Rich or Famous
Take a look at a list of billionaires. Chances are you’ll recognize the people near the top. It’s unlikely you’ll recognize the whole list. Would you notice the person in the picture above if you saw them at the supermarket? That’s Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments and a multi-billionaire.
Now take a look at a celebrity gossip magazine. It’s filled with pictures of celebrities running errands, or out to dinner, or attending events. Once a celebrity reaches are certain level of notoriety, they can’t go anywhere without people identifying them. Imagine being a celebrity like Gary Busey or Lindsay Lohan and losing most of your wealth. You no longer have money to use to escape!
Personally, I don’t want to be a billionaire. I don’t want to be a celebrity.
However, I do want to run a successful and growing business that supports the families of the people who work with us around the world. That business should attract great people. It should also have great customers excited to work with us.
I get really twisted up trying to figure out how to get more success without personally becoming more well known. Should I start more fights on twitter? Should I take pictures on instagram in a private jet? Should I do a Ted talk?
So what about you? Would you rather be rich or famous? Would you compromise on wealth or fame to reach your own goals?