What A Difference A Day Makes in Corporate America
What would you do if today after all the hard work on your job
and contribution to the companies bottom-line your services were
no longer needed? Your only source of income stopped dead in its
tracks. Would everything be ok for you and your family? Would
life go uninterrupted or maybe even get better? Or would time
almost seem to stand still for a moment before it started to
come crashing in?
Well sadly, this week Ford Motor Company rewarded hard working
Americans with pink slips due the company's new campaign called,
"The Way Forward." Can you believe it? The way forward for Ford
is to sacrifice the lives of the very people that helped to
build the company.
"We will be making painful sacrifices to protect Ford's heritage
and secure our future," Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford
said in a statement. "Going forward, we will be able to deliver
more innovative products, better returns for our shareholders
and stability in the communities where we operate."
Is this guy for real? He has the nerve to talk about protecting
the heritage of Ford while thousands of people aren't sure where
their mortgage is going to come from.
It was hard for me to watch the news and read the stories about
men and women who simply had no idea of how they were going to
support their family.
While talking to a friend who lives in Indianapolis he shared
how the plant closed that day. Thirty six hundred jobs were gone
in a blink of an eye. He said it was devastating to his
community. People were crying as they left the premises. Some
people even left their cars in the company parking lot with
signs on them simply saying," Please take over payments."
And I keep hearing the economy is getting better...for who?
As I reflected throughout the day I was reminded once again that
as Americans we owe it to our families to take our lives back
and build wealth from home.
Will you?
There are five famous quotes which were shared with me early in
my life and have a great impact. Each one also came with a
lesson. I hope they give you something to think about.
1."There is no future in any job. The future lies in the man who
holds the job." By George Crane.
Lesson: Unless you own the business you have nothing. The power
is in the ownership.
Question: How much power do you currently have? What might
happen if your only source of income stopped?
2."Lessons From Corporate America: By the time you make ends
meet, they move the ends." Author Unknown
Lesson: There is no loyalty in Corporate America. At all times
you must remember to look at what is in the best interest of you
and your family. Remember to mind your business not theirs.
Question: Are you minding your business? Or are you so busy
working, you're putting yourself at risk? Stop and think. What
plans should you be making before they change the game? Now is
the time to start thinking about home based business ideas.
3."Assume that whatever situation you are facing at the moment
is exactly the right situation you need to ultimately be
successful. The situation has been sent to help you become
better, to help you expand and grow," by Brian Tracy
Lesson: Even when you are betrayed by your employer look for the
lesson. Your skills and talents have made money for your company
those talents can do the same for you. Don't get blinded by the
situation. Look for the lesson. And once you find it take it
make a profit for yourself.
Question: What are you facing in the moment? Do you see the
glass half empty or full? What skills and talents do you have
that are transferable in starting your own business?
4."The more you seek security, the less of it you have. But the
more you seek opportunity, the more likely it is that you will
achieve the security that you desire," by Brian Tracy
Lesson: Most people stay in a job for the security of a
guaranteed paycheck, benefits and retirement. However, when you
do you give up time you can never get back. And at the end you
may never get what you were promised. Be willing to take a risk
on yourself and you can have all the things you want in life and
more.
Question: Are you playing it safe and as a result risking
everything?
5."I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I
made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come.
Get up and make them!" - Madam C.J. Walker, creator of a popular
line of African-American hair care products and America's first
black female millionaire in 1919
Lesson: She was a woman who came from the cotton fields of the
South. From there she was promoted the wash tub. However, in her
defining moment she promoted herself into the business of
manufacturing hair goods and preparations. She didn't wait for
an opportunity she created one.
Question: Are you creating your opportunity or are you simply
hoping it will come?
5."You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let
someone else make yours, "by Gen. Colin Powell
Lesson: If you fail to make choices for your life someone else
will and you may not like it. You have more control over your
life when you take charge of it. Have a plan for yourself at all
times.
Question: Ask yourself, are you letting others make choices for
you?
6."Entrepreneurs are the forgotten heroes of America," by Ronald
Reagan
Lesson: For some reason people have forgotten that this country
was not built on the backs of Fortune 1000 companies. It was
built on Entrepreneurship. Even today, people are willing to
swim over shark infested waters to come to America...the land of
opportunity. Those born here or those who come and build a
legacy for their family and give other opportunities to develop
are the forgotten heroes.
Question: What is the legacy you want to leave for yourself and
your family?
What a difference it would have made if each of these employees
had a Plan B in place.
Another source of income is one the best insurance policies you
could have.
What happened to the employees of Ford Motor Company could
happen to anyone. Are you prepared?
One of the most important things you can do is explore how you
can create your own Plan B and work from home.