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5 Lessons You Can Learn From A Millionaire Trader

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Some of what you might read in this article could seem simplistic, that’s because success is simplistic if you let it be. This time you are going to see success from a different lens through an interview I did with the very Successful Millionaire Trader Andy Man who owns a business called Serman Traders and is the author of “How I Turned $1,600 into $1.7M In The Financial Markets”. Whether it’s trading or another business, the success principles are the same, but it’s crucial to have lots of different references from a variety of entrepreneur’s.

In 2006, Andy graduated as a civil engineer, and he knew nothing about the stock markets or trading. Once Andy got a job, he realised he wasn’t able to live the life he wanted even if he became a manager in the company. He started looking for alternative ways to make money and took a course in trading with his now business partner, Mike Ser. In 2011, Andy turned $1600 USD into $1.7M by trading silver using everything he had learnt. It was always Andy’s goal to become a millionaire by the age of thirty.

***The AHA! MOMENT Of The Interview***

The most shocking part of the interview was when I asked Andy how old he was. He started by thinking about it and then he couldn’t work it out. He just said I think I am over thirty. Andy is not a guy that remembers how old he is all the time like a lot of society, and he doesn’t even celebrate his birthday. By not focusing on his birthday, Andy says it allows him to focus his time on things that are more valuable. He says you must always think positive and whether your old or young there are benefits on both sides.

Your attitude towards success is something that Andy says will make a big difference in your entrepreneur life. If you don’t want to move, you will stay still for the next ten years. If you are motivated to achieve your goal then at least you have some hope to move forward. This doesn’t mean all the time that if you are motivated you will definitely achieve your goal, it takes a lot of hard work as well. Notice how the ultra successful like Andy always have a positive mindset? This is something that I have seen in every interview I have done on Addicted2Success.

Below are five Lessons Andy shared with me in the interview that you can apply to your life as an entrepreneur.

1. The psychology of trading can teach you a lot about entrepreneurship

In the beginning, Andy didn’t achieve financial freedom and he would lose money then make money over and over again. He says once you learn from your mistakes you get better everyday.

In the first year of trading, he lost money. The second to fourth year Andy worked on fixing up his bad trades. The mistake he was making was that he was able to turn $5000 very quickly into $100k, but then he would be too greedy on the profit side and would lose half of it. You need to secure your profit and try and ride the right trend and in 2011, with this strategy, Andy was able to turn the corner and start making some serious money.

No one is perfect and different people have different flaws. Try to identify yours and fix them, and then you can be successful. Once you know how to make money in the market, all you need to do is start to look back on your bad trades and fix those up, and then you will have more success. Andy knew to short (bet the price would go down) silver because it had happened before, and scenarios often repeat themselves in financial markets. The market for gold and silver goes up every US summer from June to August and has done so 9 out of 9 times in the last nine years. Andy puts stop losses in so he can know how much he would lose if he were wrong. Lose small and win big. You need to have a good risk management strategy otherwise you will do the reverse, lose big and win small – another lesson that applies to entrepreneurs.

The first year in trading is the toughest because you lose money more than you win, but you can never give up. Only 10% of people succeed with trading, and Andy keeps telling himself he will be part of this 10% – keep telling yourself you can do it. The hard part is staying disciplined. Being in the minority and staying disciplined will be traits you need to be an entrepreneur.

After making the $1.7 million Andy diversified his portfolio and allocated a large portion to real estate investing to get a passive income. Trading is not a stable income and Andy can’t see a big opportunity every single day so during the quiet times the real estate and Serman Traders income help provide the foundation for stability. Once the foundations are solid, this allows Andy to take calculated risks in his entrepreneurial endeavours and this is an important lesson.

2. The power of constantly learning

Driving a car is very similar to trading and being an entrepreneur, Andy says. At first he started with 1-10 leverage when he made his first million, now he is off his learner plates and uses 1-100. Just make money first and then when you get some consistency, then you can add more leverage. Trading is one of the ways to financial freedom if you take the time to understand it. A kid can do very well in trading because they follow the rules, but the older the person is, the more stubborn they are, and the less likely they are to be able to follow rules.

Part of Andy’s course involves making a daily video, which his students must watch to see what Andy is noticing in the market and where the opportunity is so that they can mirror it. The three things that people do wrong when they watch Andy’s video are they do nothing, miss the opportunity and chase the market, or they are too aggressive. If you follow the rules, then you will make money but most people can’t overcome the psychological limits that you need to have to be a good trader. There is nothing better than seeing mentors trade close to a live environment and being able to learn their strategies in the real world.

Being an entrepreneur is not about following the rules (quite the opposite) but you have to learn not to be stubborn and take the time to understand your business.

3. Plan your day for success

A day in Andy’s life involves waking up at 6am to catch the markets and trade for around two hours as well as catching up on the market news. In the afternoon, he trains his students all around the world and then late in the day he will host some live seminars in his office at night at around 4-5pm. At 7pm, he spends time with family and then between 10-11pm he will start to do the daily videos. The day then finishes between 11pm-1am where Andy does a final two hours of trading the Gold / Silver market.

The key is to be able to focus on what you’re doing, Andy says. You have to know your schedule well and plan ahead, so you know what to do. Andy always plans his trades ahead of time before the markets open. A lot of people don’t have a plan, and they plan to fail. You will get very emotional during trading if you don’t have a plan. A plan helps keep you calm and on course.

To avoid distractions like social media Andy delegates these tasks and has learnt to say no to interruptions and distractions. When delivering training Andy has his full focus with the student and doesn’t let his phone or anything distract him because he is trying to deliver the maximum value he can. Outside of trading Andy is married with a young daughter and he says allowing your loved ones to know your schedule well avoids unnecessary distractions and means that if they’re calling you it must be urgent – keep your phone on silent so you can focus.

Have a notebook next to you at all times to record your thoughts. It’s always good to write things down along with a weekly to-do list – try to work smarter rather than harder. Think before you do, if you do and think at the same time you will be very inefficient and be doing things that are unnecessary. Also, don’t forget to always leave some buffer time between appointments and build in breaks into your schedule even if you don’t plan on using them, just in case.

Plan for a busy day now and then, and know what your worse day looks like. Once you know your absolute worse day, plan how you are going to manage it and build in the meals, so you don’t starve and have no energy. Andy knows that every Tuesday is going to be a crazy day, so he knows how to deal with it.

Running your day as a trader is very similar to running you day as an entrepreneur, just focus focus focus and make sure you enjoy life at the same time!

4. Always be on a journey to mastering personal growth

We have different goals and priorities in life and natural strengths and weaknesses, which are determined by our personality type. The key is once you know your weakness you must not continually repeat the same mistake. If you do this, you will be very likely to go into a natural loop of failure. As an entrepreneur, you probably won’t notice the mistakes you make because they are too minor. When you talk about money though, a lot of people get more sensitive. It sounds easy to overcome your mistakes, but it takes time due to the psychological aspect. A good entrepreneur recognises their weakness and learns from their mistake – it’s that simple.

Andy found himself to be up and down as an entrepreneur until one day he sat down and looked at what mistakes he was making with the mindset of finding a solution. There’s only two ways to do anything, avoid making a mistake or try and figure out a solution. Once you have your solution, you need to write it down on paper so next time you see the same situation, you don’t make the same mistake again. This realisation was the key turning point for Andy to become successful and start making a profit from his trading.

To grow you need to keep yourself inspired. It’s always good to hear other people’s stories and experiences so that you can draw inspiration from them. Talking and engaging with them will deepen the learning even further. Try to broaden these moments of inspiration from different areas, and one’s that you may have nothing to do with like marine biology. Outside of variety don’t limit yourself to the same class of people either. Spend time with poorer people, middle-class people and rich people. Each of these classes will teach you different laws of success.

Between the ages of twenty to thirty most people stop learning new things. To grow you will need to be open to learning something new all the time and remember you don’t have all the answers to anything – no one does. Finding inspiration can also be found in attending meetups, talking to your friends and teaching students. Andy’s students often reveal to him things about life and networks that he has not yet tapped into.

For Andy to continue his own journey of personal growth, in 2011 after he made millions, he went on a missionary trip to China and started helping out handicap children. While staying in very poor surroundings on this trip he began to see that he is the one that is really fortunate and this motivated him to spend time helping other people. When you help other people you see the happiness even more, and you know that your wealth has helped create this. The lesson here is that even if you have nothing you can be very happy as well. If you find yourself being very aggressive towards making millions then attempt a trip like Andy did, and you will come back feeling more humble and not be so obsessed with money.

The lesson here is that even if you have nothing you can be very happy as well. If you find yourself being very aggressive towards making millions then attempt a trip like Andy did, and you will come back feeling more humble and not be so obsessed with money.

“Happiness is always a choice. You can’t wait for circumstances to change you have to create your own fortune and look for ways to be happy each day”

5. Switch your mindset from employee to entrepreneur

When Andy used to be an engineer he got paid to work but the responsibility was nowhere near as much as what it’s been since becoming an entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, you get paid for results not for showing up. Some of the work you do you may not get paid for. For example when you develop a product as an engineer you get paid through the process where as when you do the same thing as an entrepreneur you don’t, and it’s a very different mindset to get used to. During the times as an entrepreneur when you’re not getting paid, you must be able to tap into your optimism otherwise you won’t be able to get through this stage.

There is no ceiling on your income as an entrepreneur at any one time whereas working a job can be more restrictive, and there are annual limits to your earning capacity. As a trader, you can make as many millions of dollars as you like but Andy reckons he had to learn to not be too greedy. He used to have nothing but when he had something his mindset changed, and he wanted to preserve it and use it as a platform to build off of.

The way Andy explained this phenomenon to me was that before you become an entrepreneur you are all about capital gains, but once you become an entrepreneur you start thinking about how to maintain and increase a positive cashflow.

If you would like to enrol in Andy’s trading courses then visit the Serman Traders website where you can sign up for the priority list and receive a free copy of Andys eBook “How I Turned $1,600 into $1.7M In The Financial Markets”
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Entrepreneurs

9 Ways Augmented Reality Gives Your Business a Competitive Edge

By embracing AR technology, companies can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and success

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augmented reality in business

Leveraging Augmented Reality for Business Advancement: Exploring Applications

In the ever-evolving landscape of business innovation, Augmented Reality in business emerges as a transformative force, reshaping traditional paradigms and unlocking new opportunities for growth and advancement.

Through a comprehensive examination of AR’s capabilities, applications, and business benefits, this article serves as a roadmap for enterprises seeking to harness the full potential of augmented reality to propel their success in the digital age.

UNI.Agency as a forefront developmental agency tailors unmatched digital products and immersive experiences. They help companies outperform their competitors and customers’ expectations. And now, there is time to delve deep into the AR realm.

Gaining Insight into Augmented Reality

From revolutionizing customer experiences to optimizing operational efficiency, AR in retail is poised to drive significant advancements in how businesses operate and engage with their stakeholders.

Augmented Reality (AR) seamlessly integrates digital information and virtual objects into the real-world environment, offering users an immersive and interactive experience through devices like smartphones or AR glasses.

It revolutionizes various industries, from entertainment to healthcare, by enhancing perception and creating innovative opportunities for engagement and exploration in the digital era. AR not only enriches our understanding of reality but also opens up new possibilities for creativity, communication, and problem-solving, making it a powerful tool for businesses seeking to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations in an increasingly digital world.

Differentiating Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing the user’s perception of their environment. Virtual Reality (VR), however, immerses users in entirely virtual environments, blocking out the real world. There are some core differences between these two technologies in gear and display approaches:

  • AR enriches reality with digital information, while VR creates entirely immersive virtual experiences.
  • AR typically requires less specialized hardware, like smartphones or AR glasses, while VR often involves dedicated headsets.
  • AR is commonly used for enhancing real-world experiences, such as in gaming, retail, and navigation, encouraging augmented reality shopping. Whereas VR is primarily employed for immersive simulations, training, and entertainment in fully virtual environments.

The Influence of AR on the Customer Experience Journey

As of 2024, Augmented Reality (AR) has evolved into an indispensable tool across various sectors, offering immersive and interactive experiences that seamlessly blend digital elements with the real world.

Stimulating Interest

Augmented Reality (AR) captivates customers by offering visually engaging experiences that spark curiosity and intrigue, enticing them to explore products or services further.

AR’s ability to overlay digital content onto the real world creates an immersive and attention-grabbing experience, drawing customers in and igniting their interest.

Educating and Empowering Users

AR in business empowers users by providing interactive and informative experiences that educate them about products, services, or concepts in a visually compelling manner.

Through AR, customers can interact with virtual models, animations, or informational overlays, gaining a deeper understanding of the features, benefits, or use cases of the offerings.

Exploring Further Depths

AR encourages customers to delve deeper into products or services by offering immersive and interactive experiences that go beyond traditional marketing materials.

By allowing users to explore virtual representations of products in real-world contexts, AR in retail provides a unique opportunity for customers to visualize how offerings fit into their lives, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.

Business Benefits of Augmented Reality

Businesses utilize AR for diverse applications, including product visualization, virtual try-ons, and enhanced customer engagement. In education, AR transforms learning experiences by providing interactive simulations and visualizations.

Additionally, AR has become integral to industries such as healthcare, where it facilitates surgical training and patient education. With advancements in AR technology and widespread adoption, it continues to shape how we perceive and interact with our environment, ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity.

Let’s look at why AR has become so indispensable as a business tool nowadays.

Revolutionizing Training Methods

AR in business transforms training by offering immersive, interactive simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, enhancing employee learning and skill development.

It’s lucrative for hands-on training experiences. Since there’s no need for physical equipment or environments, reducing costs and logistical constraints while improving knowledge retention and performance.

Boosting Productivity Levels

Augmented Reality in business boosts productivity by providing real-time access to information and guidance, allowing employees to complete tasks more efficiently and accurately.

Through AR-powered tools and applications, workers can streamline workflows, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate effectively, resulting in increased output and operational efficiency.

Implementing Dynamic Marketing Approaches

AR enables businesses to implement dynamic marketing strategies that captivate and engage audiences in unique ways.

By integrating AR into marketing campaigns, companies can create interactive experiences that drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales conversions, setting themselves apart in a crowded marketplace.

Fostering Product Development

Augmented reality and marketing foster innovation in product development by facilitating virtual prototyping, design iterations, and collaborative decision-making.

With AR, teams can visualize and test product concepts in 3D, gather feedback from stakeholders, and make informed design decisions faster, leading to faster time-to-market and more successful product launches.

Creating Tailored Customer Experiences

AR creates personalized customer experiences by allowing users to interact with products and services in customized ways.

Through AR-enhanced applications and experiences, businesses can tailor content, recommendations, and promotions to individual preferences and behaviors, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Amplifying Brand Recognition

Augmented Reality shopping amplifies brand recognition by providing memorable and shareable experiences that leave a lasting impression on customers.

By incorporating AR into branding initiatives, companies can create immersive brand experiences that spark conversations, increase social media engagement, and strengthen brand loyalty, ultimately driving business growth and success.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Augmented Reality in business stands as a transformative force, offering a multitude of benefits across various aspects of operations. From revolutionizing training methods to boosting productivity levels, AR empowers businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

By embracing AR technology, companies can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and success, while delivering immersive and engaging experiences that resonate with customers and stakeholders alike.

As AR continues to evolve and integrate into everyday business practices, Uni will incorporate the best practices to promote business advancement and drive meaningful change for the clients. We’re to shape the future of commerce to your benefit.

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Entrepreneurs

How Entrepreneurs Are Harnessing LLCs to Launch Successful Startups

LLCs have unique advantages for starting up and growing a successful business

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why you should set up an LLC

In my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve learned that LLCs have unique advantages for starting up and growing a successful business. But, before delving into the advantages, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of what an LLC is and how it operates. 

What is an LLC?

An LLC is a hybrid business entity that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship. This unique blend provides entrepreneurs with the best of both worlds: personal asset protection and simplified taxation.

One of the most significant advantages of an LLC is its limited liability feature. This means that as the owner, my personal assets are shielded from any liabilities or debts incurred by the business.

In the event of lawsuits or financial obligations, only the assets of the LLC are at risk, offering me peace of mind and protecting my personal wealth.

Advantages of Forming an LLC

Flexibility in Management and Structure

Another aspect of the LLC that appealed to me was its flexibility in management and structure. Unlike corporations, which have rigid hierarchies and formalities, LLCs allow for a more relaxed approach to governance. As the founder, I have the freedom to structure the company in a way that suits the needs and goals of my startup.

For instance, LLCs can choose to be managed by their members (owners) or appoint a manager to oversee operations. This flexibility enables me to maintain full control of the business or delegate management responsibilities to trusted individuals while retaining ownership.

Additionally, LLCs are not bound by strict meeting requirements or extensive record-keeping obligations, reducing administrative burdens and allowing me to focus on building and growing the business.

Pass-Through Taxation and Financial Efficiency

One of the most attractive features of an LLC, particularly for startups, is its pass-through taxation. Unlike corporations, which are subject to double taxation (taxation at both the corporate and individual levels), LLCs pass profits and losses directly to their members’ personal tax returns.

This tax efficiency not only simplifies the filing process but also allows for greater flexibility in managing cash flow and reinvesting profits back into the business. As an entrepreneur, minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing financial efficiency are critical components of long-term success, and the pass-through taxation feature of an LLC aligns perfectly with these objectives.

Enhanced Credibility and Professionalism

Establishing an LLC can also enhance the credibility and professionalism of a startup. Unlike sole proprietorships or general partnerships, which may be perceived as informal or less legitimate, an LLC provides a formal business structure that instills confidence in customers, investors, and partners.

By operating under the umbrella of an LLC, I can present my startup as a reputable and established entity, which can open doors to opportunities such as securing financing, attracting top talent, and forging strategic partnerships.

This enhanced credibility can be a significant advantage, particularly in competitive industries or when seeking to differentiate my startup in the market.

Protection of Intellectual Property and Brand Assets

For startups built around innovative ideas or unique intellectual property, protecting these assets is paramount. An LLC offers an additional layer of protection for intellectual property and brand assets, safeguarding them from infringement or unauthorized use.

By registering trademarks, copyrights, or patents under the name of the LLC, I can establish legal ownership and enforce my rights more effectively in the event of disputes or infringement claims. This protection not only preserves the value of my intellectual property but also enhances the overall stability and longevity of the startup.

Steps to Form an LLC

Let us now look at the general steps to form an LLC for your business:

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your LLC

Selecting a unique and distinguishable name is the first step in forming an LLC. Ensure that the name you choose complies with the rules set by your state’s LLC division. Typically, the name must end with “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or an abbreviation of these terms.

Additionally, the name should not infringe on the trademarks of existing businesses.

Step 2: Designate a Registered Agent

A registered agent is an individual or entity appointed to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits or subpoenas, on behalf of the LLC. The registered agent must have a physical address within the state where the LLC is formed.

For instance, if you are forming an LLC in Texas, ensure that your registered agent has a physical address in Texas.

This role is crucial for ensuring that the LLC remains compliant with legal requirements and maintains good standing.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization, also known as a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization in some states, is a document that formally establishes the LLC. You’ll need to submit this document to the appropriate state agency, usually the Secretary of State or Division of Corporations.

The articles typically include basic information such as the LLC’s name, address, registered agent details, and the purpose of the business.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

While not always a legal requirement, drafting an operating agreement is highly recommended for LLCs. This document outlines the ownership structure, management roles, voting rights, profit-sharing arrangements, and other important aspects of the LLC’s operations.

Even if you’re the sole owner of the LLC, having an operating agreement in place can help clarify expectations and prevent disputes in the future.

Step 5: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your LLC for tax purposes.

Even if your LLC doesn’t have employees, obtaining an EIN is necessary for opening a business bank account, filing taxes, and conducting other financial transactions.

Step 6: Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

Depending on the nature of your business and its location, you may need to obtain various permits, licenses, or certifications to operate legally. These requirements can vary widely from one industry and jurisdiction to another. Common examples include business licenses, zoning permits, health permits, and professional licenses.

In my entrepreneurial journey, the decision to establish my startups as LLCs has been instrumental in mitigating risks, optimizing financial performance, and positioning my ventures for long-term success.

By harnessing the advantages of the LLC structure, I’ve been able to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence and resilience, laying the groundwork for a bright and prosperous future.

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Entrepreneurs

Build a Strong IT Team with These Smart Hiring Tips

Without dedicated IT staff, your company may not be able to function as efficiently or effectively

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Hiring tips for tech industry

The role of IT staff in your company is not only essential but also ever-evolving. As your business grows, so does the need for qualified IT staff and more robust recruiting solutions.

After all, from maintaining and troubleshooting the computer systems that keep your business running smoothly, IT staff also help employees stay connected and productive by providing technical support at all times. (more…)

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Entrepreneurs

5 Important Legal Tips Every Entrepreneur Should Know

With a firm commitment to legal knowledge, you pave the way to grow your business sustainably

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legal tips for entrepreneurs

Embarking on the entrepreneurial path is a courageous venture that calls for a diverse skill set to achieve enduring success.

While creativity, drive, and strategic vision are paramount, integrating legal insight into your entrepreneurial toolkit can be a game-changer.

This comprehensive guide delves deeper into the five critical steps that can empower you to navigate the intricate legal landscape and propel your venture toward prosperity. (more…)

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