By: Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

Financial Analyst and Advisor, Paul Clitheroe when addressing a group of young entrepreneurs advised to, “Invest in yourself. Your career is the engine of your wealth.”

I wholeheartedly agree with him in this aspect. I don’t know very many people who do not want to acquire wealth. However, though they may want it, very many people know the steps to take to obtain it. The basis of attaining wealth is initiated through a successful career, which is fueled by one’s talent and skills. But more importantly, one must first invest in his or herself. The initial investment must begin with investing in education. Money and success amount to nothing if there is not the proper knowledge in place to secure it.

One may say, “I don’t know how to begin investing in myself.” Well I suggest that you start with what you know and what you can do well. One must first identify his or her talents and skills and build them into an income-generating catalyst. This is only the start of acquiring wealth.

I have had many people to approach me with business plans and ideas on a venture that they are interested in pursuing. Although I am an advocate of entrepreneurship, one thing I must stress emphasis on is the most prominent and influential investor into a business that someone is interested in establishing is themselves.

Quite naturally, in terms of getting an idea, venture or such off of the ground it is inevitable that at some point there will be some capital needed. Yet, the most impressive tool to a potential investor is being able to understand and see the efforts of what the entrepreneur has invested and contributed into their agenda first. Not only is this thought true for going into business for one’s self, but also in terms of education or attempting to advance one’s self.

We Must Understand, that knowledge and education plays a major role in success. You must know your work and know it well. It is never a good idea to step outside of your comfort zone. No one with good sense wants to spend or waste his or her time on something or someone who has no potential for success. This is why I feel the need to relay the thought to our faithful and loyal audience of African-American News&Issues, that it is important to invest in yourself!
If you do not illuminate a mind-set that you believe in you, then why would you expect someone else to believe?

Furthermore, by investing in yourself you are more apt to work harder to achieve your goals and objective.

Concluding I just have to echo the sound of the founding father of this country, Benjamin Franklin who stated that, “If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”