Some Good News on the Economy?

I had two interesting calls today from executive search consultants. Both said the same thing independent of each other...."we're as busy as we've ever been. Companies are no longer looking for people that can help with turnarounds, but they are looking for people that can grow an organization." I don't know if this is a trend or an anomaly...but maybe things are starting to improve!!

The Age of the Self Employed

The current recession will have a lasting impact on all of us.   A lot of basic tenets many of us relied on have proven to be dead wrong.   One of the most damaging -  "buy and hold" has managed to decimate the portfolios of the investing public (mine included).    There are lots more.   One trend I foresee.  More people will be self-employed.   

There's a great article posted on the Daily Beast website that describes the new realities of work.   People no longer work for companies they do "gigs"- hopping from one opportunity to the next, selling their unique skill set.   My sense is that the ranks of the self-employed are going to mushroom over the next decade and companies that can figure out how to tap into this trend will profit.   

It's not just offering products and services that self employed people need, it's understanding their unique needs.  Unfortunately there is not much recent research on this segment.   My sense is that companies that tap into this segment will see tremendous improvements in productivity.   And those companies that figure out the unique needs of this group will experience significant growth.  

At the beginning of the decade many talked about the new generation of workers as free agents....bouncing from one company to the next.   Company loyalty suffered.   Motivating these free agent employees was tough.  Ironically, the self-employed might be an easier group to motivate because they want to secure their next "gig."   

I believe the era of the self-employed will usher in a new period of worker productivity.   Am I too optimistic?  

Best.  Brian.

Who Pumps the Pumper

Everyday's a challenge in these difficult economic times.  No more so then when dealing with the people you work with....especially when you are the business leader.   You're expected to keep your team "pumped up," motivated, and inspired.    It can be very demanding because your employees are watching you for clues about what you really think.   Any inconsistencies will be discovered.  So how do you pump yourself up?  

A very close friend suggested I start meditating first thing in the morning.   "Start the day right," he counseled.  Focus on the day ahead, all that you will accomplish, all that you look forward to, and all that you are thankful for.   He even gave me a book... The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari.    I didn't expect much, but I started meditating first thing in the morning.   And I must admit, it's made a big difference.   I'm excited to start each day and take on whatever challenges I may encounter.   

Give it a try and let me know what you think.   Best.  Brian.