Page 690 - How to Make Money in Stocks Trilogy

x Preface

Investing can be a somewhat isolating endeavor however, so wanting to
connect with other people that shared the same investing passion that I did,
I joined Santa Monica IBD Meetup. I enjoyed the group so much that I
wish I had joined years earlier. I met fellow investors who will be lifelong
friends. We trade e-mails all the time regarding the market or leading
stocks. Eventually, I began volunteering and helping at the meetings and
became co-organizer of the group.
One night, to my great surprise, Bill O’Neil showed up. It was very excit-
ing for me to meet one of my heroes in person. I got to know other people
at IBD, and eventually Bill offered me a job. It has been a pleasure and a
privilege working with Bill and my other terrific colleagues at IBD, all of
whom do an outstanding job of bringing the top investing insights and sto-
ries to subscribers.
Part of my work at IBD includes heading up the Meetup Development
Department. Along with another Meetup director, Tim Reazor, we have
expanded the program across the United States as investors flock to the
meetings. It has been extremely rewarding to see investors learn and profit
as a result of the IBD Meetup program.
In coming across so many successful investors, it became clear that their
stories needed to be shared. No matter what your background, education,
job experience, or age, you can learn to invest successfully. I hope these sto-
ries will encourage, inspire, and motivate you.
Both of my children are black belts in Taekwondo, and I have taken many
self-defense classes myself. Needless to say, I’ve spent countless hours in
the dojo (martial arts training facility).
The tenets of martial arts training bear remarkable similarities to those of
becoming a successful investor, so I have chosen to use analogies from the
martial arts world to discuss investing.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this book for their time
and willingness to share their stories about investing. Listening to their suc-
cess stories was energizing and motivating. It is my hope that by reading this
book, you will become excited about investing.
Whether you are just starting out or are a more seasoned investor, I
believe these success stories will help you become a better investor.

My best wishes for stock market success,
Amy Smith