Look At All My Money…Look At It!
"Y’all on the 'gram holdin' money to your ear, there’s a disconnect, we don’t call that money over here." Jay Z
Recently on several Facebook entrepreneur groups I’ve seen people posting pictures of checks, stacks of cash, and screenshots of their bank accounts. “Look at how much money I made! YOU CAN MAKE THIS TOO!” is the message behind these pictures. These individuals are trying to demonstrate their success in whatever racquet their pushing and in turn are trying to convince you that those could be your gains as well…if you pay for their system.
These pictures of flagrant wealth are no more informative than sleazy pop up ads promising you a pill to “make your penis larger!” Screenshots of bank accounts with thousands of dollars as proof that they’re “successful”! Thousands of dollars in hundred dollar bills spread on a table means not only success but the promise of happiness and joy. All through real estate, multi-level marketing, email direct sales, you name the business model there’s someone selling you a system with PROOF that it’s going to be successful for you.
If you measure your wealth by amount of money in your bank account then you’re probably the kind of person those ads are targeting. In one post the individual who put up a picture of their bank account screen shots said “I’m not trying to brag, just to show you what’s possible”. The amount of money in your bank account doesn’t mean you’re successful, it means you have a bank account and that the account has money. Money and wealth are not the same to me and I hope it’s not the same to you either. Osama Bin Laden had money too, there’s something to consider.
Don’t fall for those pictures, videos, and screenshots. Don’t be lured into shady businesses by the promise of six figure incomes. Work hard, create your startup money honestly, live transparently, and find your passion. If your passion is only making money then enjoy that because little else will come from it. Hustle and grind for to make your business yours, real, and beneficial to others. If you feel compelled to show off with a screenshot of your bank account try Googling a screenshot from Jeff Bezos. Richest man on the planet, no account screenshot. If you want to prove your wealth donate 1/3 of your value to a charity, don’t worry you’re a financial powerhouse right? You’ll make that back fast right? I’d rather see your charitable contributions before a screenshot of your bank account, but honestly I’d rather see neither. I’d rather see what product or service you’re selling and judge that on its own merit without your bank account.
Rod Rodriguez is a 13 year combat Veteran of the US Army. He holds a B.S. in US Intelligence Studies and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling. Rod is also the host of The After Action Review (AAR) Podcast, a show dedicated to Veteran entrepreneurship. Visit the The AAR Podcast Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theaarpodcast and at www.theaarpodcast.com