Since I got my American Express Black Card, a lot of people have asked me where I have used it or what I have bought with it. I am sorry to say that I have not made any ridiculous purchases with it (yet). I have bought food, airline tickets, radio equipment, and a couple lap dances, sorry relaxation therapy sessions…..

Come on, you know me, of course I needed to flash the new American Express Black Card at least once in a gentleman’s club.

Anyhow, since getting this mysterious titanium black amex card, it got me thinking about “the big picture”. I could literally go on life tilt and buy just about anything I wanted courtesy of the fine people from the American Express Centurion Division. Of course I would have to face the consequences, but I suppose I really could do it.

It’s fun having one, but in the overall game of life it really doesn’t define even 1% of who you are. There are hundreds of important things you cannot buy with any amount of cash or credit. Here’s 10 of them. Yes even the Centurion concierge’s cannot get you these:

10 Things You Cannot Buy With An American Express Black Card

1. Love - Nothing can replace loving or being loved by your spouse and children.

2. Happiness - Money can buy happiness, but if money is the only thing that makes you happy, you need to re-evaluate what your priorities in life are.

3. Respect - People that respect you because of the credit card in your wallet are probably respecting you for the wrong reasons.

4. Appreciation - People appreciate the kind of person you are and the value you bring to the world. If people appreciate you for your money, you’re being used.

5. Sharing - There is no greater satisfaction in life than the look on someones face who is less fortunate when you share your wealth with them.

6. Honesty - Honesty is the foundation of any successful business or personal relationship. Call your Centurion Concierge and ask if you can buy your way out of problems created by being dishonest.

7. Forgiveness - Similar to honesty, no black card or amount of money in the world can buy you forgiveness when you are dishonest. Always tell the truth and keep a clear conscience.

8. Integrity - Regardless of what is in your wallet, being a person of integrity is defined by what you do when nobody is watching.

9. Compassion - You cannot buy compassion, either you have it or you don’t.

10. Balance In Life - You can have all the money in the world, a huge house, fancy cars, and of course a black amex card with no limit. But remember, when our time is done in this world and it’s time to check out; you will reflect upon the 10 things listed here and not a silly credit card.

For the longest time while I was learning the ropes and getting started in affiliate marketing, I always wanted a Black American Express card. I used to want the card for different reasons though, more so just to be able to say I had one. If you know anything about black American Express cards, then you know that they don’t just hand them out to everyone.

Now days however, the reason I wanted a black card is for the kick ass benefits involved with being a card holder. These are just a few:

• Dedicated 24 hour concierge service & travel agent.
• Free flight upgrades.
• Access to a whole list exclusive airline clubs throughout airports all over the world.
• Complimentary companion airline tickets 4 times a year.
• Hotel and car rental complimentary upgrades.

They’re are some other nice perks made available to members, but the ones above are the ones that entice me the most. Never in my life have I received a credit card that was packaged like the black card is. I will give American Express credit (no pun intended). They want the black cards to be percieved as the most elite card in the world, and the way they package them and treat you on the phone does just that.

Right on the box the card came in it says “With a level of service and degree of personal attention few people ever experience.”

The only downside to getting a centurion card is the up front fees as well as the annual fee. Not to mention that you have to spend $250K a year on the card to stay in the program. As a business getting to this level is not hard. For us it’s actually pretty easy with all the trade shows and international travel. To spend that kind of money personally though……..well, that could be fun.

Anyhow this is supposed to be the Monday Motivational post, so keep this in mind. Less than 10 years ago I was driving an ambulance making less than $30K a year. As far as website building skills or technical knowledge, I am still not very smart at it! The one thing I do have however is a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a tremendous drive to be successful in everything I do.

So to all the haters who thought I was chasing a pipe dream trying to “make money online” back in the day, this post’s for you………bitches!