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Syndication

This week on Quora both James and Claudia answered the same question, which was, "What is the one word you need to know to make you rich?

The funny thing is, their answers appeared to be exact opposites.

Claudia's answer was "Yes" and" and James' answer was "No."

Click here to listen as James and Claudia talk about how these two answers are really very similar.

Regards,

David Newman

P.S. James says there are seven huge trends that will shape America. Understanding these trends before anyone else will give you a huge advantage in work, life, and investing. Click here to learn more about James' great ideas.

 

--------------------------------Recommended Resources---------------------------------

 

 

The Power of No: Because One Little Word Can Bring Health, Abundance, and Happiness

Direct download: AA20Ep20268.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:50am EDT

James is thinking about giving up e-mail. His kids are only using Telegram and he wants to see what will happen.

Claudia believes she has a better idea… and it's changing her life already. She stopped all notifications on her phone.

She says it's given her her life back. She's back in control.

Then James says he's no longer bringing his phone to any meetings or conferences. He focuses in on the other person so much better now.

Listen as James and Claudia talk about productivity and how it can give you your life back.

Give these a try.

Regards,

David Newman

 

P.S. James says there are seven huge trends that will shape America. Understanding these trends before anyone else will give you a huge advantage in work, life, and investing. Click here to learn more about James' great ideas.

 

-------------------------------Recommended Resources---------------------------------

 

  •  James says it's not focus that matters the most. It's "decluttering" that really makes the biggest difference. Get rid of negative people, stop arguing with people, don't go to meetings or conferences that are marginal, and follow Warren Buffett's 5/25 rule. Listen here and learn how to declutter.

 

  •  Saturday, June 6, 2015 – Come meet your COUSINS James and Claudia (yes, we are all related) at the WORLD'S LARGEST FAMILY REUNION– Cousin James is one of the speakers.
Direct download: AA20Ep20267.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:40am EDT

Gillian Zoe Segal joins James and Claudia today to talk about how you can get any mentor in the world.

She interviewed "everyone" for her new book Getting There: A Book of Mentors. People like Warren Buffett, Sarah Blakely, Michael Bloomberg, Kathy Ireland and so many more.

James tells Gillian that many of these people have said no to coming on to The James Altucher Show and asks how she did it.

Gillian says a friend told her, "Don't take a no from somebody who can't give you a yes."

That's what made the difference.

If you get a no from the front door then try the back door, the side door or the window.

Gillian says she finished this book because she had a need for the material.

It was her passion.

Listen as James and Claudia have great conversation with Gillian.

 

Regards,

David Newman

P.S. James says there are seven huge trends that will shape America. Understanding these trends before anyone else will give you a huge advantage in work, life, and investing. Click here to learn more about James' great ideas.

 

------------------------------Recommended Resources--------------------------------

Getting There: A Book of Mentors

 

 

Saturday, June 6, 2015 – Come meet your COUSINS James and Claudia (yes, we are all related) at the WORLD'S LARGEST FAMILY REUNION– Cousin James is one of the speakers.

Direct download: AA20Ep2026620final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:26pm EDT

Last week James was invited to do a video for Business Insider on whether you should put money into your 401(k).

People went crazy attacking James. Not his arguments against saving within a 401(k), they attacked him personally.

Here's the scenario

1)Company: "Hey buddy, here's your money. Good job!" 

2)Company (1 second later): "WHOOPS! We have to take that from you. Don't worry, you'll get it back 30 years from now and have unknown fees and charges taken out of it. Relax." 

3)Person: protests with reasonable argument. Gets maybe minor fact wrong that is not important for the argument.

4)Company: "STONE HIM! HE IS A F'KING MORON! KILL HIM!" 

If you've not seen the original video, you can watch it here.

Your employer is not going to "choose you," you have to "choose yourself." If 401(k)s are so great, then why are so many people broke going into retirement?

Listen as James and Claudia talk about the real limitations of a 401(k).

Don't shoot the messengers...

Regards,

David Newman

 

P.S. James says there are seven huge trends will shape America. Understanding these trends before anyone else will give you a huge advantage in work, life, and investing. Click here to learn more about James' great ideas.

 

---------------------------------Recommended Resources---------------------------------

 

The Three Surprises in 401(k)s

 

Saturday, June 6, 2015 - Come meet your COUSINS James and Claudia (yes, we are all related) at the WORLD'S LARGEST FAMILY REUNION– Cousin James is one of the speakers.

Direct download: AA20Ep20265.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:05pm EDT

One of our past Ask Altucher guests Matt Capala from episode 245 emailed Claudia with our question of today.

Matt wants to know how to get the skills and passions he used to have, but that he has let slip recently

For Matt specifically, chess was something he used to play and enjoy and he'd like to get this passion back.

Lsten today as James talks about how to get back those skills you let rust.

Regards,

David Newman

PS. James says there are seven huge trends will shape America. Understanding these trends before anyone else will give you a huge advantage in work, like, and investing. Click here to learn more about James' great ideas.

-------------------------------------Recommended Resources---------------------------------

Chess by László Polgár

Greg Shahade on YouTube

Saturday, June 6, 2015 - Come meet your COUSINS James and Claudia (yes, we are all related) at the WORLD'S LARGEST FAMILY REUNION– Cousin James is one of the speakers.

Direct download: AA20Ep20264.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:03am EDT

How can you say "no" without hurting someone's feelings?

If your immediate reaction isn't "hell yeah," than you should probably say "no." Unless your career is speaking, then don't say "yes" just because you're being paid.

There is a right way to say "no," and most importantly, don't put it off.

 

Listen to how James has screwed this up many times

Direct download: AA20Ep20262.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:47am EDT

The most engaged article on LinkedIn last year was James' article on the "10 Reasons You Have to Quit Your Job in 2014."

But today, James is going to tell you why you might want to keep your job.

One reason may be that you're creating your own new job, but it's not big enough to totally support you yet. You need to keep your old job until the income from your new business is at least equal to the money you're making at your job.

Only then is it the right time to quit your job.

Listen today and learn why this subject isn't always just black and white.

Direct download: AA20Ep20261.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 8:56am EDT

Recently, James met with one of the current presidential candidates and came away with nothing new.

He realized that everyone is out for themselves and for their own self-interests. That's something he already knew.

James had the opportunity to ask the tough questions, but he didn't.

Listen today and learn why he didn't.

And both he and Claudia offer up who they think will win the next presidential election.

 

Who do you think will win?

Let James know.

Direct download: AA20Ep20260.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:05am EDT

Today’s question is going to be a controversial one. 

Our listener is under water on his mortgage and wants to know if he should stop paying it.

James says, absolutely.

When you took out a mortgage you signed a contract. If you can’t pay it than stop and give them back the house.

 

They are costs to this but you should weigh them against going broke. This isn’t an ethical issue, it’s a contract.

Listen today to learn the difference

Direct download: AA20Ep20259.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:04am EDT

What makes a good leader?

A lot of people give advice on this topic, but should you take their advice? Maybe not...

James says...

A good leader should give everyone who works for them a detailed plan on what they should be doing and what their goals are.

A good leader needs to make sure that everyone working for them has a path to success that takes them beyond the leader.

A good leader listens to people around him.

 

And a great leader has a vision.

Direct download: AA20Ep20258.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:15am EDT

James says it's not focus that matters the most. It's "decluttering" that really makes the biggest difference.

Get rid of negative people, stop arguing with people, don't go to meetings or conferences that are marginal, and follow Warren Buffett's 5/25 rule.

Listen and learn how to declutter your life

Regards,

 

David

Direct download: AA20Ep20257.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:45am EDT

Today's question is a delicate one. A listener texted in to ask what James thinks about abortion.

James says that there are a few topics that no matter which side you're on, everyone hates you.

This is one of those questions, but it's a very important discussion.

I think it's important to tune in today. Please listen to this entire episode.

 

Listen here and join in the conversation.

Direct download: AA20Ep20256.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:35am EDT

Claudia showed James "the perfect resume" yesterday. After taking a look at it, James had to agree.

This should be the standard resume anyone should use going forward.

The resume was from a woman named Nina, who wanted to work at Airbnb. So, she customized her resume to look exactly like an Airbnb webpage.

She left out all the old standard resume components; instead, she just put in a link to LinkedIn, where it's all housed anyway.

Instead, she focused on how she can help Airbnb. She studied the company, offered solutions on where to start, and told a story.

If you really, honestly want that job, then learn from Nina and stand out.

Listen and learn how you can get that new job.

Regards,

 

David

Direct download: AA20Ep20255.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:36pm EDT

Yesterday, James and Claudia covered a bunch of myths that have been drilled into us. Here's a link to listen to yesterday's episode if you missed it.

Today, they talk about the myths we believe in regarding money, family, government, wars, and religion.

Regards,

David

P.S. CHARTER SUBSCRIPTION OFFER EXPIRES TODAY

If you like James Altucher's work as much as we do...

I wanted to let you know that the opportunity to get a Charter Subscription to his brand-new newsletter... plus a hardback copy of his new book... and tons of other great resources... expires today.

As you probably know, Charter Subscribers always get the best deal, and this is no exception.

I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this today, before this deal closes forever.

 

It's all explained right here...

Direct download: AA20EP20254.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:08am EDT

James likes to beat his kids (you’ll have to listen to find out why)

But that's not today's question.

Today, James and Claudia cover a bunch of myths that have been drilled into us.

Listen to hear how many of these myths you've fallen for.

Regards,

David

P.S. As you can tell, James is fiercely committed to helping people lead happier, wealthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

That's why he's working on a new project – one that introduces you to life-changing ideas, secrets, and techniques you have never heard of before. It's the perfect guidebook for succeeding in a rapidly changing America. Click here to learn more.

Direct download: AA20Ep20253.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:47am EDT

James is so excited that he can hardly handle it...

James has used "The Force" to help him solve a major business problem he experienced in one of his earlier companies.

He decided not to be angry, and he wasn't going to be scared. He calmed down and trusted that whatever happens, happens.

He wasn't going to waste time worrying.

Be calm, be honest, and do your best.

 

Regards,

David

P.S. As you can tell, James is fiercely committed to helping people lead happier, wealthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

That's why he's working on a new project – one that introduces you to life-changing ideas, secrets, and techniques you have never heard of before. It's the perfect guidebook for succeeding in a rapidly changing America. Click here to learn more.

Direct download: AA20Ep20252.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:44pm EDT

If you're in a service business, you need to give your friendship away for free at first.

But be careful, and make sure the friendship is reciprocal.

Take each individual client on a case-by-case basis.

Every client is different.

Regards,

David

P.S. As you can tell, James is fiercely committed to helping people lead happier, wealthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

That's why he's working on a new project – one that introduces you to life-changing ideas, secrets, and techniques you have never heard of before. It's the perfect guidebook for succeeding in a rapidly changing America. Click here to learn more.

Direct download: AA20Ep20251.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:05pm EDT

Claudia threw out all of her dinner plates since she wants to live longer, but that's not today's question.

Today, James wanted to talk about creativity and the power of a partnership.

1 + 1 = Teamwork

Teamwork can help you become a creative genius. No idea lives in isolation, no partnership lives in isolation, and no team lives in isolation.

 

Regards,

David

 

P.S. As you can tell, James is fiercely committed to helping people lead happier, wealthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

That's why he's working on a new project – one that introduces you to life-changing ideas, secrets, and techniques you have never heard of before. It's the perfect guidebook for succeeding in a rapidly changing America. Click here to learn more.

Direct download: AA20Ep20250.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:42am EDT

Your boss has a good reason to hate you.

Too many employees don't want to be proactive. They want more money and bigger titles, but they don't want to tie their own success to the success of the company they work for.

Figure out a way to tie your success to your company's. Try to solve your company's problems.

Become an asset and your boss won't hate you.

Regards,

David

P.S. As you can tell, James is fiercely committed to helping people lead happier, wealthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

That's why he's working on a new project – one that introduces you to life-changing ideas, secrets, and techniques you have never heard of before. It's the perfect guidebook for succeeding in a rapidly changing America. Read on here to learn more.

Direct download: AA20Ep20249.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:10am EDT

Yes, money was a factor, but not the most important factor.

Listen to what was the most important thing.

Regards,

David

P.S. As you can tell, James is fiercely committed to helping people lead happier, wealthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

That's why he's working on a new project – one that introduces you to life-changing ideas, secrets, and techniques you have never heard of before. It's the perfect guidebook for succeeding in a rapidly changing America. Read on here to learn more.

Direct download: AA20Ep20248.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:29am EDT

Who do you want to do business with – honest, forthright, and trustworthy people or aggressive sharks?

James says honestly pays every time.

Being a shark is a terrible strategy. In the long term, it will always catch up with you.

Regards,

David

P.S. As you can tell, James is fiercely committed to helping people lead happier, wealthier, and more fulfilling lives.

 

That's why he's working on a new project – one that introduces you to life-changing ideas, secrets, and techniques you have never heard of before. It's the perfect guidebook for succeeding in a rapidly changing America. Read on here to learn more.

Direct download: AA20Ep2024720final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:04am EDT

The average successful multimillionaire has roughly seven to 10 streams of income.

Becoming an entrepreneur often means that you only have one; it may be a very large income but it's usually from just one source.

James recommends working on multiple sources of income, and today he and Claudia talk about numerous opportunities available to everyone.

Nothing happens overnight. Find what you're knowledgeable about and start today.

You'll look back a year from now and discover you're on your way.

 

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews of this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the responses I've received. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20246.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:47am EDT

How can I make money on my blog is a question James gets over and over and over again.

So today he and Claudia call an expert in the field of SEO, Matt Capala, to learn some of the secrets.

James and Claudia visited Matt in his NYU class last week and since then he's helped Claudia optimize her new website.

Matt has dug into the Google algorithms to understand how you can best utilize their search engine, and today he tells James a few of the new updates coming.

James asks Matt if a new blogger can really make money on the web. As Matt says, first you need a ton of free content on your website, but it's much more than that. Google will give you free tools to help you get ranked and you should learn what they are and how to use them

Blogging like a pro is a real science, and Matt can help you get a quick education. He's written the ultimate beginners guide to SEO and he's giving it away free to James' listeners.

SEO Like I'm 5, (just click on the link).

This book will help you with:

  • Where to start
  • Which free platforms and tools to use
  • How to build a search-friendly website
  • How to build a killer content strategy
  • How to monetize your website
  • How to build a winning social media strategy
  • How to make money online

And much, much more.

So if this is something you think you need help with, grab a copy of SEO Like I'm 5 today. 

It’s free for now, but soon it’s going back up to $10

Regards,

David

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews of this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20Ep2024520final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:14pm EDT

When are you most creative – when you're working alone or when you're working in a team?

James used to work alone, but in about 2010, Claudia gave him some feedback, a "spark." And as he says, "he's never looked back," and his work is much better.

He has found his team, his partner.

Not every team works out well, but don't neglect the value of having a good partner. It's well worth the effort.

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews of this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20244.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:57am EDT

Mancal Denton went to prison. Not jail... prison.

He was sent to the Texas State Penitentiary and served a six-month prison term there.

He joins James today to talk about the mistakes he made and why he did it.

He was convicted of stealing about 17,000 pages of documents from the Mazal Holocaust Library in Hill Country Village and then selling them online. While exact numbers aren't available, it's believed about 7,000 pages were never recovered.

He felt he probably won't have to go to jail but in June 2014 the judge sentenced him to six months in prison.

During the three and a half years between being arrested and being sentenced, he finished school and started a business.

He credits James' blog as one of things that helped him get through this ordeal.

How he survived prison is a fascinating story.

Regards,

David

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews of this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep2024320Final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:43am EDT

Ben from London is skeptical that writing down your 10 ideas a day and then giving them away will really help you generate income.

James explains that this type of thinking comes from our evolutionary instinct towards scarcity.

Life is not a zero-sum game, though.

By giving away your ideas, you're showing people a few things about you. You're the type of person who can come up with ideas that can help them.

Share your ideas and don't ask for anything. Just plant the seed and see what grows.

Listen here if you're ready to learn about giving away your ideas.

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews of this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20Ep20242.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:34am EDT

We sent you Part 1 of this amazing interview with Mark Ford on Tuesday and today we're releasing Part 2. If you've not listened to Part 1 click here to start there.

 

Make sure you go to markfordbook.com and learn how you can claim your free copy of Mark's book, Living Rich: How to Live as Well as a Billionaire on a Middle-Class Budget.

Direct download: JAS20EP2010320Ford20Part20220final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:55pm EDT

No matter how you invest, James says the best investment is to invest in yourself. But today he and Claudia cover 401(k)s.

You'll hear Claudia's story about how hers never made her any money.

But James says that's not the "scam." The real problem is that the people who sell these calculate an annualized return and project it out over 30 or 40 years. They show you these compounding growth charts and suddenly, when you're ready to retire, boom, you're rich.

But there are two big problems with those calculations.

First, no one can really tell you what you're going to be earning on these investments and all too often the projections are way too aggressive. And secondly, and this one is really important, they don't tell you about the taxes you're going to have to pay when you want your money back.

And then there are the fees. Everyone has his or her hand in your money getting a piece of your retirement.

The fees will kill you.

Listen here if you're ready to learn how to get rich.

 

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews of this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20EP20241.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:51am EDT

Dorie Clark is a marketing strategy consultant, professional speaker, and frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Entrepreneur,and the World Economic Forum blog. Recognized as a "branding expert" by the Associated Press, Fortune, and Inc. magazine, she is the author of the brand-new best-seller Stand Out.

Today, she talks with James and Claudia about what it means to stand out.

Dorie gives us five different strategies that successful people have used to come up with their breakthrough ideas.

  1. 1.Become an expert in a narrow niche and then expand out.
  1. 2.Combine disciplines, mash up two different ideas.
  1. 3.Do independent research. We need more facts.
  1. 4.Tackle a big idea.
  1. 5.Create a framework.

 

She details all of these with great examples in today's podcast, along with examples on how to build your following.

She says you first have to build your network, next build your audience, and finally you have to build your community.

That's the tipping point.

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20240.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:34am EDT

Ep 102: The Man Who Built 100 Businesses

Today we have a very special show for you. 

James hopped a plane to Palm Beach and recorded this two-part show from this gentleman’s waterfront mansion. He’s is a true legend in the field of entrepreneurship and investing having started over 100 companies, most of which have been successful.

His guest today is the New York Times bestselling author, Mark Ford, You might recognize Mark by his pen name, “Michael Masterson,” but I also wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of him. Unlike other business and financial “gurus,” Mark is intensely private and has deliberately kept a low profile over the past 30 years. He has been a silent force behind the careers and ideas of many of the smartest people in investing and entrepreneurship.

Mark’s accomplishments are as impressive as they are varied: he has built 100+ businesses, amassed a fortune in the high 8-figure range… climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, speaks 4 languages… is a best selling author of nearly twenty books… and at 64, he still wears his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt 5 times a week as he spars with men half his age. 

But before you check out the interview, we forgot to include an important piece of information during the show. Mark agreed to give away one of his most popular books to my listeners

They start out today talking about what Mark calls, “becoming an “Intra-premier”. Not everyone can quit his or her job tomorrow. As an intra-preneur you have to become the most valuable or one of the most valuable people within the company you work. 

He then tells James about two very different negotiation techniques that he’s learned from two of his mentors. They couldn’t be more different.

Mark talks today about the three sides of every business and which one you want to be a part of. 

And as Mark says “You have to promote yourself”

Plus, this is only part one of this amazing interview. 

Make sure you go to markfordbook.com and claim your free copy of Mark’s book Living Rich: How to Live as Well as a Billionaire on a Middle-Class Budget

Regards,

 

James Altucher

Direct download: JAS2010220Mark20Ford20Part20120final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:04pm EDT

Drew Canole – a nutrition specialist, transformation specialist, and national spokesperson for the benefits of juicing vegetables for health and vitality – joins James and Claudia today to talk about getting healthy.

Drew goes way beyond just eating healthily. He teaches James and Claudia some really easy vestibular exercises to lower stress ad stimulate brain activity.

He also promises to give us at least 30 unhealthily food substitutions, and boy does he deliver.

Drew is the founder of Fitlife.tv and has offered to give all our listeners a free report. Just go to AlphaReset.com.

Listen today if you're ready to reset your life.

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep2023920final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:55pm EDT

Steve DiNisio joins James today to explain how, by helping liquidate failed businesses, he's created a seven-figure income for himself.

Today they dig into some of the basic reasons why business fail and what they should be doing at the very beginning to help them succeed.

Steve explains the liquidation business to James. It's recently gone online, which makes it much easier to manage.

James is on a roll today as an atomic idea machine, tossing out some great business ideas to help Steve grow his business

 Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep2023820final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:17pm EDT

Today is a very special episode of Ask Altucher. Our original co-host, Aaron Brabham, is back for a long-overdue reunion.

Aaron decided a few months ago to "choose himself." He moved from snowy Baltimore to sunny San Diego to work on the projects he loves.

Copywriting has always been something he dabbled in, but now he has decided to dive in full time. He tells James and Claudia all about the art of copywriting. Aaron dives into the art of gives away a few of his best secrets.

James then asks him what a "choose yourself" lifestyle really is, and Aaron shares his own path to living life on his own terms. He explains how he's living The Millionaire Anywhere lifestyle – living, feeling, and earning like a millionaire.

If you go to Aaron's website, The Millionaire Anywhere, today, you can get his free report, "10 Strategies to Start Your First Business Today (Even if You Don't Have an Idea)."

You'll be happy you did.

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20237.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:42pm EDT

James hits Claudia with another idea today. As he says, you are allowed to have bad ideas.

Today's idea is called "The Lottery Diet." You'll have to tune in to find out what his idea is all about.

Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know what James thinks about President Obama's idea to offer community college for free.

James says it's a horrible idea. Too many young people think that it is the "degree" that counts, but that's not correct.

It's not the piece of paper that matters... it's experience that really matters. Take those few years you'll waste in college and travel, intern, experiment.

You'll be much better off.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20236.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:03pm EDT

Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know, "Should I quit my job and open a yoga studio?"

James says, "If you're leaving your job, don't start a yoga studio."

The goal to choosing yourself is to make money while you sleep.

The problem with quitting your job and opening a yoga studio is you always have to be there to make any money.

The best case is it's a lifestyle business. You're doing this because you love it and just have to do it, but test your idea first.

Try adding in clothing, food, and equipment.

Make it a destination.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20235.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 7:12am EDT

Today's question came from a listener who wants to know "How much money do I need before I quit my job?"

James says, "ZERO!"

But James recommends staying with the job you already have while you start your new business. You need to create a second source of income before you quit.

That's your runway.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. 

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20234.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT

Today's question came from a listener who wants to know if you should trust your friends in business.

James says you should never go into business with people you don't trust. Or to take it a step farther, you shouldn't have friends you can't trust.

The average person is inherently trustworthy, but...

It's always personal.

Listen here as James tosses out a huge number of ideas.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com.

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here 

Direct download: AA20Ep20233.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT

Today's question came from a listener who was laid off after 10 years at his last company. He's interested in the wine business and is wondering if he can make a living in the wine e-commerce space.

James first says... Congratulations!

First, think of three levels "free," "pay," and then wealth.

  • Free – Every day, blog about wine. James and Claudia give him a bunch of ideas. Move into the video space, use Vine. Try everything, and always be storytelling.
  • Pay – Create a newsletter and sell a wine of the day with a 24-hour countdown.
  • Wealth – Host wine tours.

Write down your ten ideas a day and watch how quickly you'll also come up with great ideas.

James tosses out a huge number of ideas.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20EP20232.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:27pm EDT

For those who are interested, I decided to launch a new monthly newsletter, The Altucher Report.

It's going to be a little more specific and much more tactical than my free blog posts.

It's brand new and I'm selling it for just $39 per year with a four-month, 100%-money-back guarantee.

Plus...

My new book, The Choose Yourself Guide To Wealth, is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say, it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book, you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20231.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:57pm EDT

Today, James is going to fire off quick answers to a bunch of questions.

He talks about karma, investing, and relationships. He answers a question about his goals.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send your stories to: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book, you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20EP20230.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:44pm EDT

James always says that you should over-promise and over-deliver. Though, most people say you should under-promise and then over-deliver.

The over-promise gets you beyond what people think you might be able to do. Yes, it's stressful, but you'll stand out.

Then, when you over-deliver beyond even that, you'll grow as a person.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

P.S. Hi James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together a book of all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20Ep20229.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:31pm EDT

Today's question for James is, would he home school his children?

James says absolutely, but only after the sixth grade. Well, sort of...

Instead he would "un-school" his kids. All they'd have to do is read one book per week and then discuss it with him. The rest of the time they could do whatever they want.

But here's the problem, James' kids want to go to school. They like the social aspect of it and they don't want to be one of those "weird" kids.

Listen here.

We'd love to hear about your Choose Yourself stories. Send us your stories here.

Regards,

David

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It's taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the responses I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially like the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20EP20228.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:36pm EDT

Is James' daily practice a way out of an addiction?

James says yes and no...

First, you need to become physically healthy. You need to sleep well, eat well, and exercise at least a little.

Listen today as James talks through becoming emotionally healthy, mentally healthy, and spiritually healthy.

Every day, try to improve just a little.

And remember to be grateful.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send them to askjamesaltucher@gmail.com.

Regards,

David 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here are some of the initial reviews on this book:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other books by me, plus a newsletter that will be the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

 

P.P.S. Happy Birthday, Mollie.

Direct download: AA20EP20227.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:17am EDT

Today's questioner wants to know if James' daily 1% improvement comes from doing something brand new.

His answer is yes, and no...

Plus, today James answers a second question about how to format an e-mail and write a subject line so it gets opened and read.

Click here to listen to today's episode of Ask Altucher.

 

We'd love to hear about your Choose Yourself stories. Send us your stories here.

 

 

P.S. James' new book is finally out! He's been quietly working on this new volume for the better part of a year. Many people are telling him that it's his best book yet. He'd love to hear your feedback. His new book is all about money – how to make it, keep it, grow it, and enjoy it. This book is not yet available on Amazon, but we've arranged a way for you to claim a copy right here..

Direct download: AA_Ep_226_dn.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:15pm EDT

Is it ethical to just walk out of a meeting, quit your job, and never return?

Today, James talks about your legal and ethical responsibilities. When James walked out, he felt it was the best thing to do for all parties involved.

Click here to listen to today's episode of Ask Altucher.

We'd love to hear your opinion.

Direct download: AA20EP2022520copy.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:15pm EDT

What's the deal with The Paleo Diet?

James says screw it, it's just another marketing message.

Our lifestyle is so different from that of our ancestors. We sit at work all day and watch TV all night, between trips to the refrigerator.

Today, James talks about what it really means to follow a paleo diet. It's a lot more than just which foods you eat.

It's a lifestyle.

Direct download: AA20Ep20224.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT

How do I execute on my ideas?

 

It's extremely hard to come up with an idea worth executing. Execution is just a subset of ideas.

 

When you have a good idea, the next day you should make list of 10 ideas on how to move your idea forward.

 

I walk through a model you can copy.

Direct download: AA20EP20223.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:55pm EDT

Alan wants to know why I leas my car instead of buying it.

I'm  a bit conflicted about which is better – buying or leasing.

Today a car is really a computer with a bunch of metal wrapped around it. With technology moving so quickly, I don't want to be tied down to old technology.

I'd rather trade up every three years.

Plus, Claudia has a great idea for new car technology. Here's a hint... think about a wet dog.

Direct download: AA20Ep20222.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

Don't Run Over a Baby in the Middle of the Snow

by James Altucher

 

The car started to skid and swerve and we couldn't stop. It was all my fault.

I had sped up while going into a sharp curve. I was just fooling around. The entire road was ice. My 12 year old kid was sitting next to me.

Why did I do that? I don't know. Because I'm an idiot sometimes. I hope all people are idiots sometimes so I don't have to feel so bad but maybe it's just me.

When we couldn't stop the car from skidding Mollie started screaming. We went into a snow drift and kept going.

The snow was beautiful and white and we were over the top and sitting in a perfect white yard. I put it in reverse but the car was perched in the air above the snow bank. It wouldn't move forward or backward and the wheel just spun in the air.

It was getting cold and dark. I had no shovel and when I went outside to try to kick away the snow around the wheel it seemed almost infinite. I kept kicking but my feet got cold and then I got cold and went back in the car.

Mollie was disappointed in me. "What are we going to do now?" She said. She was angry. But I had no idea.

I could have been disappointed. "Why me?" Or I could have been regretful. "Stupid me!"

I could have also been scared. What if we are stuck all night? Or even worse, what if I don't stop by the pharmacy and run the errand I said I would run for Claudia!

This is a great example of what I call a "difficult gratitude problem." Everyone says be "grateful." It's easy to be grateful when things are going well. Grateful for kids, wife, home, food, blah blah.

It's much harder to be grateful when you know you are an idiot and everything bad is your fault.

So here's what I am grateful for about crashing into the snow and being stuck in the night. I was totally irresponsible and foolish and it seemed like nothing good would come out of it.

A) I spent more time with Mollie.

She was disappointed in me at first. But then while we just sat there in the car doing nothing she showed me a game she was playing on her phone and we spent some time going back and forth, laughing, while she tried to explain her strategy for winning to me.

B) We live in an amazing service world.

I called Claudia, who called Honda, who called a towing service. It would take an hour but a towing service was on the way.

I didn't even have my phone. Mollie had her phone. Total cost: $0. We had some sort of insurance for an unlicensed irresponsible father crashing into snow banks on an icy road in the night.

C) It takes a village.

First one person passed and said, "do you need help?" Then another. Then another. One person helped me shovel. Another person got his own tow truck out. Another person kept finding more chains to link the two cars to help me. Strangers wanted to help. I feltgood about that.

D) I learned about cars.

I said to the first guy: "I think my car is broken now." He laughed. He didn't even know what that meant.

He said it just needed to be moved a little and it would be all right. He told me to cancel the towing service.

We figured I had "front wheel drive". I didn't know what that was. He said, "it means the front wheels drive. Not the back wheels."

And he showed me where the strap goes when a tow truck tows another car.

E) Rope beats Chain beats Nylon.

My car was really baked into the snow. It was like the candle in a cake. We couldn't drag it out. We tried a nylon strap. Then a metal chain. Both broke. Eventually a rope worked.

F) We had a party.

The reason I was outside was I just dropped off my older kid to her "sweet 16" sleepover with friends. Meanwhile, about 7 of us adults were outside in the cold trying to get my car out of the snow.

We were laughing because this was our version of an adult sweet 16. I seldom go to parties for more than 30 minutes. This was about an hour of hangingout and talking to people.

G) I didn't finish the errand.

By the time the car was out, the pharmacy had closed. I never got the medication. And then it turned out Claudia didn't need it. Which is good because the side effects were bad.

H) Hot chocolate.

After the car was out, instead of going home, I took Mollie for hot chocolate.

While we were having hot chocolate I had us do an exercise: where does she see our relationship in five years (she's 12) and where do I see it?

We didn't finish the exercise but we talked about the importance of doing exercises like that.

I'm glad she still listens to me even though she knows her father definitely shows signs of severe stupidity.

She said, "we had an adventure tonight!" Adventures are good for little kids. Sometimes for adults also.

I) I got to listen to music.

For a while I was sitting in the car alone while I was waiting. Mollie was in the house where the sweet 16 was with her older sister.

I hardly ever listen to music I like in the car. There was a "top 40" from this week in 1984.

I will be honest: 1984 was the best year in history for music. I listened to John Lennon's "Nobody Told Me There Would Be Days Like These." Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and a song I forget the title to bySheena Easton. Go 1984!

J) I felt happy.

When the towing finally worked with the rope strap, I felt "Hurray!"

I probably would not have felt that happy if I had just driven straight home. I got out of the car and shook everyone's hand. Everybody laughed. Everyone was happy even though this had taken up an hour of their time on a Saturday night. Maybe they felt glad they could help.

I also probably learned a lesson. Don't speed up on a curve on a road made of ice with snow all around at night. I say "probably" because who can predict? I make mistakes all the time.

Difficult gratitude problems are how you exercise the gratitude muscle. Don't waste it on easy gratitude problems.

Believe it or not, exercising the gratitude muscle helps solve digestive problems and makes it easier to sleep and even helps people with cancer and polio. I'm not kidding.

When we were having a hot chocolate later, Mollie told me something she was scared of in her life. Something that might happen in the future a year or two from now that she hopes doesn't happen.

I asked her to write down all the things she predicts in the future and see which ones come true. So she will know her success rate as a psychic. She laughed because she knew I was making fun of her.

I also told her there could be worse things. And she said, "like what?"

And I said, "well, I could've run over a baby while driving the car just now." She laughed, "why would there've been a baby crawling across the road in the middle of the night?"

"Well," I said, "I don't know. But that would be worse."

Click here to listen to today's episode of Ask Altucher.

Regards,

James

 

P.S. My new book is finally out! I've been quietly working on this new volume for the better part of the year. Many are telling me it's my best book yet. I'd love to hear your feedback. My new book is all about money – how to make it, keep it, grow it, and enjoy it. This book is not yet available on Amazon, but you can get a copy right here...

Direct download: AA20Ep20221.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:37am EDT

My new book, The Choose Yourself Guide To Wealth, is now available. I've been working on this book all my life.

I believe this is the financial book for today's new economy and for my members. Every month, I'll be sending them updates.

Listen to today’s podcast to learn a few of the ideas I write about.

Ideas like...

  • What's old is new again
  • Why it's important for people to meet up
  • Creating your own stream of income

 

I hope you'll give it a try

Direct download: AA20EP20220.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:07pm EDT

What can you do if someone steals your website?

Amazingly, this is more common than you think.

James says to just move on… There's nothing you can do. No one can compete with you being you.

If you have the passion and the enthusiasm for your business, then they'll never be able to beat you.

 

Listen to today's podcast here

Direct download: AA20Ep20219.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:23pm EDT

James says suffering is extremely important, yet it's always horrible. But a lot of people believe that through their suffering, they've paid their dues.

James doesn't see it this way.

It's important to learn from your suffering. If you just suffer from your mistakes, but you don't learn anything from them, then you haven't gotten anywhere.

 

Learn from your suffering.

Direct download: AA20Ep20218.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:05am EDT

Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its executive editor from its inception until 1999.

He is also editor and publisher of the Cool Tools website, which gets half a million unique visitors per month. From 1984-1990, Kelly was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review, a journal of unorthodox technical news.

He co-founded the ongoing Hackers' Conference, and was involved with the launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985. He authored the best-selling New Rules for the New Economy and the classic book on decentralized emergent systems, Out of Control.

Kevin dropped out of college to pursue his real interests, and they are varied.

James and Kevin talk about Kevin's idea that "if you have 1000 True Fans then you have a business."

This is a wide-ranging conversation about the past, the present, and the future.

Kevin's extremely bullish on the future of artificial intelligence, yet he says there is no extinct technology... none.

And they talk about a few of his books, Cool Tools and The Silver Cord.

 

Listen here if you want to see into the future.

Direct download: ALR20Ep209620Kevin20Kelly.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:56pm EDT

Uber is popping up everywhere and it's a lot more than just a new way to hire a ride.

 

Jon Youshaei todays guest on Ask Altucher, shares his great story first published in Forbes about the "Uberpreneur" Gavin Escolar.

Direct download: AA20Ep2021720F.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:13am EDT

Today James does the show in Spanish... Just kidding.

Roma wrote to James asking him where his daughter can publish her work. Whether it's a written piece, a video, or an audio recording, it doesn't matter.

There's so much opportunity for kids to get millions of views today using the Internet.

If you're a writer, then you can post your work on Fanfiction.net and Wattpad.com.

If you like to produce videos, then YouTube is the place to post your work. And of course, if audio is your thing, then do a podcast.

Encourage your kids, give them positive reinforcement, and help them bring put their voice.

 

P.S. Nicole Lapin's new book Rich Bitch hits the bookstores yesterday.

Nicole, known for being the youngest anchor ever at CNN and then going on to claim the same title at CNBC, joined James on today's special edition of Ask Altucher.

Nobody handed Nicole anything. She's worked her butt off since she was 15.

She started in Kentucky, then South Dakota, and went on to Palm Springs while still finishing her college degree.

She finally got a 4 a.m. time slot on CNBC and immediately fell in love with it.

 

In Nicole's new book Rich Bitch, she lays out a 12-step planin which she shares her experiences – mistakes and all – of getting her own finances in order. Money is typically an "off limits" conversation, but nothing is off limits here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20216.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:46pm EDT

A listener from Brazil writes in and asks James what's on his bucket list.

James says he purposely doesn't have a bucket list. Instead he wants to focus on every day.

"Was I creative today?" Did I follow my daily practices today? Did I surround myself with good people today?"

 

The best way to exceed your expectations is to have as few as possible

Direct download: AA20Ep20215.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:35am EDT

What businesses can be created to take advantage of the lack of privacy in the times we live in?

James tells us you have to assume privacy is gone.

He tells us of an idea he has to build a business and Claudia has an idea for a privacy product.

 

James asks his listeners to write in with their views on climate change – is it man-made?

Direct download: AA20EP20214.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:12am EDT

Whenever Claudia gets an email asking for feedback from a service she's recently used, she responds with "10 Ideas."

She has been using 99Designs recently to design the covers for the new Special Bonus Reports to go along with the launch of James' new book and newsletter.

Overall, the experience was good, although not perfect. So Claudia spent the time to tell them how they could be better.

And amazingly, the CEO of 99Designs sent her back an e-mail directly addressing these ideas, and thanking her for her tough love.

 

The thanks you receive back is step one, but who knows where this may lead down the road

Direct download: AA20Ep20212.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:29pm EDT

Andy Weir followed his dream. Ever since he was a small boy he wanted to be a writer, but it took him a long time to find success.

His first short story, The Egg, brought him a bit of notoriety. This thousand-word story got passed around on blog sites and people began to follow him.

The Martian, Andy's new hit book, was first published as a serial, one chapter at a time on his website. He had just a few thousand readers.

He eventually self-published this as a book and it sold about 35,000 copies on Amazon. Suddenly Random House came calling with a big pile of money.

They talk about his daily writing habits and the books and authors Andy is a fan of and James digs in a bit to find out what's next.

He tells James that he's still afraid of being a one-hit wonder. James asks him what advice he would give to aspiring writers

  1. 1.Write. It's easy to daydream about your story but you have to sit down and write.
  1. 2.Resist the urge to tell your story to your friends and family.
  1. 3.This is the best time in history to be a writer. Today, you can bypass the gatekeepers.

 

Listen here its great story.

Direct download: ALR20EP209220Andy20Weir.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:55pm EDT

Today's show is very special.

The first question comes from one of our listeners about making business deals through mergers and acquisitions.

James says the real work begins after both parties decide on the deal. It's always about the personalities involved and what you believe is best for you and your family.

He also recommends a couple of books: Zero to One, Bold,and the soon to be released The Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth,plus the TV show, The Profit.

For our second question, Claudia asks James what he meant when he said, "Entrepreneurship is dead."

 

Listen today as James explains why he believes the real answer instead is to choose yourself.

Direct download: AA20EP2021120Entre.20is20Dead.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 8:46am EDT

James and Claudia talk with Ari Whitten, author of the book The Low Carb Myth,to talk aboutwhy people get fat and get unhealthy.

Do carbohydrates make you fat?

His conclusions are surprising.

He disagrees strongly that we get fat because we are lazy and eat too much. Rather than being due simply to gluttony, sloth, and conscious decisions around how much we eat or move.

 

If you've been on a low- or no-carb diet or are just looking for an alternative to eating healthy, listen here.

Direct download: AA20EP2021020Ari20Whitten.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:31pm EDT

What's a "Choose Yourself" meet-up?

When a group of people get together and share ideas... well that's a great start.

Claudia shares her thoughts on how to get involved and keep the meet-up moving in the right direction.

  • Participate
  • Speak up
  • Mingle
  • Respect each other

In his newest book, The Choose Yourself Guide To Wealth, whichis due out later thismonth,James included an entire chapter on the "Choose Yourself Meet-Ups," it's that important.

 

Plus, James does a quick review of a book he just read, and a guest he just interviewed.

Direct download: AA20EP20209.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:02pm EDT

Did you miss us?

Yesterday was so crazy that James and Claudia just couldn't do an Ask Altucher show. You'll hear why on today's show.

But today James had a great question. "Why not save?"

James says, don't go buy a big house or a college education or just save money for the sake of saving to earn a return on it. You'll go broke that way.

 

Instead, spend your time and money investing in your skills and ideas. Write down your 10 ideas daily and focus every day on how you can earn more income for yourself

Direct download: AA20EP2020820Save20rather20generate.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:23pm EDT

Claudia, Claudia, Claudia asks James "What's the difference between a loser and a winner?" James loves this question and thinks it through with us today.

A winner starts with a basic idea.

We've all encountered some stressful moments in our lives. Winners are defined by how they react to these tough times.

You're not going to be perfect at everything you do, so don't be too hard on yourself. Just keep trying.

It's a way of life.

Listen today to hear James expand on this idea.

Direct download: AA20EP20207.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:54am EDT

How we step outside of our comfort zone to achieve success? It is a question James gets asked all the time.

His recent discussion with Seth Godin really dives into it... a problem many of us constantly deal with.

Seth tells James that he had to write his new book What to Do When It's Your Turnbecause he had no choice.

It's about what's holding you back, that voice in your head that pushes you to be mediocre or pushes you to hide.

"It pushes us to dig deep inside so we can do better work and impact the things we care about."

They talk about the industrial age and how it changed everything.

"We invented public school to train children to sit still long enough to work in a factory."

But now that we're in the postindustrial age, it's all leftover and everything has changed.

They talk about why it's so important get out of your comfort zone. Seth tells James about when he realized that he was hiding from the big projects.

How he was just playing it safe.

Through a fortunate meeting, he realized that by speaking his truth, standing for something instead of just trying to fit in, is what gets you noticed.

They transition into a great discussion about writing every day. Constantly putting yourself out there is critically important.

Dance with your fear.

 

And read more books

Direct download: AA20Ep20206.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:59pm EDT

When everything is going wrong, James says to... subtract.

Listen today and you'll understand.

Plus, today's show has a little bit of everything thrown into it.

First you'll get a list of a couple of new books James has been reading, a hint of a couple of great guests he'll be interviewing for The James Altucher Show podcast and today's question about giving away your ideas for free and whether people will then value them.

James, Claudia, and I have been in Orlando this week where James gave another fantastic talk. As always, he was a crowd favorite.

But traveling can be very hectic... you'll hear Claudia's stress as she tells James about her need to slow the hell down. She asks for help from the powers to be.

Direct download: AA20EP2020520.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:42pm EDT

James' youngest daughter Mollie joins him again and asks James what he does in the afternoon?

James tells her he spends the first few hours of every day reading; he has a cup of coffee and then does his writing. From 8am to 11am your brain is at its peak, so plan your day wisely.

The rest of the day is devoted to outside businesses.

James then asks Mollie what she learns in school.

 

Listen today as James asks you a question.

Direct download: AA20EP2020420Mollie20Afternoon.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 8:22am EDT

James youngest daughter Mollie joins him today to talk about what technology young teenagers are interested in today. 

Mollie than asks James today’s question,  “What you should do if you’re shy?”

James tells her you need to practice talking to people but more importantly you need to listen and then ask follow-up questions.

 

Listen today as James offers a few suggestions.

Direct download: AA20EP2020320Mollie20not20shy.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:51am EDT

Casey Neistat is an American film director, producer, and creator of popular YouTube videos.

While he has worked in almost every aspect of video making, he tells James that YouTube is his absolute passion.

He chose to leave mainstream media for YouTube, which is the opposite of most YouTubers' aspirations.

They talk about creative "ideas." Casey tells James that ideas matter very little – it's execution that matters.

They talk about risk, too, and Casey has a great take on it. He tells James, "The most dangerous lifestyle anyone can live is the lifestyle where you play it safe."

 

Casey probably disagrees with James more than anyone else James has ever interviewed.

Direct download: AA20Ep2020220Final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:23pm EDT

Does the self-help industry help?

James says they're 99% useless but Claudia disagrees. They do both agree that you need to take time to focus on yourself before anything else.

 

It's a very important discussion, I promise it will make you think.

Direct download: AA20EP20201.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:36pm EDT

As an entrepreneur, you're going to make more bad decisions than good ones.

Even the smartest entrepreneurs constantly make decisions they have to undo.

There's an extremely small difference between a bad entrepreneur and a really great one.

Today, James shares with us some of the good and some of the bad decisions he's made.

 

As he says, don't ever stop trying.

Direct download: AA20EP20200.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:23pm EDT

You've been asked to give a speech, so how can you capitalize on this to be asked back?

First, nix the Power Point.

Second, always be a storyteller. Tell a story that relates to your talk. People will relate to you if you tell a great story.

Third, watch stand-up comedy.

And don't forget to entertain.

If you want to ask James a question, just go to...

 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

Direct download: AA20EP20199.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:30am EDT

How can I build a media empire?

James says, first you have to realize it takes years.

Find a writing voice, write constantly, and put that article everywhere you can. People will write back to you and eventually you'll get those all-important testimonials.

James recommends reading "The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Reinventing Yourself," a post he wrote for his blog.

If you want to ask James a question, just go to...

 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com

Direct download: AA20Ep20198.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:09am EDT

Nicole Lapin, known for being the youngest anchor ever at CNN and then going on to claim the same title at CNBC where she anchored "Worldwide Exchange" and contributed to "Morning Joe" and "The Today Show" joins James on today's special edition of Ask Altucher.

Nobody handed Nicole anything. She's worked her butt off since she was 15.

She started in Kentucky, then South Dakota and on to Palm Springs while still finishing her college degree.

She finally got a 4 a.m. time slot on CNBC and immediately fell in love with it.

In Nicole's new book Rich Bitch, she lays out a 12-step plan in which she shares her experiences – mistakes and all – of getting her own finances in order. Money is typically an "off limits" conversation, but nothing is off limits here.

Nicole rethinks every piece of financial "wisdom" you've ever heard and puts her own fresh, modern, sassy spin on it. Sure, there are some hard-and-fast rules about finance, but when it comes to your money, the only person who can tell you how to spend it is you. Should you invest in a 401(k)? Maybe not. Should you splurge on that morning latte? Likely yes.

It's a bit different format today.

I hope you enjoy it.

 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

Direct download: AA20Ep2019720.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:25pm EDT

Today we're going to do something a little bit different.

Hi, my name is David Newman and I'm the Executive Producer for all of James' podcasts.

Yesterday, while Claudia and James were having lunch, she turned on her phone and recorded their conversation.

And while James knew she was recording him, he had no idea she was going to send it to me.

After listening to it, I decided to release it to you today.

As I said, it's a bit different.

I hope you enjoy it. So here goes…

 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com

Direct download: AA20EP2019620Final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:08pm EDT

Building connections and building relationships are how you bring real value to the world around you.

Jayson Gaignard is a super-connector. He's two degrees of separation from anyone you want to meet.

Broke and $250,000 in debt, Jayson thought about an idea that nobody else was doing after getting a free ticket to hear Seth Godin speak, connecting entrepreneurs over an intimate dinner.

He paid for this himself by going even further into debt with no expectations of ever making money on these. Mastermind Dinners launched and Jayson’s new venture was off and running.

Entrepreneurship often takes an unyielding belief in yourself, and Jayson definitely believes.

Listen today to hear the story of someone who bet everything he had on an idea.

His new book, Mastermind Dinners Build Lifelong Relationships by Connecting Experts, Influencers and Linchpins is a fantastic read and he hosts a podcast, Mastermind Talks you really need to subscribe to.

 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

Direct download: AA20Ep20195.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:02am EDT

Claudia and I threw out everything we owned this weekend. We threw out 98% of everything.

There are about 30 garbage bags and another 20 boxes filled with stuff. "Stuff."

We had just spent six weeks traveling around and except for the stuff we were traveling with we realized we didn't need anything else.

No papers, books, extra sheets, clothes, extra plates, tables, lights, etc. I didn't even miss these things once.

25 years' worth of memories in some cases.

Part of this is an experiment. I'm interviewing Marie Kondo in a few weeks. Author of the 2-million-copies bestseller The Art of Tidying Up.

I wanted to try her suggestions. She said before you "organize," you "discard." But once we started discarding, we couldn't stop. We discarded everything. All of our rooms are now pretty empty.

And it's not like we are going to replace anything. If anything, having less leaves room in your life for more, for other things.

That is the trick.

Marie Kondo suggests you lay everything out side by side.

Then you touch each object.

If it gives you joy, you keep it. If it doesn't give you joy, or if you haven't used it in a long time, throw it out. No holding back.

If it's paper, you throw it. I threw out my photos, books, art, furniture, all my clothes except 3 outfits. I thanked everything for its dutiful service to me.

It feels almost like a new toy. "Nothing" was the toy I wanted to play with, instead of the latest "this" or "that."

If you want to try it, try this: take all the books from one bookshelf. Lay them on the floor side by side.

Touch each one. If it doesn't make you happy or if you haven't looked at the book in over six months, give it away. Don't say, "well I might need this as a reference later." You won't. There's Google for that.

Don't say, "it was a great book, though". Ok, it was great. Give it to someone else. Say "thank you" to it. Then throw it out.

"But we might have a guests over some day." Buy new sheets then. Four years from now, when you actually have a guest. "But Sheila gave me this shirt." Have you worn it in the past six months?

Claudia thought we would only get rid of enough things to get rid of one bookshelf. She thought our closets would still be full.

But we got rid of everything. We have nothing left. There's nothing in my office.

Nothing in my desk. Our closets... empty.

I want nothing in between us. In between you and me.

If you have a question that you would like to ask you can either:

 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com

Direct download: AA20EP20194.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:26pm EDT

Should you buy a home?

No... Almost never.

Time is always more valuable than money and you're going to spend a huge amount of your time repairing your home.

Things constantly break and they're expensive in both your time and your money to get fixed.

Listen today as James debunks the usual myths like: you'll miss out on the appreciation... you get a tax deduction... or you'll never establish "roots."

If you want to ask James a question, you can contact him...

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com.

 

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

Direct download: AA20Ep20193.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:00am EDT

How do you transform your life?

The answer is simple. Come up with 10 ideas a day. Every day. It doesn't matter if they are good or bad; the point is to exercise your idea muscle, to make it sweat.

Today James talks with Claudia about her brand new book,Become an Idea Machine: Because Ideas Are the Currency of the 21st Century.

People say ideas are cheap and execution is everything, but that is NOT true. Execution is a consequence, a subset of good, brilliant idea. And good ideas require daily work.

As Claudia explains, coming up with 10 ideas a day is very important.

Ideas may be easy if you are only coming up with one or two, but if you try to produce more than three, you will feel a burn, scratch your head, and you will be sweating and working hard. There is a turning point when you reach idea number six for the day, when you still have four to go, and your mind muscle is getting a workout. By the time you list those last ideas to make it to ten, you will see for yourself what "sweating the idea muscle" means.

When you practice every day your life will transform...

Life changes for the better when we become the source of positive, insightful, and helpful ideas.

Challenge yourself to try it for 180 days and see your life transform, in magical ways, in front of your very eyes.

 

When you exercise your idea muscle every day, you become an idea machine, you are unstoppable.

Direct download: AA20Ep20192.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:57pm EDT

Branden Hampton's a master of making money on social media and today James and Claudia ask him to help them understand it.

First off, James asks him what his top four social media sites are today.

Hands down, Instagram is number one today, followed by Snapchat, Twitter, and then in fourth place, everyone's "necessary evil" – Facebook.

They dig into what it takes to make a living off of social media.

For all Branden's best ideas, listen here. He's extremely open and willing to share his best secrets.

Follow Branden on Twitter - @CEO

If you want to ask James a question, just go to...

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com.

 

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

Direct download: AA20Ep2019120Branden20Hampton.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:49pm EDT

James is a big fan of Apple products, but he says he's going to pay for an iPhone's older technology.

He's using a Samsung Galaxy Note 4. He likes the larger screen and calls it the best phone out there.

Listen here and let us know what you think.

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com.

 

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

Direct download: AA20Ep20189.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:01pm EDT

"How do I make money if I just got thrown out of graduate school?"

Easy, you get a job...

Get your feet on the ground and get to work. You'll begin to get a feeling for what people really want and you should start thinking about how you can solve their needs.

James' philosophy about choosing yourself fits perfectly here.

While you're working for someone else, start a part-time business, write a blog, help a friend.

Stay active...

You don't need a graduate degree to be successful. You just need to work hard and work smart.

Listen here to find out how.

If you have a question that you would like to ask James, you can either:

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com.

 

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

Direct download: AA20Ep20188.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:06am EDT

James and Claudia call Vani Hani, author of The Food Babe, to talk about her inspiration for living a healthy life and to investigate what is really in our food, how it's grown, and what chemicals are used in its production.

Do you know what's really in the food you eat… and do you care?

James talks with Vani about what the best fish to eat right now are, what's up with the paleo diet, and the "not milks."

She tells James and Claudia she's not a fan...

She says the FDA is completely asleep at the wheel and you have to take control of what you eat, yourself.

They cover GMOs… always a hot-button subject. And they talk about if we'll be able to feed a world population that's growing fast.

Vani is passionate about this subject and she scares the hell out of James and Claudia.

 

Listen here to find out why.

Direct download: AA20Ep20187.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:12pm EDT

“I lost my job and I’ve piled up a huge amount of credit card debt. I just got a new job but I’m only making $11/hr.  What should I do?”

James says – Stop making any payments on your credit cards. You can’t afford to pay.

I know this goes against what everyone else is telling you but James explains today why this individual shouldn’t pay.

He can’t…

Get prepared for the calls and the harassment but don’t worry.

Listen here today as James explains why.

If you have a question that you would like to ask James, you can either: 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com

 

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

Direct download: AA20Ep20186.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:58am EDT

You don't have to go to college to find your passion.

College doesn't make you smarter. You make yourself smarter by studying what you're passionate about.

Find a mentor and model yourself after them.

 

You have to find your passion and college is definitely not the place to find it.

Direct download: AA20Ep20185.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:37am EDT

Today's question is a great one. "Should I take a promotion if it means I'll have to work longer hours and sacrifice my Choose Yourself projects?"

James suggests you take a good look at what this promotion really means...

It means a lot more work for the privilege of being able to buy another dinner out per week, or another pair of shoes or a nicer car.

The incremental money will not bring you happiness.

So, say yes but spend every free minute you can scrape together to invest in yourself.

 

Put together a plan to control your own destiny and plan you life and never forget to always Choose Yourself.

Direct download: AA20Ep20184.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:20am EDT

"Online dating doesn't seem to be working. Is there anything wrong with me?" 

James says there's nothing wrong with the woman who asks this question. Online dating has reduced the value of a relationship just due to the sheer volume and the unlimited supply.

Claudia mentions how you have to be clear and set a few parameters and preferences, but you also have to be flexible.

Don't only rely on online dating to meet your match. Take dance lessons, go to entrepreneur meet-ups or whatever interests you 

But don't rely solely on online dating clubs    

Direct download: AA20Ep20183.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:30pm EDT

James and Claudia tell their New Year celebration stories and talk about whether any of the holidays we celebrate really make sense.

Halloween, Hanukkah, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving... James debunks the ways we celebrate all of them.

Listen here and text James if you disagree.

If you have a question that you would like to ask James, you can either:

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com.

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

 

Happy New Year (or not)

Direct download: AA20Ep20182.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:03am EDT

The world around us is changing rapidly and what's old is new again.

James' daughter Mollie asks James why he gives away his real phone number for people to text him questions for this show.

We used to contact each other via telephone, then it was email, and now it's via a text message.

Listen here to today's episode

If you have a question that you would like to ask James, you can either:

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com.

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

 

Here's to a happy and prosperous New Year from all of us at The James Altucher Show.

Direct download: AA20Ep20181.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:52am EDT

James' daughter Mollie sits in for Claudia today and asks James...

What did you learn in 2014 and how will that affect you in 2015?

Success is measured in decades...

 

Don't get disappointed in small setbacks. Start today... a decade can pass in the blink of an eye.

Direct download: AA20Ep20180.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:50pm EDT

Not every couple's timetable is in sync. 

 

Today's question comes via James' text and is a difficult one. 

 

A man writes in... 

 

I'm in love with my woman and we've been together for a while. She wants to have children and I don't. 

 

Should he stay in the relationship or should he let her go?

 

James and Claudia look at this question from both the man and the woman's perspective.

 

Should she wait until he's ready? Will he ever be ready? 

 

Or is it time for both of them to just move on.

 

Listen in today as James and Claudia discuss this difficult topic.

Direct download: AA20Ep20179.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:49am EDT

You've got an idea; do you need a business plan to launch it?

James says yes sometimes, but not the kind of plan you're probably used to. Forget the PowerPoint with a ton of numbers, graphs, and charts. "And don't ever tell me that there's 1.3 billion people in China and your business only needs to attract 1% of these people to be a huge success."

Here's what you should include in your business plan...

Who are you?

Did you build and sell another business?

Can you come up with ideas and do you have business "sense"?

Can you sell your idea?

Simple, powerful slides, and please...

 

No smiley face curves.

Direct download: AA20EP20178.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:42am EDT

James and Claudia are celebrating Christmas by cheating on their paleo diet. 

We hope you all are enjoying yours.

Is blood really thicker than water? Do you have to be around those that are bad for you?

Why?

 

Why not make it a point to be around those that love you and those you love. 

Direct download: AA20Ep20177.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 8:48am EDT

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you. 

This year make sure you don’t forget to Choose Yourself…

Episode #73 of The James Altucher Show was about givers and takers with Adam Grant.  This was a fantastic show and if you’ve not listened to it here’s the link.

Our question today is from that show.

 

I’d recommend you listen to episode #73 and then listen to this Ask Altucher.

Direct download: AA20Ep20176.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:45am EDT

Our question comes today from Holland and Claudia gives us all a quick lesson in geography.

Many small entrepreneurs are great at their specialty but may not be good at or like to do the accounting or the technology or maybe hate marketing.

Ask these small companies – What do you need help with?

Make a menu list of what you’re good at and offer these as a webinar. Give away as much as possible, give away all your secrets for free.

 

And don’t forget to gather testimonials. These are critical to the growth of your company.

Direct download: AA20Ep20175.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 8:38am EDT

The no-complaint diet says that for ten days you can't complain about anything. If you complain, you have to start again

As James says, you'll never get there. It's the practice that important.

Complaint bonding is an evolutionary trait that we as humans have done a great job of exploiting.

But can complaining ever be useful?

James says no. What can help you is figuring out the solution to a problem... not complaining about it.

 

Plus James tosses out a new idea. It's one waiting for someone to grab and run with it.

Direct download: AA20ep20174.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 9:38am EDT

Do you have a great idea but you're afraid that if you tell someone, they're going to steal it...

 

Well, as James tells us today there is no real way to protect your idea. But if you're more passionate about your idea than anyone else, then you can succeed.

 

Spend a few dollars and get your idea out there. Go to ODesk or Kickstarter and get some help getting your idea seen. For help with crowdfunding, check out our episode 170 with Clay Heber.

 

James and Claudia come up with a few ideas of their own.

 

Click to listen to this money-making episode.

 

Direct download: AA20EP20173.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:39am EDT

Have you set your 2015 goals yet? 

 

James doesn't make goals. Instead he tries to improve incrementally 1% better every day... spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. 

 

Instead of goals, James sets themes. 

 

Before you pull out that pad and pen, listen here.

 

And a thank you from our listener who asked the question in Episode #168: How Do You Get That Final 1% Finished?

 

If you have a question that you would like to ask James, you can either:

 

Ask a question at Askaltucher.com.

 

E-mail it to James@stansberryradio.com.

 

 

Or, text James at 203-512-2161.

Direct download: AA20EP20172.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:08pm EDT

Getting your movie produced through the traditional method is extremely difficult. But so is raising the money to do it yourself.

 

So James suggests you try both routes.

 

The cost of producing your own movie has gone way, way down.

 

Claudia suggests creating a short trailer and James chimes in with a few social media ideas to get producers to see it.

 

Try crowd funding...

 

 

And don't forget to start your next script now.

Direct download: AA20EP20171.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:36am EDT

Do you have a great idea for a product but have no idea how to raise the money to get it launched? Why not try crowdfunding?

 

Today James calls the expert, Clay Hebert and gives you all the tricks.

 

He says you need to act like the opposite of MacGyver (you'll have to listen to understand).

 

Build a landing page and pre-sell your idea weeks and even months before you launch your campaign. Build the excitement...

 

48 hours to launch...

 

24 hours to launch...

 

Don't miss out. The best deals are going fast!

 

Clay doesn't hold back, he tells James and Claudia all the best practices.

 

 

If you've ever thought about doing a crowdfunding campaign, then you have to listen to this episode of Ask Altucher

Direct download: AA20EP20170.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:18am EDT