In part for fun, but also as an opportunity to introduce some of my readers to other great bloggers in the personal finance blogspace, I’ve decided to put together a series of informal interviews with other pf bloggers. This week’s interview is with Brandon, founder of The Almost Millionaire and successful franchise and import entrepreneur. You can subscribe to his RSS feed for free updates right here.
Almost Millionaire Blogging
So, what got you started blogging?
I have read about a thousand business books over the past 15 years. I felt that very few were practical. I decided that I wanted to pen a book someday with truly practical personal finance and business advice. I started blogging to organize my thoughts for this long term project. I figured that by blogging I could determine the viability of my book project.
What do you think makes your blog unique?
Just my personal life experiences. Other than that, there are tons of people blogging who have done much cooler stuff than I have.
Are there any mistakes you made starting out that you’d give as tips to other bloggers?
I didn’t do enough research into the power of blogging. I didn’t realize when I started out that blogging could be so great for business. I suggest you map out a game plan. Define your blogging goals, and measure your progress. Don’t invest time in something that isn’t working.
It sounds like you’ve had a thoughtful, well-planned strategy for your blog right from the beginning. How is your book coming along?
It will be years before I try to compile any book, but I sure am gathering A TON of content on my blog each week.
Do you think the blogosphere is too crowded now? Is it sustainable? Is it still possible to make any meaningful income blogging?
I think there will always be opportunities for good writers and unique thinkers to be successful as a blogger. What matters is their ability to educate, inspire, and lead.
Do you maintain other blogs, and if so, what have you learned from this?
I own several web properties. I mostly use them to organize my thoughts or opinions on issues I’m dealing with in my life. I own franchises, so I digest franchising at http://www.bfranchise.com. TAM is my primary blogging project.
Almost Millionaire Finances
OK, so let’s look at what you’re doing with all this passive/alternative wealth. What kind of an investor would you say you are?
I am very conservative! I view most everything in life as an investment, and I NEVER want to make a bad investment, be in time, energy, love, resources, finances, etc. This conservative view has led me down several successful entrepreneurial paths. I’ve been blessed with success in most all these endeavors, in large part, because of the conservative foundations that I build a business plan upon.
That’s a nice, broad idea of investing. I’d agree, for sure! Do you have any favorite kinds of financial investments?
I love buying the common stock of well managed companies. I love doing investment research. I also think small business ventures can be great investments for hard working folks.
Where would you like to be in the next five years?
Five years ago (age 25) I wrote the following on a piece of paper and stuck it into my wallet, “$1 Million Net Worth by age 35, $1 Million Liquid by age 40…with a GREAT family life!” I’m 30 now and well over halfway to my goals, I am confident I’ll meet and exceed them. I know at the very least I’ll have a great family life, because that is a priority! I celebrate 10 years of marriage in July.
Looking ahead, then, where do you see the U.S./world economy in the next 5-10 years?
As populations grow, I believe economies will grow too. I’m bullish on the US over the long term as I still believe our population is going to continue to expand significantly.
That’s a very pragmatic, wise way of looking at it.
Thanks, it I like to try to keep ideas and concepts as simple as possible.
What’s your own vision for escaping the rat race?
Being debt free! That is freedom in my book! I have over $300 K in personal, business, and mortgage loans. I want them gone, and I have a plan to retire that debt in the next few years. When I’m making $500K a year, I want to live on 20% or less. Life is FULL without all the trappings of wealth and the endless pursuit of “stuff.”
Do you believe in retirement?
No, sounds boring! Seriously.
Any final words you’d like to share with readers?
Just do something! Inaction is death and will never help you achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to fail! Failure is OK, it means you took a risk and tried something in life. Find a passion, take action, and become a leader. Don’t worry about the negative “talking heads” in your life…what have they ever tried to do? When have they ever stepped out on a limb?♣
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Stay tuned for next week’s interview with FourPillars, and in the following weeks, interviews with ManVsDebt; SuburbanDollar; MyLifeROI and Neal Frankle! Special thanks to all of you for participating, it’s been good to get to know my Twit-Blogger pals a bit better!
Catch up on the interviews with other bloggers here:
The Four Pillars of Wealth (Four Pillars, May 8th, 2009)
One-Month Blogging Success Story (ManVsDebt, May 13, 2009)
The Crisp, Clean Feel of 1,000,000 Suburban Dollars (Suburban Dollar, May 22, 2009)
In the meantime, if you liked this post, why not sign up (it’s free!) for more updates like this one so you won’t miss any posting of mine – just click on my RSS feed here. [And if you'd like to be interviewed here yourself, let me know by email (see my contact page) or just follow me on Twitter @MoneyEnergy and give me a shout!]
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{ 3 comments }
“Do you believe in retirement?
No, sounds boring! Seriously.”
Haha, easily the best part of the interview!
Indeed, just listen to the sound of the word “retirement.” It’s like “putting yourself to sleep” or something, isn’t it? I like the concept of lifestyle design much better. I’d also never “retire” in the traditional sense.
Thanks again for your support and interest! I was honored to do the interview, it was very fun. Looking forward to others in the future.
Hope you had a great weekend.
-Brandon
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