The Business of Life, a Column by Angie Martin Striking It Rich and Raising Kids NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a column by Angie Martin. Q: How can I become rich? -- Money on my mind A: Self-made millionaire and founder of http://www.howtodoublesales.com Chet Holmes says this: Rich people have a plan. Yet, 99% of people do not have a complete, comprehensive master plan. And that's the secret to rapidly building wealth. Do you have a PLAN for getting more clients? Do you have a PLAN for improving your personal productivity? There are only 12 competencies to making millions. Study these on a regular basis. To learn more about these competencies go to http://www.chetholmes.com . A: Here's what San Diego based financial consultant Tom Graneau, author of Are You Financially Checkmate?, has to say about this one: What is needed is some thought-provoking information about the financial illnesses most of us experience each day, and a few practical solutions on how to begin to solve the problem. In this affluent society, Americans struggle with personal finances. Most are well educated, have great jobs and earn good salaries. Yet 90 percent still struggle, living from paycheck-to-paycheck. Your income is your friend, and you need to maximize its potential. Allow it to grow through a savings plan. A: Andy Fuehl and Phil Laut authors of Wealth Without a Job, offers this answer: Most people are miserable because they are doing work they don't like. More than 90% of all Americans hate their jobs. Why is that? Because they are not passionate about what they are doing. Unless a person is highly masochistic or highly devoted to self-sacrifice or martyrdom, what he or she is good at and what they are passionate about are usually identical or closely related. Everyone has internal values that they consider important and that they express naturally and on a regular basis. Understanding and declaring one's own purpose in life produces some very immediate, wide-ranging and significant benefits including money. Q: How do I find quality time with my family, especially my kids, when I'm working so many hours in my new business? -- Growing up fast A: Author Michael Wells who wrote Snapshots of Heaven offers this advice: The biggest challenge is to be conscious of this issue and work on it like a problem. Give your kids priority in your day planner. Having a successful family and raising kids shares some of the same challenges we face in business. If you're a single parent experiencing guilt, just do your best. Whatever time you can find is precious -- 5 minutes a day or twice a week or a phone call on your break or a note in their lunch box. It's all precious and kids are more understanding than we think. To learn more, visit http://www.snapshotsofheaven.com . Q: How do I get my invention to market without being ripped off? --Still dreaming A: Donald and Betty Deitch of San Francisco have created several board games that required patents. Here's their advice: First apply for a Provisional Patent. This is less than a full Patent application, which you have to file within a year thereafter, but gives you the priority filing date with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Read Patent it Yourself by David Pressman, Esq. from Nolo Press. For more information visit http://www.funspin.com . Q: How important is traditional networking in business and does the Internet and social sites help or hurt? A: Business development company IBI Global VP Steve Nye offers this advice: "Traditional networking still works. I'd rather meet someone in person and ask them specifically how their business is doing and what they need next to "Take Their Business to the Next Level." They usually respond I need clients, capital or both. People are usually more prepared to speak about their business or they would not be attending the networking event. Most traditional marketing is unfocused and random -- the shot gun approach. A better way is to focus on a select market segment with a message that appeals to the members. The internet plays a role as in introduction to a company. Yet, most people will browse your website to learn more about your company. This is can be a form of targeted advertising. The internet can reach a broader market segment via web searches. I believe the internet complements and will not replace the face to face networking in business. Q: Where can I find inspiration and resources to help me stay encouraged when I feel like quitting? --Mr. I.  Giveup A: "It depends," said Dr. Joachim De Posada, Miami author of Don't Eat the Marshmallow Yet. "It depends on the person's personality, expectations, their needs, etc. It is very important to understand yourself or your employees to know what motivates you or them." There are many resources I would recommend such as books by Zig Ziglar or Tony Robbins. A: Gary Chappell CEO of Nightingale Conant based in Chicago, the leading motivational product company in the world, knows a lot about motivation after beginning his career as a carpenter. He says this: When times get tough, start by listening to motivational products and take time daily to clear your mind and meditate. Angie Martin Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is provided by companies featured through PR Newswire. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station cannot confirm the accuracy of this information and make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Previous Press Releases New NYC Seminar Gives Local Business Owners a Chance to Rub Shoulders With Powerful CEOs and Entrepreneurs