“Earn before spending. Think before investing. Persist before quitting. Save before retiring. Give before dying.”

These are the first words inside leadership coach Nigel Cumberland’s latest book, 100 Things Millionaires Do: Little Lessons in Creating Wealth.

It’s pithy advice from a man who found success writing 100 Things Successful People Do (you know, as well as writing several other books, and being a founder of The Silk Road Partnership). His latest publication is as rich in information as it is in ambition. The book comprises of examples, explanations, tasks and tips based off Cumberland’s experiences and learnings from some of the world’s richest people.


Having had a flick through it, we’ve decided to share ten of the stand-out ‘things’ we’ve learned with you. If you want more from Cumberland, you’ll have to invest in the book when it hits the shelves. “Excellent advice comes at a price,” as one page says.

YOU DESERVE THIS

Essentially, Cumberland is getting at the idea that you are your biggest obstacle: confidence is key when it comes to putting yourself out there, selling your ideas and creating the personal brand needed to attract investors, be they customers or corporations.

KEEP OWNERSHIP

It’s a bit bold, but it’s a risk worth taking (unlike gambling, he does not like the gambling, Cumberland). What he’s saying is, sometimes, if you’re struggling slightly, don’t always jump to selling part of your assets. That 10% you give to someone in Dragon’s Den (other dodgy options are available) could be worth a hell of a lot in the future. Keep ownership of your baby for as long as you (sensibly) can. Hey, all successful businesses withstand at least some squeaky-bum time.

DON’T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS

Simply, that deposit you think you’re getting, that bonus, that freelance pursuit… they’re all pending. They are not yours. Something could happen, they could disappear. It’s best to focus on what is actually, tangibly yours.

BUILD BRIDGES

Associate with the people you aspire to be. Meet them, follow them (online, not in person, weird), learn from them. Successful people have taken the steps you need, and they are full of confidence. Go live some of it while you’re on your way, whatever it takes.

MAKE FAILURE YOUR BEST FRIEND

There’s no better lesson than failure, no better stimulus for determination, no better triumph to overcome. And, let’s be honest, failure happens to everyone – why not embrace it?

"Financial success is often avoided, because it is dressed in overalls and smells like hard work."

CREATE YOUR OWN LUCK

Yes, Harry Kane might not do much on the field, but boy, does he score goals. Is he lucky? Yes. But he’s lucky because he’s always in the right place at the right time, and good enough to deal with the situation at hand. His value is that he capitalises on chances, he creates his own luck. Plus we’re just happy the football season is back and wanted to use a related analogy.

INVEST IN THINGS YOU ENJOY

Time is money… and in the same way that it seems to take a lot longer to pay a bill than to buy a shirt, doing something you like will see you more willing to be there, more focused, and more knowledgeable. Thus, more successful. Living your passions is the ideal set-up, and there’s no reason it shouldn’t be lucrative.

WORK SMART

Not unlike the above, time is a huge factor of building wealth. But, doing too much work is as destructive as not doing enough. Plus, if you’re living off Huel and sleeping only on your 45-minute lunch break… when are you going to enjoy your newfound wealth anyway?

NEVER TOO LATE TO START

No, this doesn’t mean turn up at the office for 5:29pm. This means, why not give it a go, you oldie? As the book mentions, McDonald's, KFC, and Coca-Cola were all founded by people over the age of 50. You have time.

FOCUS ON YOUR EQ NOT YOUR IQ

A more left-field piece of advice, but it is among the most important. To reach the heights, you need to go through a lot of emotional strain and keep yourself thinking correctly. When you get there, you need to know how to work with others. This requires high levels of self-awareness and empathy, in essence, emotional intelligence.

Nigel Cumberland 100 Things Millionaires Do; £12.99 paperback Nicholas Brealey; Release November 2019.