The true hallmark of a successful value investor is willing to experience short-term pain, stay focused on intrinsic value and be invested with a long-term view. History and global value experience is witness to the success and the potential value investing holds for long term wealth creation

Legendary investor Glen Greenberg says limiting the number of positions investors take in the stocks of companies could help them focus their energy on a few key investments. He also stresses on the importance of investors doing their own homework before making an investment decision

Relatively unknown to the value investing community, Greenberg's returns over the past few decades have been nothing short of astonishing. Between 1984 and 2009, his fund produced an annual return of 18% compared with the market's 12%. Assets under management also increased from $43 million in 1984 to $3 billion in 2009

Greenberg suggests simplistic investing methods that investors could use to generate long-term returns. These are:

1. Buy great businesses
2. Buy at low prices, allow for compounding and growth over time
3. Have a clear understanding of the business. Only invest in what you know and understand and don’t be caught out by surprises
4. Use simple methods of analysis, common sense over computer models. Notes on a pad can often prove to be more valuable than extensive computer models.

“There are these really simple things that you don’t have to be a genius to figure out” Greenberg explains why there are very few successful value investors in the investment industry.