“I’m committed to adding value in every interaction and having a relationship-driven approach to engagement gives you just that, relationships.”
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It’s time for another #GAWG! My next guest is one of my favorite people to engage with on social media, someone who gives awesome financial advice, and the author of the new book “Financially Irresponsible,” Rahkim Sabree!
First off you just wrote a book and I’m so proud and excited for you! What was your inspiration to write “Financially Irresponsible”?
Thank you! There were a few points of inspiration, and ironically I was so adamantly AGAINST writing a book on finance because I thought there was just an oversaturated market for “financial literacy” content. I did an exercise with a business coach where I was basically asked if I had to speak on any topic in the next 30 minutes what topic would that be? And I said personal finance, so we settled that’s what I needed to write about. Other than that, people often peg me as the financial advice guy so I figured why not share my journey through writing.
After going through the process of writing this book, what are 3 takeaways you can share for others who are wanting to write a book?
Be strategic. This is my second book and there is a world of difference in the process I followed last time. I needed to know my desired end result before I even started putting the words together. Be patient. There were many instances where I got frustrated or annoyed with the process — it’s long and committed. There were nights I’d come home from work and write until I went to bed, woke up at 4am, and wrote until 7:30am when I needed to get ready for work. It requires a certain kind of dedication. Socialize early. I started telling people about the book as I neared completion so that I could create a buzz. I also tested content related to the book with the market. If I’d bring up a topic in the book on social media and people reacted well to it, it let me know I was on the right path. If people reacted poorly then I knew I needed to maybe cut it out. I also let people take part in helping me choose the cover art and other things to get them engaged with the project.
You’re very active on your social channels and sharing advice with your audience (which I greatly appreciate!) — what’s something you’ve learned from being open and honest in that way?
I’ve learned that you have got to give, to get. I started 2019 with the commitment that I would add value every time I interacted with people. Having a relationship driven approach to engagement gives you just that, relationships. I’ve learned that people generally appreciate transparency and can relate to what you’re talking about or going through. If my experiences can help someone else why not share, or reversed, if someone else’s experiences help me, why not let them know?
Who’s someone you admire and why?
I admire the co-founder of my non-profit. I think it’s important to highlight the people who work in the trenches beside you rather than those who are so far removed. He keeps me focused and inspired every day with the work we do and constantly throws out innovative ideas for us to plan around.
“It’s important to highlight the people who work in the trenches beside you rather than those who are so far removed.”
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What’s your secret passion?
Helping others. I’m not sure it’s so secret at this point, but I think the way in which I like to help others; one on one, intimate, honest, and authentic is the most effective. If I could be a life coach and make a living I absolutely would.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Advice is free, experience you pay for.” My grandfather use to say that to me as a child and I didn’t get it. Now, I understand that if you can learn from someone else’s experiences or they are sharing with you freely it’s going to cost you less than having to learn that on your own. I’ve also learned as an entrepreneur that again, the advice I give is free but for people wanting to leverage my experiences in a meaningful way, they have to compensate me.
How do you encourage creative and innovative thinking?
Turn off the screens! I say that figuratively and literally. It’s important to have a pulse on the market but equally important not to get caught up in the expectations and judgments of others. With social media, the internet, tv, etc. you’re constantly being bombarded with images and expectations that I think stifle the creative process and kind of programs us to form “group think”. There’s no room for innovation if you’re too busy thinking the way everyone else is.
“Have a pulse on the market, but don’t get caught up in the expectations and judgments of others.”
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What is one of the most difficult decisions you’ve made in your career and what did you learn from it?
I think taking on entrepreneurship is the most difficult because you sort of take on a whole other job. Managing expectations in my day job around what my commitment to high performance, while attending to my personal goals is also important. Essentially it’s a huge juggling act. I’ve learned so far that we all have the same 24 hours in a day and you can choose to maximize that time or waste it. I’ve also learned that it’s ok to take risks and put yourself out there. Since embarking on entrepreneurship, I’ve had a lot of people respond well to my projects and initiatives by offering support, encouragement, and even opportunities that I’d otherwise never receive.
I love book recommendations to help me grow in my career and challenge my thinking – What books would you recommend as a must-read for career growth and/or just fictional fun?
Career growth definitely “How to Win Friends and Influence People“. That book has been foundational to my success in every area of my life where I have to interact with people.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the next #GAWG!
— Gage Grammer
Going Ahead with Gage 