I’ve recently been giving talks throughout the City of Portland. Some people come and others do not. I believe the information is so critical to my community of brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles alike, that I am posting a good portion of the information here for all that stumble upon it to read. And, I certainly hope you will!
Here’s a recent look at information compiled from government statistical reporting sites. March and April 2009 reports. I don’t mean to frighten you. Anymore than you may already be. However, if you’re not concerned, you are either not paying attention or in denial. Even though these statistics look dire, mark my words, it will probably get worse before it gets better. We need to start mobilizing now to head off how bad it could get, if we don’t band together and start conserving our resources, building a foundational support network and reaching out to others.
I won’t elaborate on the banking industry as we’ve all heard more than enough news. The real estate/construction market is showing virtually no growth for the next 2-3 years. Housing vacancy rates may increase to 20% by the end of the year; approximately 15 percent were vacant 4Q09. These three trends combined, indicate a strong potential shift toward multi-generational family living situations.
Fifty percent of all auto manufacturers will probably be out of business in the next few years.
As of April 2009, unemployment rose to 13.7 million + another 2.1 million which appear as no longer looking; these figures reflect an overall increase of approx. 6.1 million in the last twelve months; 38% increase from a year ago. This figure is far more staggering than the 14% we’ve been hearing.
It is relatively common knowledge that 95% of workers account for about 5% of the nation’s wealth while 5% of the self-employed account for about 95% of the wealth.
But were you aware that 95% of American households are in debt though only 85% are homeowners; others are in debt for consumer goods; spending beyond their means which has now snow balled into severe economic hardship for a huge number of people.
So what? What do these numbers mean to you and me?
It’s time for an American Revolution!
What are the problems? Anyone can look around and see.
As fewer jobs are available, the offerings are: declining wages, benefits and job security. Business as usual, isn’t working; trends in industry are changing. Revealing decades of increasing dissatisfaction with traditional employment leading to: Depression, Divorce, Childhood Delinquency, Violence and Sustainability concerns.
We are being guided to rethink how we work, live, play and learn.
Those that survived the Great Depression, made changes.
If we are to head off this Recession, we too must make changes.
I believe the revolutionary catalyst is up to us!
It is time to once again stand for Freedom and Free Enterprise. Your satisfaction in life, shouldn’t be determined by someone else. We will become collaborative communities. Utilizing the power of networking, internet and e-commerce. Forming mini stock markets supported by our own associations. New industries are forming to create new opportunities. Work based on values of family, community, cooperation. I believe Self Employment is our new future. We can and should empower what we possess. Intellectual Capital and a Wealth of Resources. We must utilize them as best we can. Your greatest opportunity for wealth lies in Self Employment. Working for someone else is never going to meet your needs. And contrarily, is showing signs of deficit everywhere. Bigger TV’s and overflowing landfills won’t satisfy you. Building a community of avid supporters, can.
Conversely, we have social and intellectual capital. I believe we are shifting toward greater responsibility for our lives and the lives of others. Common communities, self employment, empowerment and enhanced awareness. This great shift requires guidance, concern for others, a sense of community, education and motivation. Most of us didn’t learn those skills from traditional work places. Instead we learned complacency, stifled creativity; we became discouraged and too self serving.
Building a Tribe
Networking, Social Networking, Classes, Seminars, Workshops abound. While many advise that these programs are helpful, I have to wonder how effective they really are. People are spending money to participate but aren’t fully capitalizing on the tools. My recent observations indicate most people (95%!) don’t follow up with the contacts they meet. Nor are they implementing the programs they’ve paid for; books and tapes sit idle on bookshelves. I conclude, a tribe based, word of mouth, referral marketing concept is a better option.
Win-Win Marketing Plan ~ Playing It Forward
This is my idea for a stimulus plan ~ How can I help you? How can you help others?
We’ve been taught that small business owners must wear a variety of hats to succeed. Yet, we came from employment where we specialized our efforts, learning to do less and less. Many small business owners don’t have experience in many of the foundational structures necessary for success and often don’t have the time to learn them either. Usually, the cost in lost time and money toward this effort is exponentially higher than hiring someone else to do it. I contend that focusing is more critical to your success than trying to learn everything yourself. I suggest utilizing your networking efforts to build a tribe who compliments and supports what you do.
Here’s a practical example: A restaurant owner makes money selling food and that is what he should work on. If he spends an hour doing his own bookkeeping , he is wasting his valuable time. Instead he could write a new ad campaign that would bring in business. Let’s say his average ticket price is $35 and with the ad, he brought in 10 new customers; he made $350. Paying a bookkeeper instead, costs him around $45. It’s a smarter way to work. In turn, he can also gain another customer. The bookkeeper, now a part of his network tribe, gets offered a 10% discount and becomes a reciprocal alliance. While I’ve used bookkeeping as an example, it is easy to apply this concept over a multitude of models. The most successful entrepreneurs focus on their product and hire others for the rest. Also, you can offer and utilize barter to build your network and grow your business. This creates a win-win for everyone!
Large numbers of previously employed persons are entering the marketplace uncertain where they will go next. It is up to us to help them make the transition. Support small business, talk to them about the opportunities, inspire their creativity and reignite their motivation. Let create a sustainable economy ~ we can do it, one business at a time.
“We” own this country and proudly so. If you won’t fight for it now, when will you? Difficult times call for leaders. Will you stand up and be counted? Are you willing to make a difference? What can YOU do today to make the world a better place? What can you do to help rebuild our economy? I think the answers are many and hope the leaders are too. The time is now. We are dependent upon and counting on every bit of effort you can muster.
