When Small Businessman Trevor Brunson came into my office it was a rainy day and he dripped puddles where he stood as we talked. As a mentor myself, it is not unusual for local business people to seek counsel about different issues they need help with. That rainy afternoon, I listened to the urgency in Trevors voice and what I told him became the basis for this article.

Trevor Brunson was a small developer who built speculative projects around the TriState area. Originally a builder, he recently graduated into development and made more money in 12 months than he has made in 5 years building projects for others.

His new role meant that he was the creative force behind the projects he made. He needed vision to see what others do not see. His job was to put himself in the shoes of the future purchaser of his 3 bedroom home designs and make choices that will appeal to the largest possible cross-section of the typical buyer in his market. Looking at a bare block of land, he had to envision value on behalf of this prospective future purchaser. For this reason I considered what he did speculative. Some would translate speculation as simply "guessing" others would deem speculation as gambling.

I agree that there is an element of uncertainty and risk involved however the difference between gambling and speculation is the vital ingredient of "vision" Risk can be controlled and negated to a point where it is negligible. It is this aspect of wealth building that is the main generator of success or failure.

When we take on an endeavour without too much capital behind us, we are in an excellent position. The naysayers call you under-capitalized, I call you failure proofed. I don't like using platitudes lightly but necessity really is the mother of invention. It is the fountain head of vision. You have nothing to lose and the upside is big. A very good ratio.

As a wealth building system, having little money is no barrier to success. On that rainy afternoon 2 years ago, I gave Trevor Brunson a formula which he uses to this day. His business is real estate but this wealth building system can be applied to any endeavour you choose.

Here it is.

1. Create a reproduceable unit of value. (RUOV)

For any wealth building sysyem, this is always the first port of call. Identify a market demand and the value it seeks. Offer this value to the demand.

2. Create a system for mass production

Plan for a systemized manufacturing of the single unit of value. The velocity of your returns will be a quantum leap faster with a systemized production plan.

3. Identify and foster close links with main channels of distribution.

Knowing how to reach the above market, the demand that was uncovered. Where does the demand live? If your product is a newspaper, your demand will live at bus stations and train stations and news agencies. You have to take your unit of value to the demand, the demand will rarely seek you out.