Learn to earn
In the knowledge economy, university graduates earn on average 45% more than non-graduates. In Europe, a university education can add between €300,000 and €600,000 to your lifetime earnings. More than that, they offer the first and most important private member club you'll ever join – your peer group, which magically becomes a powerful network after graduation. The UK is pricey: €15,000 for tuition alone for an average three-year BA course. In France, apart from business schools where it is around €8,000 to €10,000 a year, most tuition is cost-free, as it is in Germany. The average cost of an MBA is between €5,600 and €9,000 a year.

Look at your look
Start with a toned body and then ladle on plenty of budget for beautiful tailoring. Bespoke suits for both men and women cost around €5,000 at any tailors on Savile Row, considered the global benchmark. Big brands are moving into the bespoke market in a big way. Armani's new fatto a mano su misura service (in London, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Los Angeles) and Tom Ford's shiny Manhattan emporium charge around €3,500 but could rise to €40,000, depending on materials. A far cheaper option is Manu Melwani at Sam's Tailor in Hong Kong which charges around €350 for a bespoke suit.

Schmooze it or lose it
Facebook might be the future, but don't forget all the other networks. If you're already rich, it's easy. From fractional private jet ownership to exclusive health clubs to concierge services, there are readymade networks to augment your earning potential. If you're not, start with your alumni club and hungrily pursue any professional groups you can legitimately join. Take up a sport where wealth congregates like sailing or polo. If you're in France try the Jockey Club; in Germany there are secret Dueling societies. In London, over 25 traditional clubs have reciprocal deals with peer clubs all over the world, while some of them are setting up branches across Europe. Soho House is planning to follow its New York outpost with one in Berlin – but don't forget the traditional names either such as the Reform Club, the RAC Club and the East India Club, or hipper kids on the block like The Groucho and Home House. Annual fees are between €1,500 and €3,000.

Accessorise to excess
According to the Luxury Institute's 2007 Luxury Brand Status Index survey of watches, IWC is the preferred timekeeper of high-net-worth consumers. Next up are Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. Patek's costliest model is the double-faced Sky Moon Tourbillon which has 12 complications, or functions, including a perpetual calendar, moon phases and sky chart. Price: €1m.

Shoes are the other sure way to make a big impression. The consensus is that English shoemaker John Lobb makes the best bespoke shoes (starting around €4,000) although French-owned Berlutti (which heavily trades on its Italian provenance) makes similarly priced and far more ostentatious alternatives. Women's bespoke shoes are booming: Manolo Blahnik and all the big names charge stratospheric prices. Caroline Groves, a bespoke shoemaker in London's Chiltern Street charges around €1,800.