The Robert Kiyosaki, “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” Mindset for Success

In Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad” book on becoming financially literate, there is a section where Kiyosaki is being interviewed by a female reporter who has aspirations of becoming a “best selling author,” like him. Upon hearing this, Kiyosaki suggests to the reporter that although she is a phenomenal writer, she should take a course in sales to improve her chances of one day achieving her goals of becoming a best selling author. The reporter becomes incredibly offended after hearing Kiyosaki’s suggestion. The reporter states that she went to school, obtained a master’s degree in English literature, and became a trained professional writer, so that she didn’t have to sell anything. The reporter goes on to express her low opinion of salespeople, stating that they are only interested in money, and should have no business being in the writing profession. Kiyosaki refers the reporter to one of his books that is nearby, and points out that on the cover of the book are the words, “Robert Kiyosaki, Best Selling Author,” and not the words, “Best Writing Author.” Upon connecting the dots, the then frustrated reporter ends the interview, stating that the reality of what she heard is not fair. There are a few key takeaways from this section of Kiyosaki’s book that I would like to discuss. 

The first takeaway is that, regardless of what you study, or what you become in life, you will eventually have to sell something at some point. The reporter didn’t initially understand this concept. Whether you like it or not, the sale of something in your life is simply unavoidable. It may be something of great economic value, like a house, or something of personal value, like your time, but ultimately, you will be forced to sell something.

The second takeaway is inline with the first, and that is, it really doesn’t matter what your credentials are, you still have to be able to sell. This goes for not only selling products, but also for selling skills, labor, and time. You can be the most educated and credentialed person in your field, but without the ability to sell your skills, they could potentially be worthless. Companies make great products all the time and go under because they can’t make the sales to generate enough profit to stay afloat.

Third, no one should ever be so pompous and/or entitled, due to their socioeconomic position, race, religion, sex, nationality, education, etc., that they believe they are above someone else outside of their zone of identity. An example of this is clearly evident through the expression of the reporter’s opinions on Kiyosaki’s revelations regarding the connection of sales and marketing to being a “best selling” author, rather than a “best writing” author. This level of entitlement can ultimately limit one’s full earning potential, and can also stunt one’s personal and professional growth. This entitlement ultimately limited the reporter, at least, up to that point in time in her career. The reporter stated her aspiration to becoming a best selling author, implying she was not a best selling author. One could also assume that the reporter was not a best writing author as well, resulting in doubly crushing the reporter’s ego. 

The fourth point is in line with the third from the perspective of being entitled because of one’s educational background and/or profession. Just because you are highly educated, credentialed, or skilled, does not mean you are entitled to everything you lay your hands on, especially a job you may be applying to. The old phrase of, “It’s not always what you know, but who you know,” proves this point. 

Lastly, financial success comes in many forms, and yes, it often comes from SALES AND MARKETING! You do not have to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer in order to be financially successful. I have a feeling it’s especially this group of professionals that Kiyosaki and his business consultant were referring to when stating, “They are one skill away from great wealth.” The skill, or skills, being referred to are those of sales and marketing. Kiyosaki acknowledges that the world is full of incredibly educated, skilled, gifted, and talented people; however, Kiyosaki states that this group of people often struggles financially. 

My final comment regarding this book, topic, and the fifth point, is that if you haven’t read “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” by Robert Kiyosaki, I highly recommend you read it to learn more about becoming financially educated.

Whether the reality Kiyosaki points out to the reporter is fair or not fair, is a moot point, as it is simply reality. You either accept this reality and learn the skills to succeed, or you reject it, struggle, and potentially fail. Which will you decide? Although this is not an article on learning sales and marketing to build great wealth, it is an article that will hopefully give you the mindset necessary to succeed in applying a sales and marketing approach to anything you set your mind to, whether that be: the multi step process of job hunting, starting a business, becoming a best selling and/or best writing author, becoming a salesperson, etc. For an in depth analogy to apply this mindset towards writing resumes, applying for jobs, and getting hired by companies, check out my article here.