The Art of Making Money

Author: Barnum
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: He was a giant in the American entertainment industry, a showman, a politician, an entrepreneur, and a writer, owning his own museum. He was named one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century by People magazine. Who could have such a legendary life? P.T. Barnum was born in the United States in 1810 and was the eldest of five children. From a young age, he showed a talent for sales and began selling lottery tickets at just 12. At 25, he entered the entertainment industry and, with his exceptional imagination and sales genius, directed one myth after another, including "The Mermaid" and "The Swedish Nightingale." In 1841, he purchased the American Museum on Broadway in New York, and in 1871, he founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus. These two enterprises are still thriving today. He is hailed as the Shakespeare of advertising, and his words are widely quoted and deeply ingrained in the industry. For example, "All publicity is good publicity" has become a mantra for many public relations professionals; "Every audience is a pile of money. Once you attract people's attention, never let it slip away. If the audience's gaze turns elsewhere, that is your loss," has become the precursor to modern "attention economy." This legendary figure dedicated his life to writing The Art of Making Money, a gift to those who bravely pursue wealth. This book recommends 20 suggestions for the art of making money: Avoid choosing the wrong industry, leverage your location, never go into debt, persevere, give it your all, be hands-on, use good tools, work hard, develop expertise, have hope but not fantasy, focus on one thing, be organized, read every day, never enter industries you are unfamiliar with, never guarantee others, advertise heavily, be kind and polite to your clients, be charitable, control your mouth, and maintain virtue.