (p.15) I would certainly have to agree.  Unfortunately, most people will never become wealthy and the main factor, is that they never believe or decide that they want to be wealthy.  

Related: 35 Lessons from Rich People

2.       Take Responsibility for Your Money.

This is a very important lesson because before you can accumulate wealth, you need to first take responsibility of the money that you have now.  People (myself included) always say that if they were rich then that would solve most of their financial problems.  However, if you are unable to manage a small amount of money, how could you expect to manage large amounts of money.  A prime example, is professional athletes who come into millions of dollars at a very young age, with little, if any education on finances, and eventually loses much or all of the money that they had accumulated. 

Evans gives us 4 steps for taking responsibility for your money.

-          Know how much money you have. (p.23-24)

Evans first says to assess your current situation, and define your net worth. Your net worth is typically all of your assets, minus any liabilities. (In some cases, your primary residence is excluded from your asset column).  

-          Know where your money comes from. (p. 24-25)

Secondly, you must know what money you having coming in.  You should know how much income you having coming in each month.  Most income comes from your job, but can also having money coming in through dividends, rental income, bonus from work, child support payments, or any other source or income.

-          Know where your money is going. (p. 25-26)

The next thing you must do, is identify all of your expenses. There are expenses that are fixed, which are the same every month; and there are variable expenses that change each month.  There are many free resources, that will help create a budget and monitor your expenses.  One exercise that we often do in our financial classes, is to keep all your receipts and payment confirmations for an entire week, and each time we reviewed those receipts, we found different items that we could have done with out.  That exercise helps you find the spending holes, so that you plug them.

-          Know what your money is doing. (p.28)

The opening of this chapter starts with a quote from a French Proverb, that states “Money makes a good servant, but a bad master”.  All wealthy people have their dollars work for them, and not the other way around.  However, in order to have your dollars work diligently for you, you must monitor your funds and understand exactly what they are doing. 

3.       Keep a Portion of Everything You Earn

“It’s not what you earn, its what you keep that makes you rich”.  (p.32) The most important rule, is “To Pay Yourself First”.  Evans says you should aim to save “a minimum of 10% of your ongoing salary, and 90 to 100% of your side earnings.” Also a rule from one of our previous blogs, The 5 Lawsof Gold.

• The Power of Compound Interest

Compound interest is calculated on the interest added to the principal of a deposit or loan, so that the added interest also earns interest from then on. (p. 33)

• Starting your nest egg

Evans defines a Nest Egg as “a sum of money put aside for future expenses”; although he prefers the actual example of hen laying an actual egg. Also, don’t kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.  Meaning as you accumulate wealth, try to avoid dipping into your earnings for material possessions.  (p.36)

4.       Win in the Margins

“The Millionaire Mentality watches cost and tries to reduce them- and strives to increase production and sales thus profits.” (p. 42)

-          Winning in Margins with Extra Income

There are several ways to increase your Income.  See our previous Blog on Ways to CreateAdditional Income

-          Winning in the Margins with Savings

The average American has been brainwashed to consume and spend.  Successful wealth builders understand the importance of watching all of their expenses, and do their best to reduce cost and increase earnings.

-     Mindset One- Carefully Consider Each Expenditure

-     Evans suggest asking yourself prior to a purchase, “Is this expenditure really necessary? (Or is it possible to get the same personal effect without using money or using less of it.” (p. 55) Is this expenditure contributing to my wealth or taking away from it?  Is this an impulse purchase or a planned purchase? Am I being pressured to make an expenditure I’m not certain about?

-      Mindset Two- Freedom & Power are better than momentary pleasure

 The successful wealth builder is disciplined, and able to delay gratification for the sake of future success.   “They clearly see the dander of credit and knows that freedom and power are infinitely better than short lived pleasure.” (p.67)

-          Mindset Three- Does not equate spending with happiness

“The successful nest egger fosters gratitude as a strategy against materialism and unhappiness.”  (p.73) Meaning you truly do not need money to be happy, if you are truly grateful for everything that you have, then you can find happiness whether you have money or not.

-          Mindset Four- Protects the Nest Egg

Once wealth builders have accumulated their fortune, they takin certain steps to protect their wealth.  The do not risk, what they can’t lose, avoid gambling in most situations, and purchase proper insurance to protect their wealth.  They also seek proper council, in those who are skilled in handling money. 

Related: Video Conversation with Warrant Buffett

5.       Give Back!

I personally think that this is one of, if not the most important lesson of the Five.  I am firm believer, that you get what you give.  It has been proven time after time, that many successful wealth builders are big philanthropist.  You show me a person, who gives a great deal, whether money, resources, or a time, and I will show you a person who is in need of nothing.  “The sin of the desert is knowing where the water is and not telling anyone.” (p. 81)

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