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The Gateway to Success: How Omidyar Became an Overnight Billionaire

Article Overview: “When you look at the accomplishments of accomplished people and you say, ‘Boy, that must have been really hard,’…that was probably hard,” says Omidyar. “And conversely, when you look at something that looks easy, that was probably hard. And so you’re never going to know which is which until you actually go out and do it.” Whether Omidyar’s accomplishments look easy or not, they are undoubtedly significant, having not only revolutionized the way people do business, but making a multi-billion dollar fortune along the way. How did he do it?

The Gateway to Success: How Omidyar Became an Overnight Billionaire

“When you look at the accomplishments of accomplished people and you say, ‘Boy, that must have been really hard,’…that was probably hard,” says Omidyar. “And conversely, when you look at something that looks easy, that was probably hard. And so you’re never going to know which is which until you actually go out and do it.” Whether Omidyar’s accomplishments look easy or not, they are undoubtedly significant, having not only revolutionized the way people do business, but making a multi-billion dollar fortune along the way. How did he do it?

Confidence: Omidyar was a risk taker, and he believed in himself enough to follow through on his gambles. He quit his day job to put all his energy behind an idea that most people thought could never work. Others might have doubted his vision, but he refused to give up. Omidyar remained committed to his goals and knew he had what it takes to see them through.

Passion: “I want people to be entrepreneurs,” says Omidyar, “but I want them to do it for the right reasons, because they think they can change the world, because they think they have got something of value to give to the world. Not because they think they can make a lot of money.” From day one, Omidyar knew he had a passion for computers and nothing was going to stand in his way from that pursuit.

Principles: “Fundamentally, everything we do in human activities is related to trade and there’s something, I think, that’s wired in human beings that drives us to commerce,” says Omidyar. “But you know, so very, very quickly, I learned that it was actually the human element that was really driving it more than the commerce.” Omidyar’s insistence on creating a community based on the principle of respect supported the building of trustworthy relationships, and thus further fueled his success.

Preparation: “You can’t predict growth and success – no one in their right mind would predict 30 percent monthly growth for another year every year,” says Omidyar. Indeed, no one, not even Omidyar himself, could have predicted the rapid growth eBay experienced in its first few years. Nevertheless, he positioned his company in such a way that it would be able to seize whatever opportunities came its way.

Determination: “Be an enzyme – a catalyst for change,” suggests Omidyar. “As a slogan, I don’t know if that’s ever going to be right up there with ‘Ich Bin Ein Berliner’, or ‘I Have A Dream,’ but there’s a lot of truth to it.” Through the ups and downs, the service disruptions and the disbelievers, Omidyar remained committed to making his company a success.

Omidyar grew up in a technological world that was primarily concerned with building software packages. Today, in a more interactive world of global communication, he notes that entrepreneurs have abundant opportunities in front of them. “I think it is exciting to see what kinds of ideas they will come up with, things the world has never seen before,” says Omidyar. “That is what I’m waiting for.”

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Article Tags: confidence, day job, dollar fortune, gambles, human beings, human element, insistence, money, passion, principle, risk taker, trustworthy relationships



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Re: New from Seattle, USA - Welcome to the club. It is nice having a Billionaire among us
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Re: Just a simple comparison & contrast of our truths in crisis. - I I totally agree you have to be extremely grateful. I am extremely grateful because I have all my body parts complete, look all the people that don't. Look at all those soldiers that honoring their country go to war get killed. Believing in their cause not only now but threw out history that never left no children. We all must be Thankful for those that helped our loved ones the old ancestors that were so wise in been abundant and fruitful that left us a body to live in. Man and how blessed are we can you imagine how many people never had children or couldn’t and we are the lucky descendants of the ones that could. Come on now bless be the Lord Almighty King and Lord of heaven. By just existing you should be humbled and eternally meek for such success. A sacred quote from a very wise woman If that is not enough, look at all the sperms that fought for your place and you’re the winner. I wish I could have reached that Billionaire with this or any person thinking that it is a great shame and people should mourn and be sensitive to that evil that won and prevent it from happening again. A person in that position or any alive would have influence allot more people before going. But unfortunately you do not know what you have until you don’t have it. That’s why it is wise to be close to your creator the founder while you can.


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