My friend's million is his share of proceeds from sale of company. His boss was made an offer which he viewed as a good return on his investment. So he sold out. My friend got his million and lost his job.

Now, a millionaire would say "What a great opportunity! How can I use my capital to build a real fortune?" Instead, my friend has started looking for another job.

At 43-years old he can't imagine life without a 'proper job.' He is an institutionalized employee.

Being a millionaire, isn't really about having a million pounds or dollars - you need to have a millionaire's mentality.

What is that magical mindset, and how does it differ from way regular 9-5 folk think?

John Paul Getty said it:

"Luck, knowledge and arduous work - especially arduous work - are all necessarily for a man to become a millionaire. But above all that, he needs what can be called 'millionaire mentality': that essential state of mind and conscience which mobilizes intelligence and all talents of an individual to accomplish his tasks and realize goals he has set for himself in business."

The only thing I would disagree with great J.P. on is 'arduous work.' Sure, to get anywhere you need to work hard, but if you love what you are doing, it is hardly arduous. I prefer to think of 'smart work.'

Keep an open mind. -----------------

True millionaires see world slightly differently. Their minds are open to opportunities. A good example of this alternative way of thinking is Richard Branson, boss of Virgin Airlines. The story goes that he had taken a bunch of journalists to LA for his inaugural flight to that city. After a pleasant few days in a top hotel, journos were all in lobby waiting for a limo to take them back to airport. One young woman went up to Branson and asked him following question:

"Richard, I don't want to be a hack all my life, what is secret to making money?"

Branson looked around and said, "Just keep your eyes open and answer jumps right at you. Look at those outdoor heaters hotel has around pool, for example. I've never seen them before, and with English weather way it is, I'd bet they would sell like hot cakes at home. Find out who makes them and see if you can get UK distribution rights."

Out of interest, woman checked it out and was told she could buy rights for $3,000. She didn't bother.

Last year, company that did buy those rights was sold for $25m.

Goals -----

Goals are roadmap to our success. With a good map we get to our destination with minimum of fuss. Without one, we flounder and get lost.

Every millionaire - whether they have money yet or not - is goal-focused.

Whatever process you use to set yourself goals, this is one aspect of success that you should never stint on. The simplest method - and one which works well for me - is to have a 'goal moment.' Fifteen minutes set aside each week to focus your mind on your life's 'most desires results.'

On a sheet of paper, landscape (I use a yellow legal pad), make four column headings:

Of course, not everybody is getting rich. The vast majority of North Americans are actually earning less than they were ten or fifteen years ago. Unless you're one of lucky few, news can be a bit depressing.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Launching yourself into middle of Internet success is easier than you think. In dynamic of new economy, difference between earning $15,000 and $100,000 a year is really quite simple.

I can't say it is only as easy as changing your state of mind (although attitude is a big part of it). But by knowing some insider secrets and having a solid plan you can work, you can make big, quick strides toward getting your fair share of new high-tech wealth.

Here are four things you can do NOW: