The name “Rothschild” mean different things to different people. To some, it signifies wealth and to others; it represents power. Recently, I decided to take a closer look at the core values of the Rothschild family; a value that sparked their rise from nothing to fame and fortune.
Now who are the Rothschild’s and why am I writing about them? The Rothschild is a family comprising of savvy entrepreneurs with focus on banking and financing. Simply put, the Rothschild is the wealthiest family in the world and they control the world’s banking sector. In fact, they control the money supply of the world since they are the largest banking organization in the world.
I am writing on the Rothschild family because I found a value and culture worth emulating in the family. Without wasting much of your time, I want to share with you eight business success secrets of the Rothschild family and also lessons I learned from them. If you are interested in learning more about the Rothschild family; you can check out the Rothschild’s website or Wikipedia.
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Eight Business Success Secrets of the Rothschild Family
1. They started small
The Rothschild family is the richest family in the world but it was not so 200 years ago. The Rothschild family international dynasty was started small by Mayer Amschel Rothschild; who was nothing but a small money lender. But from that humble beginning; he grew into what is today known as the Rothschild Dynasty.
This further emphasizes the point that all achievements started out as an idea; after all, Rome was not built in a day. One advantage of starting from scratch is that it helps you the entrepreneur, master the business fundamentals and intricacies; just as Mayer Amschel Rothschild mastered the intricacies of banking and financing.
Lesson one: “Despise not the days of little beginning.”
2. The Rothschild had a mission
When Mayer Amschel Rothschild started out in banking and financing, he had a mission and that mission was to be the financial hub of the world. Today, that mission is a reality as most banks in the world are directly or indirectly controlled by the Rothschild family.
The lesson here is that: “You need a strong business mission to build a successful business that will stand the test of time.” The Rothschild’s dynasty has lived on for more than two hundred years and is still waxing strong because the mission of its founder is been preserved and followed.
Lesson two: “Always have a mission for every business venture you undertake because your entrepreneurial spirit is in the mission.”
3. They are ambitious
Ambition has been the engine that has propelled the Rothschild family to the pinnacle of fortune and fame. Mayer Amschel Rothschild was ambitious and that trait helped him into the corridors of power. This single trait has made Rothschild the most powerful family in the world.
4. They are focused
Almost all successful entrepreneurs emphasize the need to concentrate your effort. I came to appreciate this single concept of concentration after studying the Rothschild. For over 200 years, the Rothschild’s have concentrated on their core “banking and financing” without deviating. They started out in banking, made their mark in banking and have stayed true to the course of banking. Even if you don’t pick any lesson from the Rothschild family; learn the importance of concentration.
Lesson three: Don’t try to start multiple businesses at once. Start one and concentrate until you hit success.
5. They built a brand
At the mention of “Rothschild”, what comes to the mind of those who are aware of the family activities is banking. The Rothschild family has built a brand by sticking their teeth to the banking sector and their name is now synonymous with banking. So if you are going to build a business that will outlive you, then start building a brand today.
Lesson four: “Build a brand and don’t destroy it.” – Aliko Dangote
6. They respected the family value
The reason why the Rothschild family business survives till today is because the descendants of Mayer Amschel Rothschild have continued in the same tradition he laid down. The family has respected and upheld the value of the brand “Rothschild.”
A closer observation of the Rothschild family further reveals that they prefer to operate from behind the scene. Hardly will you catch a member of the Rothschild family in the limelight; they prefer to keep their dealings quiet and they strive to maintain a low profile. The Rothschild founder didn’t disclose his net worth publicly and it has been like that ever since for the family.
Their donations are also done under anonymity. To be frank, I don’t think I have heard or read that there was dispute in the Rothschild family over inheritance sharing; this is because the family members have utmost respect for the brand “Rothschild.” The lesson want to point here is this: “never forget the values that took you to the top.” Most entrepreneurs forget themselves and begin to live recklessly simply because they have achieved success. It shouldn’t be so.
Lesson Five: “Remain true to yourself and your philosophy.” – Giorgio Armani
7. They are strategic in their leadership style
The founder of the Rothschild dynasty “Mayer Amschel Rothschild” spurred the growth of the Rothschild by delegating duties to his children; according to their strength and weaknesses. He sent his tough, ambitious sons to harsh business terrains with lots of opportunities and markets to be conquered; while he sent the quiet children to less competitive environment. This single act of tactical delegation has been the core of the strategic leadership style of the Rothschild family. And an important lesson you should learn here is this:
Lesson six:“Harness the strengths of those that work for you and maximize it to the fullest.”
8. They had a long term plan
The Rothschild dynasty started small but its founder fashioned out a long term plan that will help the business achieve its goal; which is to become the financial hub of the world. And his descendants have stuck to this long term plan. This is the reason why the Rothschild will continue to dominate the banking and financing sector; because they are focused on executing their long term plan.
Lesson Seven: How long do you want your business to live?
As a final note, these are the eight business success secrets that positioned the Rothschild family as the wealthiest and most powerful family in the world. I don’t see why you can’t replicate the success of the Rothschild family. After all, success is replicable.