Financial freedom has never been easier

The entrepreneur is more interested in progress than in stability, solving problems rather than working for a pay cheque. Change is difficult for most people. There is fear for the unknown.  But everything in life is risky. The entrepreneur, however, is fuelled by the challenges of the unknown and embraces change.

Hykie Berg, the popular actor, best known for his role as Dr Conrad Bester in the TV drama Binnelanders, is also a successful entrepreneur. 

“The job market or working for a boss has become a very insecure environment. It is therefore imperative to generate a second and even a third stream of income.

“Skill versatility is of utmost importance. Most people who enter the job market today will change their jobs at least eight times before they retire, and their last four jobs do not even exist yet. That’s how fast modernity is moving”.

“For the past five years I have been involved with a direct distribution company with over 1 200 clients and partners locally as well as internationally, empowering people to generate passive income, grow their entrepreneurial skills and find a new purpose in life”.

Direct distribution is a direct-to-consumer approach, where the manufacturer controls all aspects of distribution. Indirect distribution involves third parties, like warehouses, wholesalers, and retailers. Direct distribution gives companies more control over the whole process

“People think success is related to money, but wealth creation is actually all about a certain mindset,” he says.

He stresses that IQ has nothing to do with entrepreneurial success. Many successful entrepreneurs do not even have matric. It is your mindset that counts, and anyone can learn and acquire it.

His wife Gerridene, is an attorney and works full time with his entrepreneurial ventures which they are rapidly expanding into international markets.

Gerridene has a passion for health and fitness and empowers women holistically in order to achieve their goals. She believes in a holistic approach as transformation requires internal as well as external change. 

“She became aware of the brokenness of women who are hardly ever okay with their bodies. She sees her work as a calling. It is done on a personal level as well as online”.

“As far as entrepreneurship is concerned, discipline is crucial.  One must be able to discipline delayed gratification. The seeds that one sow does not grow immediately. Patience and perseverance are so important.

“Whatever you show now, will only bear fruit later. An entrepreneur cannot afford a consumer attitude. For a consumer everything has to happen instantly. Having your eye on the goal and having a clear vision of what you want to achieve is imperative. It should excite you!”.

Hykie says the difference between successful and unsuccessful people is that successful people spend at least two hours each day working on their dream. If you are an employee and simply do what most people do after five, like watching television, it’s important to ask yourself: How important are my dreams and am I moving towards what it is that I want out of life?.

It is also important who you spend your time with.

“Social science has proven that we become a combination of the five people we spend the most time with. This includes your values, belief systems, even your financial situation as you all share a similar mindset.

“I believe I am in trouble when I realise, I am not associating with people that are wiser and more skilled than I am. Teachability is so important and learning from others helps me grow and challenges my thinking.

“In the Western world only four out of 100 people will be financially free and only one out of those four will be super rich. The rest will be broke or they will have to work until they die. Only one out of 100 people in South Africa can really afford to retire.

Hykie refers to three worldwide growing mega trends today. Those are health and wellness – a trillion-dollar industry – (people want to live longer and look better), social marketing or direct distribution and social entrepreneurship. 

“My goal is to educate and help people understand how they can benefit from these mega trends, become micro-entrepreneurial and achieve success.

“The gig economy is the future! It allows anyone to create a second stream of income. I love direct distribution because it is risk free, it is online and home-based, and anyone can get involved on a part time basis. It allows anyone the opportunity to create an international asset-based income”.  

The ideal, he says, is to create passive income.

“The goal in direct distribution is to work hard part-time for two to five years so that you can earn enough passive income and escape the “selling time for money” trap. Direct distribution is a wonderful environment to learn the art of entrepreneurship. 

Hykie who has authored two books is planning on writing a third book (this time on entrepreneurship and leadership) for those who have big dreams and would like to change their lives.

“Entrepreneurs need four characteristics; they must be hungry, teachable, honourable and willing to work. You must have faith, good work ethics and a big dream.

“You will be scared, but consistent actions bring results. Being uncomfortable should become your new comfort. If you fall seven times, get up eight times. 

“Entrepreneurs welcome change and are not interested in the status quo. We love challenges, we recover quickly, and we forgive ourselves when we make mistakes. If you focus on the problems, you are always going to experience problems. You will always receive what you focus on.”

Hykie is one of South Africa’s most requested inspirational and motivational speakers. He often speaks about purpose, hope and leadership. He launched a non-profit organisation called Hope and Action, he is the ambassador of Attooh, a financial service provider and has been nominated several times for a best actor award. He was also the winner of Survivor Maldives.

“The greatest gift you can give another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”

hykie@hykieberg.com

https://www.facebook.com/hykieberg