CLEO October 2006 By Deborah Tan
MILLION DOLLAR BABES
Want to be worth a six-digit figure before you turn 30? Let these women show you how to make it happen as they reveal their get-rich tips. Read their road-to-riches tales here before they publish their memoirs.
THE INSURANCE INGENUE
She’s proof that all you need is drive. Now heading her own insurance organization, this young woman arrived in Singapore on a student loan and ended up a multi-millionaire.
What spurred your decision to leave Indonesia?
It wasn’t in my plans to come to Singapore but we were in the midst of the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) held a session in Jakarta then to recruit foreign students. I attended the talk and decided to take up the programme. But I didn’t get a scholarship, I relied on student loan.
What sparked your million-dollar brainwave?
Becoming an engineer after graduation meant I’d only be getting an average of $2,500 monthly. But I had a $40,000 debt to pay off and I wanted to provide for my parents while they’re still healthy. I also wanted financial freedom before I turn 30. Sales was the answer.
Why venture into insurance instead of other businesses?
I lacked capital for other businesses. I chose insurance over property because it allows me to earn passive income – I continue to get a cut from every premium I sell for the next six years. I can afford to not work if I choose to. Moreover, at the end of every year, I’m entitled to a bonus based on my earnings.
Insurance agents have a negative rep. How do you get around that?
I treat all customers how I’d want to be treated. I don’t hard-sell my products and I always approach people politely.
What was the road to riches like?
In this kind of work, you’re only limited by your own ambition. You can earn as much as you want to – I broke industry records in my first year when I earned a quarter of a million dollars. I now head the Merry Riana Organization to groom young agents.
What’s your secret to success?
Three things. Vision – think about what you want to be doing three to five years down the road. Action – find out what you can do about it. Lastly, passion – that’s what keeps you going.
Do you think your desire for wealth means you’re materialistic?
Money is important but it’s not the most important thing in my life. To me, money is all about what it can offer. I don’t splurge unnecessarily; I stay in a HDB flat, in fact.
You recently published a book about your success. How is it different from other self-help titles?
It’s written by someone young, someone who’s been there and done that. I may be only moderately successful but if I can achieve it, others can too.
PEP TALK!
“Don’t put off your goals or wait for things to happen. Don’t think how, think why. Once you get your motivation, you’ll be able to overcome the how.”
A Gift From A Friend by Merry Riana
This book, although inspiring, falls short of what I expected. It contains stories that aim to inspire you and about how you should change your mindset about money. But Merry does not reveal how she got to where she is or how one can associate with the right types of people to succeed. The book is easy to read and it’s well worth the one day you’ll take to finish it. You’ll probably need to apply for a mentorship (instructions given at the end of the book) with her.
To know more about Merry Riana and her Organization, MRO, you can visit www.merryriana.com.sg or email merry@merryriana.com.sg.
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