In relation, many entrepreneurs have followed a similar journey to become wealthy in their own right, if not as famous around the world. The list is limitless and scanning 'Rich Lists' will always turn up stories where determination and motivation has taken people to a life of affluence, to a life surrounded by wealth created from scratch.
Chris Gardner, whose biography was the basis for the movie "In Pursuit of Happiness" is a true tale of being down on your luck, and then having the will, vision and determination to turn one's life around. Dreaming of becoming a stockbroker, he instead found himself penniless in jail, his girlfriend having taken his son and all of his things. Even through that Gardner still had the courage to fight for his future. Being released from jail on the evening before his final interview with a major brokerage firm, he arrived at the interview in dirty jeans and a t-shirt. He told the truth, explaining his situation and his interviewer understood and immediately gave Gardner a spot within the company training program. Several years later he opened his own brokerage company in Chicago and has never looked back.
Duncan Bannatyne, one of the popular personalities from the BBC's Dragon's Den show, was told at the age of 11 by his mother that they couldn't afford an ice cream when he wanted one. So he took it upon himself to build a paper route in order to buy the whole family one the following summer. His business undertakings started with his own ice-cream van, gradually growing to a fleet before selling the business for a healthy amount. Then from investments in Nursing Homes and Children's Learning Centres he grew into the Health Club sector and is now worth over £310 million according to the 2008 Sunday Times Rich List.
So what does it take to be successful as a rags to riches entrepreneur? A vision, a clear goal, is a key starting point along with unfailing confidence in oneself. An unwavering focus and drive to make it in the world of business is needed, in spite of the current, often less than perfect, circumstances that one may find themselves in.
Some attribute the ability to take a risk as an important quality for success. It is a trait often found in young people who are generally fearless about the world and the results of their actions. Others will attest that keeping a firm grip, keeping your feet on the ground and not forgetting your working class roots are as equally significant as a keen sense of business.
Whatever the full list of ingredients are that make up the ideal recipe for success as a rags to riches entrepreneur, there appears to be a few key elements necessary. With a touch of self-motivation, some common sense, good fortune of course, astute planning and effective implementation there will always be a chance to make those millions.
Erica Polaris is herslef a rags to riches entrepreneur and writer of self improvement and wealth creation. She shares her research on rags to riches entrepreneur at her website which includes great tips and recommended products for success.
