This is part two of my current series Good Books to Read.
If you missed the first one you can catch it here Good Books to Read : Part 1
This post is about my favorites from the Rich Dad series. They are truly good books to read.
These are books I know very well.
As many of your know I was the CEO for some years of the organization that promoted Robert Kiyosaki in Australia and New Zealand.
Good Books to Read – from the Rich Dad Series
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This is the first of Robert’s books in the Rich Dad series and it is by far the most well-known and well read.
What you may not know about the book is that it was turned down by many publishers in the USA and Robert eventually self-published. The company I worked with had also published it here in Australia and it was here it became a best seller first. I tell you this as a word of encouragement as many great people had their setbacks along the way. Robert was knocked back many times.
This book is responsible for mindset shifts in people around the globe. It is Robert’s story of growing up in a middle class home with a highly educated father. It compares what he learned from his father with what he learned from his best friend’s father who was a rich businessman.
- It challenges the myth that you need high income to become rich.
- It challenges the belief that your house is an asset (I can tell you that was a challenge for my accountant brain!)
- It defines assets and liabilities in a different way
- It is a different way of thinking.
I believe this is a must read book for everyone and very deserving of being on a list of good books to read.
What did I learn from it? – I had known Robert for years before he wrote this book so was very familiar with the content and his views. I had already had many “ah ha” moments in workshops with him but I still have read the book at least a dozen times!
The Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki
This was the second of Robert’s books in this series and it is my personal favorite.
This diagram represents the Cashflow Quadrant
The letters in each quadrant represent:
E for employee – An employee has a job and often needs safety and security. It is what school prepares us for – study hard and get a good job.
S for self-employed – A self employed person wants to do their own thing and be their own boss.
B for business owner – B are true business owners who unlike the S surrounds themselves with smart people.
I for investor – I are the Investors who make money with money. They often do not work as their money works for them.
“The Cashflow Quadrant explains why some people work less, earn more, pay less in taxes and feel more financially secure than others. It is simply a matter of knowing which quadrant to work from and when.” Robert Kiyosaki.
I have written about this book previously. If you want more information you can get it at Understanding the Cashflow Quadrant
This book changed many things for me. The greatest distinction was that being an S (self-employed) is very different to being in the B quadrant where you truly have a business.
Rich Woman – by Kim Kiyosaki
This is a book for the women. Kim is Robert’s wife and a very smart businesswoman and real estate investor.
The book is for women who want to be financially independent and not dependent on a man or anyone to take care of them.
Kim and Robert are a partnership in both life and business. She is a strong contributor to their wealth.
The stats quoted in the book are frightening about the prospects for women. One of them being that 3 out of 4 of people living in poverty are women.
My take away – I had my own career and have always been relatively independent even though my husband and I are a team. Kim gave me a whole new level to aspire to. Knowing her is amazing and she is a great example of a modern day successful woman.
The Business School for People Who Like Helping People – Robert Kiyosaki
This is a book for network marketers. Robert has never been involved in network marketing however he acknowledged the model for being a great way for people to learn the skills of business.
And of course he is a huge advocate of residual income.
It has some of the same information in it that Rich Dad Poor Dad and The Cashflow Quadrant do but specifically talks to network marketers.
What I gained from this book was an appreciation for the MLM profession. Until this point I was very skeptical.
Sales Dogs – Blair Singer
Blair is a friend of mine and a great teacher. He has taught with Robert for 25 years that I know of and I am sure more than that.
The bi-line to the books is “you do not have to be an attack dog to be successful in sales”.
The book takes 5 breeds of dogs and explains if we were dogs how we would sell. Have a look at the website http://www.salesdogs.com/ you can take a free diagnostic there to determine which type of dog you are. It is fun and revealing.
I think the reason many people think they hate sales, or do not want to be seen as a sales person, is they think of the Pit Bull – Blair discusses this in the book. Maybe you are more of a relationship builder – golden retriever?
I really hope you will do the diagnostic. If you do let me know below what you are. It is fun 🙂
I am poodle – with some basset mixed in there.
In all seriousness the book is for anyone who thinks they cannot sell or has people around them that they think cannot sell. It is a great read.
My take away – I played a part in promoting this book out here. I got a lot from watching people get a greater understanding on how they could actually sell. Oh and my Nirvana (beagle) featured in the media.
Hey if you cringe at the word “sell” remember there is no business without a sale.
Good Books to Read… in closing
These are just a few books from the Rich Dad series. There are many more but these are my favorites.
Please leave be your comments below and let me know if you have read any of these or others in the series.
Make it a great day.
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
PS
If you want to work in an environment that supports personal growth check this out.
Akaahan Terungwa says
Hello Sue,
It’s a great idea you mentioned Kiyosaki…believe me, that book, ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad, changed my course in life! While my initial plan was to be a professor of English and Literature, immediately I finished reading that book, I knew that dream was in trouble!
…Kiyosaki awoke the business genius in me!!
I have also read Cash Flow Quardrant. Though a great entry, I cannot say it compares (or had the impact) of Rich Dad, Poor Dad on me.
I am pleased to know you also love these books. And thanks for reminding me (I take it personal), that the world’s great surmount many challenges to reach their present greatness!
Do have a very great day!
Always,
Terungwa
Sue Price says
Hi Terungwa
Wow Robert did really change the course of your life. I guess your then vocation choice was so inline with the story of his Dad. I would love to know just how many people’s lives were changed by that book. And to think no one wanted to publish it!!
For me the main impact was with The Cashflow Quadrant. It was timing as we were growing a financial planning practice and I was trying to still work in it not on it. I really got some lessons and our business grew.
Ah yes Robert had his struggles for sure. His books really took off when we got onto the Oprah show. That is a story in itself too as he and Kim his wife never gave up until she interviewed him. He is determined and persistent.
Thanks for your comment Terungwa. Have a wonderful rest of your week.
Sue
donna merrill says
Hi Sue,
As you are aware “Rich Dad Poor Dad” changed my life in so many ways. I read it about three times and always get more out of it. It has a way of turning one’s mindset around. Not all of us was born into money. After reading this book, I have such a better understanding of money and what it can actually do. I still have a copy because I like to go back and refer to it from time to time.
“Rich Woman” was a follow up to this one and really got to the core of me. Another life changer!
I’ve not heard of “Sales Dogs” but it sure does perk up my interests. Dogs and marketing my two passions. I love that you were a part of this and seeing Nirvana just opens my heart. That’s a book for me!
Thanks Sue,
-Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
I knew you got heaps from Rich Dad Poor Dad and then of course Kim’s book. I was so happy when she wrote that as I think it is an important message for women. Also she has played a very important role in the whole Rich Dad brand and Robert’s success.
No we were not all brought up in wealthy families. I often wonder how I would think if I had been as opposed to learning new ways of thinking.
Sales Dogs is great Donna and I am sure you would love it for the reasons you say – you love marketing and dogs. I would love you to do the diagnostic in there for what type of dog you are. Now I am guessing but would love to know. It only takes 10 minutes or so and is fun too. Go on… 🙂
It is only now all this time on since Nirvana went to doggie heaven that I can smile and remember her with joy and not start crying. Boy it takes time doesn’t it? The day they did the photo shoot she was the dog that would not do anything the photographer wanted. She always had a strong will.
Thanks for your comment Donna.
Sue
Lisa Magoulas says
Hi Sue,
I have heard so much about Rich Dad Poor Dad, but I have yet to purchase it or read it. After reading your thoughts on the book, it sounds like it’s something I definitely want to add to my collection. Actually all the books you mentioned sound like I’d really enjoy reading them. Quite fascinating that you worked with Robert Kiyosoki. You’ve lived quite an amazing life. I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to get to know you. Have a wonderful day. Lisa
Sue Price says
Hi Lisa
I really encourage you to read Rich Dad Poor Dad. Have a read of what Terungwa and Donna said about the effect it had for them. It is amazing and I am sure you will get a lot out of it.
They are all good books and yes I was fortunate to have worked with Robert. Watching his fame grow was a fascinating journey. I am blessed.
Thanks for your feedback here Lisa and you too have a great day.
Sue
William Butler says
Hello Sue,
As with your last post, you know how much I enjoy reading. Obviously the Kiyosaki’s have the proper mindset to produce wealth. It wouldn’t surprise me to books my their children too.
Thank you for introducing me to Sales Dogs. The concept intrigues me, especially because many people “work like a dog.” Definitely one to add to my list.
Some people spend a lifetime looking for Nirvana. Lucky you, you can reach Nirvana anytime you like. 🙂
All the best!
Bill
Sue Price says
Hi Bill
The Kiyosaki’s do have great mindsets but they worked on them big time and still do. Neither Robert or Kim grew up with wealth so it is work and mindset. they do heaps and also read a lot of books.
Sales Dogs is a great book and is a different way to say we can approach a task in a different way from the next person. I am sure you would enjoy it. Blair Singer does amazing transformational work. He is one of my favorites.
Ah now our Nirvana was actually named after the band. She was my daughter’s dog who was a young girl when we got her as a puppy. My daughter was a big fan of the band. But the dog had a life of nirvana ( I think anyway).
Thanks for your comment Bill.
Sue
sherman smith says
Hey Sue,
Looks like I’m a basset hound! I’m going to have to make some improvements!
I’ve ready many of the books. I got a lot out of the first one Rich Dad Poor Dad, and as a matter of fact i bought the game Cashflow 101.. when me and my dad played it the for the first time, it took us about 6 hours just to get out of the rat race, and we didn’t even finish the game LOL
I would have to say that my favorite is Conspiracy Of The Rich. I really like the history of money we he talked about the first couple of chapters of the book and he gave us some solutions on how each of us can do so that we don’t repeat history!
Im definitely going to have to check out Sales Dogs! The test piqued my interest! Thanks for sharing Sue!
Sue Price says
Hi Sherman
Good on you for doing the diagnostic. There is nothing wrong with being a Bassett Hound 🙂
Wow 6 hours to get out of the rat race is a long time (in the game of course) but isn’t that such a good teacher?
I must confess I have not read Conspiracy of the Rich. I know his thoughts on it pretty well though.
I am sure you will love Sales Dogs. Even though it is fun it is also a good look at our different styles in selling.
Thanks for your comment here Sherman. Have a great rest of your week.
Sue
Adrienne says
Hey Sue,
I was almost going to start off by saying that I’m probably the only person left on this planet that has not read one book from Robert Kiyosaki or Kim for that matter but then I saw that Lisa hadn’t either. Of course you already know the reasoning behind that because we’ve discussed it before but I never had a head for finance and I seriously thought that was what it was all about. Back then those things didn’t interest me.
So I haven’t read any of these and I won’t be picking up any books in the near future since my plate is so full for at least the next six months. I’m not even going to have the time to visit all the blog posts I normally do but that’s okay. My readers will benefit from the knowledge I’m fixing to dive into so I’m excited about that.
I would love to get back to reading though. I just bought a Kindle for myself for Christmas Sue because I do enjoy reading but I’m also going to let Mom use it too.
Thanks for sharing these and it’s still good to know what you highly recommend.
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
Yes I know you have not read any of these. One day when the time is right I recommend your read Rich Dad Poor Dad. It is not about finance it is about how we think and a lot of personal growth really.
I also understand you are very busy and pulling back on reading blog posts is something you need to do right now. I am looking forward to hearing about your learning as it develops.
Kindles are great. I have one too now and even get my personal development books on it. I take it with me when I go to places like he hairdresser or know I am going to have to wait somewhere. It is a great time to get a bit of reading in.
I am writing this response in a word doc to be on the blog when I get internet back. Had a night planned to do so much and the internet is down!
Thanks for visiting me and for your comment Adrienne. I appreciate you.
Sue
Arvixe says
Liabilities and Assets will different for person to person. For example for bank account holder property i.e. house is assets and same house for account holder is liability. This book is awesome for differentiation and taken right action. thanks suejprice.
Sue Price says
Hi Ashoka, I do not think assets and liabilities do vary from person to person but I understand your point. I think the different think is that Kiyosaki says the house we live in is not an asset as it does not provide us with an income. Of course in conventional accounting and banking terms it is an asset. 🙂
Thanks for your comment.