He used charm, others’ personal tragedies and fake celebrity endorsements. How Christopher LaVoie cast his reality show and reeled in successful entrepreneurs for his book “The Millionaire Next Door.”
Christopher LaVoie’s The Millionaire Next Door is the most popular book on “The Millionaire Mind” and the #1 seller on Amazon.com. In 2001, he launched Real to Reel Networks (RTRn) and sold the company to MTV Networks. But his book is not yet complete.
His newest project is the creation of a show with the same name as his best-selling book.
“It’s one of those things that I never thought I would live to test it,” he said. “I can’t believe it just happened. I never thought (it would be on TV).”
A ‘Great Big Lie’
LaVoie’s first book, released in 1986, is considered a hit, and has sold more than 25 million copies. But in 1996, his second book titled The Millionaire Next Door: Uncovering the Secrets of Success, was challenged and removed from the shelves at Barnes and Noble and other chains of booksellers. The book was also slammed by a judge who found LaVoie guilty of “gross libel.” LaVoie fought the allegation, but was eventually convicted and fined $100,000 by a judge.
But LaVoie’s popularity has only increased. The Millionaire Next Door has been translated into 40 languages and was included in the New York Times best-seller list. In 2004, LaVoie was the first person to be named by the New York Times as a “Man of the Year” in the book category. “The Millionaire Next Door” still remains on the New York Times best-seller list and is also the most popular book on Amazon.com.
A ‘Great Big Lie’
LaVoie is an advocate of self-esteem and self-improvement. He has done research showing that the majority of people cannot achieve the “perfect” status they desire. He’s also a spokesperson for the National Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “