As most know by this point I encourage all of my clients (and anyone else that will listen) to find their passion and start a side business. As time goes on I feel that this is getting more important than ever.
As the data increasing shows companies are becoming more and more reluctant to take on full time workers. The costs of employment are ever increasing; along with employers looking to contain costs with their short term outlook for their next reporting period. Employees are going to have to continue to look out for their own self interests and futures.
If the analysts are anywhere near correct with the US workforce being 40% contingent workers by 2020, a lot of lives are about to change in the very near future.
We have a number of indicators that this has started to affect of world already:
- The U-6 unemployment rate at 16.1% (July 2011), this includes that under employed, those that gave up and those whom took part time in lieu of full time.
• College graduates that are having difficulty find jobs.
• Students unable to find traditional jobs.
We are going to have to be creative, flexible and adaptable. We are going to need to embrace new technologies. But there is something that is going to need to change and change more quickly then most of us may be prepared to do is embrace Social Media in a whole new way.
LinkedIn
• I have been told that the preponderance of those who have accounts seldom use them, or have used them to find jobs. This network should be utilized to grow contacts and assist in future opportunities.
Facebook
• Typically it is used by those to keep tabs on friends and family. This is the most active network and will also need to be utilized for maintaining contact and finding opportunities
Twitter
• Most people in my networks do not utilize this source period.
Google+
• Once it gets out of beta testing, this may be a strong competitor for Facebook.
You Tube
• Another underutilized format that can assist in growing your businesses.
There are tools available; these along with the skills people possess will allow them to succeed with the creation of their businesses. Most people are fat, dumb and happy; so reluctant to move forward, until there is a pain or fear that disturbs them into motion. I recommend that the time to move is before this happens.