Staging Diva Reviews Rich Like Them by Ryan D'Agostino

I like to share books I’m reading in case you’ll find them helpful in your home staging business or your life.

This one was a quick read, entertaining with a few insights scattered along the way. Rich Like Them: My Door-to-Door Search for the Secrets of Wealth in America’s Richest Neighborhoods by Ryan D’Agostino started with an amazing premise.

The writer actually knocked on 500 doors in about 24 of the most affluent zip codes in America to interview them about how they got to be so rich. Surprisingly, he found 50 people who let him in!

At one point he hypothesizes that one reason they agreed was that they figured “what the heck, who knows what it might lead to?” and that this attitude also helps explain why they are successful.

Learning more about those top zip codes/neighborhoods was interesting too. The author tells you the population, median income, net worth, disposable income and average home value in each of these top zip codes. Even though the statistics are from 2007, the figures are not as high in many cases as I would have expected!

Here are some of the most useful ideas (and my thoughts about them) from this book:

Being motivated by more than money is more lucrative in the long run

Having given up a very successful marketing consulting business to reinvent myself, I totally agree with this idea. Money isn’t enough when you don’t feel like you’re living your life’s purpose. I created both my home staging business and my training company with an overall personal mission of “inspiring and empowering others to live their best life.” Any new business idea I have that doesn’t fit that mission is discarded. This keeps me focused and on-track. While making money is still important (I have to support my family), it’s not my sole motivation.

Complacency does not lead to success

Success isn’t a static thing. You might be successful this month or year, but what about the next? Success is a journey, not a destination. Also what makes you feel successful and the environment you are successful in both change over time. So you need to constantly adapt and never be complacent or take your success for granted.

There are many kinds of risks, “the more you know about a business, the market, and yourself, the bigger the risks you’ll be able to take and the safer you’ll feel taking them.”

What may seem like a reckless risk to outsiders may not be that at all to the person taking it. What really matters is whether you’re taking “smart risks”. It’s important to note that taking no action at all is still a risk.

“You have to be willing to break some glass once in awhile”

Most people are complacent and plod through life doing what they’re told and following all the “rules”. Because that’s what MOST people do, there are great rewards for those who step outside that paradigm and stop worrying what other people think and do. Letting go of the fear of making mistakes is key and realizing that you learn from those too.

“Don’t plan a career, plan a life”

I totally agree. As an entrepreneur the line between working and not working gets blurry because you don’t punch a clock and you’re in control of your time. Also when you love what you do, you don’t actually feel like you are working. If you plan your business around the lifestyle you are trying to create it will be much happier and fulfilling in the long run, giving you more time for different areas of your life.

Set a goal and keep it in mind whether you’re relaxing or working because “by viewing all things through the lens of your goal, everything and everyone you encounter becomes a potential contributor to the big idea”

This is why some people appear luckier then others. Many opportunities and connections come our way the question is whether we notice and act on them.

These are some of the ideas I wanted to share from this book. Learn more about Rich Like Them: My Door-to-Door Search for the Secrets of Wealth in America’s Richest Neighborhoods.

Have you read this book or do these ideas help you in your business or your life? Please add your comments here.

Debra Gould, The Staging Diva®
President, Six Elements Inc. Home Staging

Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould is President of Six Elements Inc. and creator of the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program. An entrepreneur since 1989 and author of several guides, Debra has staged millions of dollars worth of real estate and uses her expertise to train others worldwide.

“The Staging Diva Business Training Program is worth every penny!

While there are other home staging courses out there, I’m so happy I follow the business model Debra teaches in her program. It is specific, concise, and thoroughly explained.

In addition to her courses, Debra offers SO many supplemental materials that are incredibly helpful too. The community of Staging Diva Graduates is another bonus, as we all support each other and share each other’s wins.”
— Cristin Lyons (NC)*Raleigh Staging & Design

“The Staging Diva Program is very well organized and explains in the most straightforward terms how to set up your business, maintain and grow it.

By the time I was on Course 3, I had already completed three home staging jobs which more than paid for all the training!

Debra’s step-by-step process allowed me to start a 2nd career doing something I probably should have been doing all along!”
— Rob Reinhart (CA)*Make It-Home

“Once I decided home staging was for me, I was terrified of starting my own business. Staging Diva Training gave me the confidence to do what I love, and contribute to our income after being out of the work force for 15 years.

Debra gave me the information I needed to get over my fear of failure, charge what I’m worth, and get out there and start my home staging business!”
— Kelli Hughes (TX)*ReAbode Home Staging and Redesign

“I felt like I hit the jackpot when I found the Staging Diva Program. I bought it without hesitation and began my training immediately.

I’m excited and inspired. The courses exceeded my expectations and gave me the knowledge to confidently start my own staging business.

So grateful for what I learned from Debra. She shares her gifts and talents so generously!”
— Mary-Maye Lorriman (UK)*Room by Room Interiors Ltd

“The Staging Diva Program was such an influential part of my home staging business plan. The business tools, processes and procedures Debra Gould outlines in the program set you up for success.

I have taken other courses but none compare to the comprehensive program with Staging Diva.

I truly appreciate all Debra’s help and guidance through the courses and group coaching calls. She is such a great inspiration!”
— Lori Carbone (NJ)*Spaces That Speak Home Staging

“I love Debra Gould’s straight forward approach and candor. As a home stager, she knows first-hand what it’s like in the field. Debra is running her own staging business as a real business and knows what it takes.

Debra is truly an uplifting woman and I continue to aspire to follow her lead. Her amazing passion for home staging is felt all the way over here on the Jersey Shore.”
— Wynette Williams (NJ)*Red Robyn Interiors

“The Staging Diva Program taught me many secrets about home staging consultations— especially how to charge, and have no inventory.

I took another home staging course before Debra’s and the Staging Diva Program really helped build my business. Debra forced me out of my comfort zone, she is such an inspiration! Now I know I can make a difference in many people’s lives.”
— Susan Bierig (NJ)*Re-deZine The Shore Way LLC

“I loved Debra’s no-nonsense style of running a home staging business, it’s very easy and straightforward. She keeps it simple, and it all “clicked” for me.

I now have the confidence to get out there and do what I am passionate about. I knew I had the talent, and now I have the business knowledge to round out my staging business. Thank you Debra!”
— Judy Chizmar (PA)*Judy Chizmar Home Transformations

“The Staging Diva Program is fantastic! I wish I had found it before completing a different home staging course. The program provided me with valuable business information that the other course lacked.

I am very impressed with Debra Gould. It is quite evident that she is honest and ethical in all her dealings with her students and clients, and that’s #1 in my books.

She truly has become my mentor!”
— Monique Milne (MB)*Milne Well Dressed Homes (MB)

“I’m so glad I came across the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program. It’s a perfect fit for me with Debra sharing her business model and what has worked for her. She takes the guess work out of how to run a successful home staging business.

Debra is supportive, down to earth and has a wealth of experience under her belt. I can now express my creative passion with more confidence following her guidance.”
— Shelley Giffin (QLD AU)*Rooms for Miracles

“The Staging Diva Program is very comprehensive, flows well, is explained simply, and the content is engaging. I loved the combination of information from Debra mixed in with student questions.

I do not need a business background to be successful as a home stager after taking the Staging Diva courses. They gave me the confidence I needed, to know that I can be successful.”
— Haana Nyamekye (MD)*Zuri Sophia Interiors

“I love that I’m pursuing a career that pays me to be creative, rather than spending my time working for someone else.

Plus, I have the freedom to be available to my family when they need me.

The Staging Diva Program filled in all the questions that I still had after completing another ‘hands on’ program. Thank you Debra, I now have the confidence to build my staging business.”
— Tracie Lacroix (BC)*Sold by Design

“This is the first time in my 57 years of life that I am pursuing something solely for myself — despite my often paralyzing fear!

I’m optimistic and excited to see what the new year has in store for me— due in large part to having found the Staging Diva Program and feeling prepared to take this new journey as a home stager. Debra, thank you sincerely!”
— Lisa Tyus-Lee (OH)*Lights Camera Stage LLC

“Debra’s knowledge and expertise on how to start a home staging business have inspired me.

As a seasoned Real Estate Agent who already staged clients homes, I believe this is a great business to be in.

I am moving my dream of staging homes into a separate business because Debra taught me how in the Staging Diva Program. Thank you Debra!”
— Leslie Manson (BC)*Staging Homes by Leslie

“I appreciate Debra’s candid approach. It’s the reason I chose the Staging Diva Program over other home staging courses.

My first project sold the first day on the market for more than the asking price. This confirmed I’m in the right business.

Thank you, Debra!”
— Casey McDougall (TX)*Custom Home Staging

“I loved the Staging Diva Program! I was skeptical about the format at first, but it was great. The notes were concise and easy to follow. Students asked questions I was wondering about myself, and Debra is clear and direct.

I’m confident in my decorating abilities, but wasn’t sure how to run a professional and profitable staging business. Debra walks you through the entire process.”
— Deborah Brischler (CA)*Home Staging Solutions

“The Staging Diva Program will help me avoid possible mistakes and has provided great clarity on many grey areas— which is great!

I love staging homes and since doing the program, I love it even more as I am confident that I can provide a really worthwhile and valuable service! These home staging courses are very practical. I wish I had completed them sooner!”
— Clodagh Doyle (Ireland)*Placelift Property Renovation Specialists

“I have never been so driven, passionate and totally motivated as I have been since completing the Staging Diva Program. I have not lost any steam nor any excitement.

The fact that the program is start-up business and marketing related to home staging makes it so perfect.”
— Dane Caldwell (ON)*2 Hounds Design

“I knew what I wanted to do as a home stager, but I didn’t know how to go about it. Staging Diva gave me the processes and I followed them.”
— Meg Ritchie (AU)*Gold Coast Homestaging

“I already have a knack for the decorating part of home staging, but I lacked the business side of things.

The Staging Diva Program was great to have at my fingertips so I could listen at my own speed and in my own time.

I was concerned about handling all the paperwork I thought had to be involved in the contracts and such, but Staging Diva has made it SO much easier!!”
— Amy Brown (MO)*Simply Staging by Amy

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