What is
The Business of the 21st Century by Robert T. Kiyosaki about?
The Business of the 21st Century advocates network marketing as a modern path to financial freedom, challenging traditional employment models. Kiyosaki argues that multilevel marketing (MLM) teaches essential entrepreneurial skills like sales and team-building while leveraging scalable income streams. The book emphasizes asset-building over job security, framing MLM as a solution to economic instability post-2008.
Who should read
The Business of the 21st Century?
This book targets employees and small business owners stuck in outdated 20th-century mindsets. It’s ideal for those seeking passive income through network marketing or interested in Kiyosaki’s cashflow quadrant theory. Investors and established entrepreneurs may find it redundant, as it primarily addresses entry-level wealth-building strategies.
Is
The Business of the 21st Century worth reading?
Yes, for readers open to unconventional wealth strategies. The book provides actionable frameworks like the B-I Triangle (Team, Leadership, Mission) and critiques outdated financial advice. However, skeptics note its heavy promotion of MLM, which some associate with pyramid schemes.
What are the main concepts in
The Business of the 21st Century?
Key ideas include:
- Cashflow Quadrants: Transitioning from Employee/Self-Employed to Business Owner/Investor
- B-I Triangle: Five pillars (Team, Leadership, Mission, Cashflow, Communication) for business success
- Network Marketing: Positioned as a low-risk entrepreneurial training ground
How does
The Business of the 21st Century differ from
Rich Dad Poor Dad?
While both books promote financial literacy, this title specifically champions network marketing as a 21st-century business model. Unlike Rich Dad Poor Dad’s broader investment focus, it provides a step-by-step blueprint for MLM success, reflecting Kiyosaki’s post-2008 economic analysis.
What quotes from
The Business of the 21st Century are impactful?
- “Your network is your net worth”: Highlights relationship-building’s role in wealth.
- “Job security is dead”: Urges readers to prioritize asset creation over traditional employment.
These quotes reinforce Kiyosaki’s anti-establishment financial philosophy.
How does Robert Kiyosaki justify network marketing in the book?
He argues MLM teaches critical sales and leadership skills with minimal upfront investment. Unlike franchises or startups, it offers mentorship and scalable systems, making it ideal for economic downturns. Kiyosaki contrasts this with “broken” corporate ladder models.
What criticisms exist about
The Business of the 21st Century?
Critics accuse Kiyosaki of oversimplifying MLM challenges and ignoring high failure rates in the industry. Some note conflicts of interest, as he profits from related seminars and partnerships.
How can
The Business of the 21st Century help during economic crises?
The book advises building decentralized income streams through network marketing teams. Kiyosaki claims this model thrives in recessions by leveraging low-cost digital tools and community-driven sales.
Why is
The Business of the 21st Century relevant in 2025?
With AI disrupting traditional jobs, its emphasis on entrepreneurial resilience and passive income aligns with gig economy trends. Updated editions address remote team management and social media marketing tactics.
How does the book define “new capitalism”?
Kiyosaki describes it as democratized wealth-building through collaborative networks rather than corporate hierarchies. He contrasts this with “old capitalism,” which he associates with stagnant wages and institutional distrust.
What are alternatives to network marketing suggested in the book?
While MLM is the primary focus, Kiyosaki briefly endorses franchising and intellectual property creation (books, courses) as complementary wealth-building strategies.