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YES, BE JACK OF ALL TRADES.

Previous generations often disapproved of individuals engaging in multiple trades simultaneously. The typical response would be the proverbial “jack of all trades, master of none.” Although often cited as wisdom, this assumption challenges the notion that a person cannot excel at and pursue multiple careers. Generation X and those following it are challenging this belief about work, serving as inspiration for many to move beyond self and tradition-imposed limitations, especially in a time where having multiple streams of income is necessary.

 

What empowers this generation to juggle various roles effectively? Firstly, there are more options available, accompanied by a wealth of information on how to navigate each pursuit, thus minimizing the learning curve and the traditional barrier of the cost of education. Secondly, technology plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to operate more efficiently, granting them additional time to explore and excel in multiple areas within a shorter timeframe.

 

Many foresee the younger generation potentially falling into the poverty trap due to heavy engagement with social media, gaming, and YouTube. However, a significant number will steer clear of this fate by leveraging their talents to monetize these platforms. Not only are they mentally and culturally prepared to be entrepreneurs, but their adept understanding of technology positions them to accumulate wealth rapidly, surpassing the achievements of previous generations.

 

Despite their prowess, the jack-of-all-trades generation faces a formidable adversary: viral culture. The allure of overnight success and the unprecedented speed at which success unfolds present challenges. While older generations can draw inspiration from the younger generation’s tenacity and confidence, it’s essential for the younger generation to glean from elders’ steadfastness and commitment. They must recognize that every success has a process, and this process doesn’t always yield quick results. A delayed takeoff does not equate to failure.

 

In navigating the fourth industrial revolution, those destined for success will discard traditional mindsets limiting their approach to work and abilities. They’ll embrace technology akin to the younger generations while upholding the commitment to excellence and the strong work ethic exemplified by their elders.

YES, BE JACK OF ALL TRADES.

February 29, 2024 No Comments

Previous generations often disapproved of individuals engaging in multiple trades simultaneously. The typical response would be the proverbial “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Read More »

3 Lessons For Entrepreneurs From Kanye’s Super Bowl Win

The Kansas City Chiefs weren’t the only winners in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Rapper, producer, and fashion designer Kanye West made headlines after reportedly earning 19 million dollars in 24 hours with his 30-second Super Bowl ad. Apart from the substantial return on his investment, what has most people talking is how underwhelming and basic his reportedly $0 cost production commercial was. West seems to have shot his commercial in a dark vehicle, using the time to tell people to visit his site. And they did! This winning move is one I believe all entrepreneurs can learn from, even if you don’t have $7 million to spend on an ad or a major platform.

 

Here are 3 keys:

 
1. Stop overthinking content.

Many of us become stagnant because we lack the resources and the team to produce content like our competitors. The key here is to use what you have access to, leverage, and emphasize your knowledge and strong points. What you need won’t come if you don’t push forward and get the content out. There are many creators and business owners who not only started with humble beginnings but got a camera or camera phone and allowed the world to see. They made the best use of free social media marketing and built a loyal fan base of customers who support them, particularly because they witnessed their transformation and played a role in their elevation. In Kanye’s case, his budget didn’t allow for production, so he leveraged his fame and the fact that people expect him to do what is outside of the box.
 
2. Find where the attention is and strike.

Kanye understood that Super Bowl ads yield large returns. If they hadn’t, companies wouldn’t invest millions for a 30-second slot. He did his due diligence and made the investment where attention was at that moment. We ought to do the same, which doesn’t always mean you need a big budget. If you are marketing your business, part of your job is to find out what platforms have the attention of your target audience and invest time and money on those platforms. If you sell a product that appeals to a young audience, then your focus should be TikTok or Snapchat. If you sell a product that appeals to an older audience, then you may want to focus on Facebook. It is important not only to understand where attention is but most importantly, where the attention of your target audience is and focus your resources there.
 
3. Cancel Culture only has power if you quit.

If there is anyone who should be canceled and disregarded by the general public by cancel culture’s standards, it would be Kanye West. But cancel culture doesn’t seem to be winning. Why? Because many consumers value the product or service over the message or what a brand is thought to represent from a social standpoint. Secondly, there isn’t always a general consensus about who or what should be canceled. Regardless of what the leaders of cancel culture decide or try, it doesn’t seem to concern Kanye’s fan base. What the media says doesn’t always hold sway with consumers, besides the fact that there is a growing disconnect between mass media and the masses.
All entrepreneurs, regardless of whether they like Kanye or his brand, can glean from his Super Bowl win and be motivated to use what they have, consider what has the attention of their target audience, and never quit, even when powers and the powerful want them to.

Is Elon Musk Right About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

 

I am an avid viewer of Shark Tank, and one observation I’ve made is the consistent line of questioning that every entrepreneur faces when seeking investment. The sharks, regardless of the entrepreneur’s race, age, gender, or any other identifying factor, always inquire about crucial business fundamentals. These include inquiries about sales year to date, the genesis of the business idea, profit margins, and the entrepreneur’s professional background. These questions are pivotal as they reflect the sharks’ willingness to risk substantial sums of money on a small business. The show’s enduring popularity over 15 seasons stems from its diverse array of entrepreneurs, many of whom hail from humble beginnings but have put in the effort to build successful businesses and secure deals.

Shark Tank demonstrates the essence of a free-market economy, prioritizing business fundamentals over identity. Despite claims of unequal access based on birth circumstances or individual identity, the show presents numerous success stories from entrepreneurs overcoming hardships. These individuals, including some classified as “oppressed,” have met requirements and secured the essentials for success. Shark Tank highlights the principle of equal opportunity in the free market, positively impacting the economic paths of many families. Given the undeniable proof of success in the face of adversity, I find diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I) measures unnecessary and insulting. The free market’s inherent equality and access to opportunities render such measures obsolete, as individuals can triumph over challenges and achieve success on their own merits.

Mark Cuban, is That YOU?

Coincidentally, Mark Cuban, the main shark, recently voiced his support for D.E.I. He stated, “Race is part of the equation, never the deciding factor, as is diversity of background,” while facing challenges to his views. However, he later contradicted himself by asserting, “All of our decisions are based on hiring the best candidate.” If the latter is true, race should never be a part of the equation or a “motivating factor,” as pointed out by Andrea Lucas, a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission commissioner, in response to Cuban.

Cuban may have found himself in hot water as he navigated between legal hiring practices and, as fellow billionaire Elon Musk highlighted in response to Cuban, “signaling his virtue.” Elon Musk asserted, “DEI, because it discriminates based on race, gender, and many other factors, is not merely immoral, it is also illegal.”

As a fan of Cuban, someone I hold in high regard and view as an inspiration for his business acumen and apparent impartiality, sticking to the fundamentals of business, I found his support of DEI highly disappointing. It seems contradictory to the core values of his hit show which are working hard and grinding regardless of one’s circumstances.


Assumptions, and The Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations

DEI policies operate under the assumption that the underrepresentation of Black individuals in organizations stems from racist selection practices or historical factors such as slavery, making it harder for Black applicants to acquire the necessary skills. However, in practice, these policies often do more harm than good. By emphasizing superficial characteristics in selection processes, they inadvertently exacerbate racial tensions and bitterness and undermine the organizations that practice DEI. Advocates often overlook the impact of modern cultural habits on the lack of interest or qualifications in certain positions, as well as the overall size of the Black population. In essence, the pool of qualified Black applicants may be smaller due to population size and varying career interests.

 

“DEI is just another word for racism.” “Shame on anyone who uses it.” – Elon Musk. 

 

DEI measures, whose predecessor is government-mandated integration, reinforce notions of Black inferiority and white supremacy. By suggesting that Black Americans need government intervention for success, these policies contribute to an overreliance on the state, benefiting politicians. Our value and self-worth should not be tied to positions in predominantly white establishments; rather, they come from a higher source – the living God who sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. The historical impact of integration, often overlooked, includes the closure of many Black schools and businesses, as legal access to white establishments led to a shift in patronage.

Why the heavy focus on forcing Black individuals into white establishments and schools, rather than fostering and strengthening their own? The truth is integration was about increasing the liberal voting base rather than empowering Black communities, at the expense of Black-owned entities, families, and individualism. I find it strange that individuals who claim to be proud of their Black identity would demand inclusion in companies they perceive as racist, as investing one’s money or talent in such an environment seems counterintuitive.

“DEI is just another word for racism.” “Shame on anyone who uses it.” – Elon Musk. 

 

Indeed. 



Being “Superwoman”: Balancing Act or Silent Dream Killer?

As someone who has helped and interacted with many women, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed a common reason keeping many from pursuing their dreams of starting a business: the syndrome of being a superwoman. These women often become the family’s go-to person to relieve mental, emotional, and financial burdens, leaving them too drained to invest in their own ambitions. The inconvenient truth is that many women choose what is good over what could make them great, forgetting that not all good things are necessarily God’s things. But if you’ve made up your mind to pursue and manifest the vision for a business God has put in your heart, there are three key steps you need to take to prioritize and protect your assignment.
 
Be Settled in Your Mind 
The first key is being settled in your mind that God has called you to this venture. Obedience in carrying it out will position you to help others from a place of abundance, not drain. The Bible says that the blessing of the Lord makes one rich and adds no sorrow to it. Though obeying God in starting a business has its challenges, the peace of Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit come with pursuing God’s call. Remembering the purpose of our assignment helps us to use it as a source of encouragement when faced with challenges.
 
Be Free
The second key is to release yourself from the belief that you have to solve everyone’s problems. Often, it is not your responsibility, and they will find a way out if you don’t come to the rescue. You might feel selfish, be labeled as such, and possibly lose some relationships. However, once you accept that God has called you to a specific assignment, the decision and any loss of relationships become more manageable. We often don’t realize that by being someone’s go-to, we might prevent them from turning to God. God uses struggles to gain attention and provoke personal growth. By intervening, we might interfere with what God is using to bring about their greater good.
 
Create a Plan
The third key is to create a plan for your time, resources, and venture. This will establish necessary boundaries and accountability. Allocate specific days and times to work on your venture, treating this commitment as seriously as you would your current job, as it may one day replace it. Create a budget for your resources, and dedicate a bank account to your venture. Even if it’s as small as $5 from each paycheck, it’s important to consistently allocate something towards your venture. Treat this money with the same priority as your rent or mortgage payments, and use it solely for your venture. It is a seed that you are meant to sow in YOUR garden. We are constantly sowing into everyone else’s field and wonder why we have not seen a harvest. Lastly, develop a comprehensive plan for your venture. This will not only boost your confidence but also provide a stronger sense of urgency, direction, and foundation. This way, when issues arise that might tempt you to revert to your old ways, you have something substantial to reinforce your resolve to say NO.
 
In conclusion, I want to encourage you to find peace in saying NO. As the eldest sister in a family of superwomen who were always the family’s rock, I too fell into this pattern. But God helped me recognize and break free from this habit. It’s not easy and often comes with guilt (which does not come from the Lord), but the cost of constantly saying yes – my calling, assignment, and obedience to God –was too high a price to continue paying.
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THE ERA OF THE ENTREPRENEUR

 

“History shows that technological advancements typically transform how we work, our ability to provide for our families and the overall improvement of society. One such transformation is the global labor force transitioning from a mass population of employees to a mass population of entrepreneurs.”

 

The role of AI software, apps, and function options within online companies has taken the world by storm, surprising many over the past year. Though this technology has been a part of our lives for years, its heightened prominence, functionalities, features, and use cases have left many excited and others fearful. As with previous industrial revolutions, there have always been winners and losers, as well as benefits and disadvantages. Overall, society has typically improved, life has become easier, and the transition out of poverty for millions has followed every technological revolution in our history. This new era is no different.

Despite fears and real concerns that AI technology will result in job losses for many in the labor force, we should err on the side of positivity. History shows that technological advancements typically transform how we work, our ability to provide for our families and the overall improvement of society. One such transformation is the global labor force transitioning from a mass population of employees to a mass population of entrepreneurs.

What is currently considered a large company based on employee numbers will likely transition to employing a small number of highly skilled managers at the executive level. These managers will oversee a mix of entrepreneurs/contractors and AI software performing tasks traditionally done by larger staff. This will enable companies to produce faster and more efficiently using data-driven AI for repetitive tasks, drastically increasing revenue and profit margins for those who invest wisely in technology and innovation.

But what about low-skilled workers who aren’t entrepreneur-minded? As with every economic change, the options are to adapt or face consequences. Many will suffer not from a lack of access but from a failure to adapt. Workers will need to develop skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking and soft skills as well as learn how to use the technology to enhance and market their skill. They will also have to abandon the long-held idea of job security in the traditional “corporate job,” as these positions will become scarce and highly competitive and embrace entrepreneurship. Additionally, workers will need to understand the basics of finance, managing, and marketing a business, even as a freelancer or solopreneur.

The good news is that education is now more affordable and accessible than ever before. Thanks to the abundance of free and affordable information, individuals who haven’t completed high school or college can learn skills freely and quickly. This transition may not be difficult for many, especially those under the age of 40. Gen Z has witnessed its peers becoming millionaires and even on track to become billionaires by creating content and becoming entrepreneurs on platforms like YouTube, gaming sites, and other social networks. Many Gen Zers, when asked about their future aspirations, express a desire to become content creators or gamers.

 

 

While some view this as a setup for failure, as most content creators do not generate significant wealth from their content, they are being encouraged to tap into their creative skills and monetize those skills independently, unlike previous generations who primarily sought traditional employment. The greater implication is that they are embracing their creative talents and natural skill sets intending to generate income. It is up to their parents, in partnership with their trusted educators, to guide them professionally, harnessing their skills, talents, and passions.

As mindful as we are of AI technology’s development and the potential opportunities it offers, we must also recognize the platforms and spaces created over the past decade that facilitate the transition from employment to self-employment. Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork have become hubs connecting businesses with freelancers. Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon have emerged as e-commerce platforms enabling individuals to generate income, often as side hustles, with many transitioning to full self-employment. Sites like Teachable and Kajabi have opened up a relatively new industry in coaching and skill-set training outside traditional education settings. The prevalence of these platforms, coupled with the use of AI, will undoubtedly continue to create economic opportunities and time freedom for individuals and families globally. Could this be a middle ground for those who support socialism as opposed to capitalism, offering access to wealth and ownership to would-be laborers? Probably not, as there will always be those who, for various reasons – some societal, some personal – fall through the cracks and live in poverty, regardless of a nation’s prosperity.

Jesus says in John 12:8, “The poor you will always have with you.”

The success of global economies will hinge on whether leaders prioritize the flourishing of their people over greed and oppression. This includes refraining from increasing taxes on business owners and over-regulating new technology, as well as the public’s willingness to pivot and adapt in the new and inevitably changing industrial era.

YES, BE JACK OF ALL TRADES.

February 29, 2024 No Comments

Previous generations often disapproved of individuals engaging in multiple trades simultaneously. The typical response would be the proverbial “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Read More »

Yes, EVERYONE Can Be An Entrepreneur

Though most people are unlikely to begin their professional lives as entrepreneurs, everyone has the potential to become an entrepreneur at some point in their lives. With the ongoing industrial revolution, operating your own business is becoming increasingly essential. Fortunately, we’re no longer in an era where starting a business demands hundreds or thousands of dollars. The barrier to entry in terms of resources is very low, and many individuals are making substantial incomes in businesses that require little to no initial investment, often leveraging skills learned online. Despite the low barrier to entry, the fear and misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship are challenges that many may never overcome.

The crucial thing to understand is that being an entrepreneur extends beyond the stereotypical images of business ownership. Entrepreneurship involves utilizing available resources to create a sellable item or offer a skill as a service. Being a business owner doesn’t solely mean owning a large corporation or a store; it can be the woman selling cakes from her kitchen, the man crafting cabinets in his shed, or someone styling hair from their living room. These days, entrepreneurship takes on diverse forms, such as families sharing their lives on YouTube, artists creating music and art, authors self-publishing books, and individuals developing courses based on their passion and expertise. The possibilities are vast!

The idea that entrepreneurship is for everyone may sound alarming and controversial, especially since many of us are conditioned from grade school to college for traditional employment. This conditioning has led many to focus solely on seemingly secure jobs, placing limits on their earnings by overlooking investment opportunities and the rewards of business ownership.

I believe that employment should be viewed as a means to an end, not the end itself. The income earned from a 9-5, with intentionality and discipline, can be used to invest in a business rather than merely being employed. Employment, as an apprenticeship, historically served as a pathway for unskilled individuals to enter the workforce, learn a trade, and either start a business later in life or leverage their experience to start a business in an entirely different industry.

A common question arises: if everyone is an entrepreneur, who are the employees? The reality is that while everyone can be an entrepreneur, not everyone will be. Additionally, given that the majority of people do not come from wealth, most will likely start their professional lives as employees. A pathway to wealth generation comprises education leading to employment/ apprenticeship, followed by ownership and eventual retirement. I strongly advocate for societies to adopt this pathway, nurturing generational wealth through family-owned businesses, real estate, and various investments. This approach can offer financial freedom and economic stability, thereby reducing the reliance on social programs funded by taxpayers and addressing the myriad issues stemming from poverty that afflict our society.

 

Another compelling reason for individuals to consider starting a business is the technological advancement of AI. While analysts warn of job displacement due to AI, it also provides opportunities for more efficient production, automation of tasks, and the management and growth of multiple streams of income for those who leverage it. As Pastor Tomi Ayorami emphasizes, “You will either use AI or be used by AI.” Employees, regardless of their position, should be mindful of technological advancements both to utilize them and to prepare for the possibility of their positions being replaced by AI.

In this era of technological advancement, we can find encouragement and confidence in knowing that God has given us all gifts and abilities and has called us to have dominion, even over AI. Those who innovate, persist, and pivot will find success. The Bible, in Deuteronomy 8:18, says that God gives the power to produce wealth, a power unaffected by technological advancements. Wealth is not generated by exchanging time for money; it is created through investing. Instead of fearing technological advancements, we can recognize and capitalize on the opportunities they provide for wealth generation.

The power to create wealth is available to all who put their faith and hope in Christ Jesus. When we believe in Him, He gives us the Holy Spirit, which guides and instructs us not only in our spiritual lives but also in our professional lives. Your seemingly small or hobby-like natural talent can surprise you with what God can do with it. The future belongs to those who can pivot and partner with God.

YES, BE JACK OF ALL TRADES.

February 29, 2024 No Comments

Previous generations often disapproved of individuals engaging in multiple trades simultaneously. The typical response would be the proverbial “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Read More »
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