What's In it for Me?

Someone has just raised an interesting point. The question everyone is asking is: the start-ups database is a good idea, but what's in it for me? A good point, and I'd like to answer it. In fact, that question could be asked for student-Alumni networking, non-graduate assessment.  And the same answer applies. On the surface, this may appear to be just another endeavour among hundreds, if not thousands of attempts to create new jobs and opportunities - so why go with this one? And my response is; because it addresses a very basic need: people's aspirations for jobs and careers.

Jobs and opportunities are the raw materials of our economy. The Government and the employment agencies are very good at processing them. (The number of adverts encouraging business start ups, and giving start up advice at the job centres, are proof of this.) But what they don't tell you, is that they need entrepreneurs and volunteers like yourselves to create jobs and opportunities in the first place.

Let me give you a few examples. As one member of this Forum has told me, he feels that the over-55's are one group of people, who are marginalised and undervalued. It is true that many of the unemployed professionals I have met, have had worked for decades in their industries, and have a very high amount of skill; but who have, in effect, been written off, because they have passed a certain age. The 79% increase since 2008 alone, in lawsuits for age-related discrimination, shows that ageism is a real problem.

So I say to anyone over 55: here is a way for you to be valued. If I were starting a new business, I would want someone who actually knew the industry I was planning to get into, to advise me. In fact, I would want someone with a lot of experience, who knew the industry inside out. (And I for one, certainly want to be listened to when I turn 55!) This is definitely an area where being of an older age is an asset. People who have worked in an industry for decades don’t need to be patronised, by being put through the usual job programmes and courses: they should be empowered to come together and use their experience to start something new. That is why I believe that professionals over 55’s would make very good advisors for business start-ups, and can also play a big part in setting them up.

The same goes for non-graduates. There are plenty of young people aged 16-24 who went straight into work, and may not have as many qualifications as others. But they actually have a lot of skill, from experience, and have talent that has not yet been discovered. While we don’t always get the break we want in life, I’ve known many non-graduates, who have earned their place in good organisations. One school leaver who I knew, worked her way up to manage a chain of stores. What non-graduates do need thought, is the chance to prove themselves. An entry level job in a start-up or small business could be the perfect place to take the first step. Non-graduates could lend their skills to help set up a new business; and in the process, gain new connections, insight, and earn major points for their resume.

On the innovations side; from working on projects, I know for a fact, that there are always ideas that people have, that they can’t put into action, and have to be shelved. Granted, some were made into business ventures that didn’t work, but there are plenty more ideas that were never tested at all. Colleges and universities are definitely the place to find these innovations. The amount of new ideas I have heard students come out with, is amazing. And their universities and colleges themselves have many side ventures, from their partnerships with key business organisations.

To the students-Alumni and careers officers of the colleges and universities: I invite you to use these innovations, and upload your concepts onto this database, for budding entrepreneurs to make into products and services. If your innovation has not yet been utilised, then perhaps a new entrepreneur can find a way to bring it to life.

And there are many others in the workplace who feel stuck in dead end jobs, with no real development or career. I’ve seen them in many different organisations, over many years. It’s always the same old story. These people want to do so much more. They have ideas for things, and some even have pet projects or special interests that they are trying to nurture on the side. But for one reason or another, their role either does not allow them to what they really want to, and there aren’t the opportunities to move on to. So they get frustrated, or bitter, and eventually leave or are thrown out in unhappy circumstances. It didn’t have to be this way.

Some people have great innovations. Others have skills and labour to lend. Still others, have years of experience, and good connections. If all of you come together right now, then you have the makings of a business. So to all these people, and more, I say to you: you do not have to sit there in frustration, or wonder what might have been. Young people  who are reading this article: you should not have to struggle to get a decent job or career. This is your future and you are our future. To fellow adults: I say that as those of us over 30 know only too well, that there is nothing worse than looking back on your life, and regretting what might have been. Believe me, you don't want to do that. So to young people and adults alike, I say to you: if you feel undervalued, held down, or have a burning idea/skill for making something new, then come and be a part of this. Help start something where you get to be valued and develop.

You are welcome to list your ideas, or contact details for concepts, contacts or skills you would like to lend, onto the following pages:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxBc5hecrgEfTFJDQm11STM3TVE#list

 

Kind Regards

 

James M