Scott Zema - Three Steps to Investment Success

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

It's really an compilation of the knowledge that I have received throughout my academic and professional career.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I have lived and breathed art, antiques and collectibles for the past 40 years as a dealer, appraiser, and academic. Currently I am a full-time professional appraiser, trained and certified by the International Society of Appraisers. I am based in the Pacific Northwest but have a national clientelle; my clients include the University of Washington, the Seattle Art Museum, local municipalities, corporations, numerous other institutions, and many private investors.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Know what it is you are buying before you buy it, if you care where your money goes.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Yes, those reasons are fine, but my primary interest is to keep up with the most current state of professional knowledge and practice.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The target audience is the generally educated and intelligent reader who has an interest in valuable properties to begin with, but who has literally no guidance beyond 'Buy what you like!' to insure that his economic sense is consonant with his tastes in these properties. IT IS NOT meant to convert Mr. Average Investor with NO interest in art and antiques to the investment cause, because this type of person doesn't really have the knack for making the best investment choices in these properties. Incidently, this problem in the past has impeded clear understanding of the investment potential of these properties, because the analysis is conducted by investment experts who have no knowledge of or interest in these properties to begin with, a major handicap in presenting any argument for investing in valuable objects.

Both experienced investors and beginners--the book is actually tailored to beginners--can find much of use in the book.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

From necessity to serendipitous inspiration, and everything in between.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Deciding on what to do and carrying the project to completion.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Focus, focus, focus.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Probably a desire for respectability at some level, both from other people and from oneself.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The target audience is the generally educated and intelligent reader who has an interest in valuable properties to begin with, but who has literally no guidance beyond 'Buy what you like!' to insure that his economic sense is consonant with his tastes in these properties.

Post a comment for Scott on Thursday September 27th and be entered for a chance to win a copy of his book.