The Disruptors Blog by Paul Wilson Jr.

Poverty Isn't a Lack of Character, It's a Lack of Cash

7/21/2017

"Ideas can and do change the world," says historian Rutger Bregman, sharing his case for a provocative one: guaranteed basic income. Learn more about the idea's 500-year history and a forgotten modern experiment where it actually worked -- and imagine how much energy and talent we would unleash if we got rid of poverty once and for all.

One of the things I appreciated the most about Mr. Bregman's presentation was how he highlighted the fact that many people think those in poverty need to be "fixed" because of what outsiders see as poor decision making due to a lack of knowledge, character, or both. Now it's true that studies have shown that the poor tend to make decisions that often compound their situations. However, what is often overlooked or misunderstood is that their decisions are not necessarily due to a lack of intelligence or poor worth ethic. Their decisions are often driven by oppressive circumstances that push them into modes of survival more than sustainability. So one could argue that very likely that most people put in the same circumstances, regardless of their level of intelligence or character, would make the same decisions.

Having the right perspective on how to fix poverty comes from having the right perspective on the true causes of poverty. In the past the wrong perspective of the causes of poverty have repeatedly resulted in failed solutions. I was excited to hear about Mr. Bregman's research because it reinforces the case that I lay out in Jobs, Justice & Jesus that we have to focus more on empowering the poor through economic strategies.

God is concerned about poverty and we can definitely make a major dent in this issue if we would rely on His wisdom.

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Creating Employment Opportunities for Underserved Youth

4/19/2017

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I'm always excited to find out about programs that focus on helping youth and young adults find meaningful employment. So I was really inspired to learn about Workforce Opportunity Solutions, based in New York City, focused on transforming early career professionals by cultivating their talents. They connect leading companies with a network of thousands of ready-to-work professionals who reflect diverse communities and customers.

We need more organizations like this around the country that combine education and work opportunities to equip underserved youth to create a positive future. Keep up the great work WOS!

You can learn more about similar services we're providing in Atlanta through Kinsman Community to prepare underserved youth and young adults for the workforce and success in life at www.mykinsman.org.

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3 Significant Ways a Mission Driven Business Can Impact Communities

10/20/2016

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Although big businesses get most of the media coverage, the truth is in the United States, small businesses are the engines of job growth and economic growth. Let’s look at a few statistic about small businesses according to most recent date [1]:

The share of U.S. businesses with less than 20 workers was 97.9%
Produced nearly 50% of non-farm GDP
Represent 99.7% of all employer firms.
Employ half of all private sector employees.
Pay 42% of total U.S. private payroll.
Generated 63% of net new jobs over the past 17 years.
Produce 16 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms.

In light of these statistics, what are the major implications for mission driven entrepreneurs? I believe they are at least 3-fold: financial, social, and spiritual.

Financial: mission driven entrepreneurs have the opportunity to create jobs that bring immediate, tangible financial support to families and those they support.
Social: You have the opportunity to positively leverage your influence for the benefit of your target community through your business relationships, including customers, employees, suppliers, partners, and the broader community in which you operate.
Spiritual: As you grow and are able to hire additional employees, you can create an atmosphere of discipleship whereby people receive a daily impact of a spiritually-empowering and development environment.

The most critical factor that will allow your business to be sustained in the place God has called you to is obedience to God’s directives. When your vision and operating activities incorporate all three of these aspects, you will not be consumed by the thought of money and will have a healthy approach in your decision-making.

So if God called you into business, He wants your business to make a major impact in the world. Just seek His direction for the specifics and watch your business do more than all you could ask, think, or imagine.
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[1] Sources: http://sbecouncil.org/about-us/facts-and-data/ and https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/FAQ_March_2014_0.pdf

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Free Webinar: A Step by Step Guide to Finding Purpose, Pleasure, and Prosperity at Work

9/16/2016

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Are you tired of having to drag yourself to work everyday because you dread the type of work you have to do? Are you over delaying your dream job because you're scared to step of faith into unfamiliar territory? If your answer is yes to either of these questions and you need to sign up for my new FREE online workshop:

"A Step by Step Guide to Finding Purpose, Pleasure, and Prosperity at Work!"

In this webinar I will share with you my experiences, acquired knowledge, and effective strategies that have helped me to succeed personally and professionally. I will outline a strategic path for you to find fulfilling work, maximize your talents, and grow financially. You don't have to be frustrated any more!

I believe you were meant for more than just working to pay the bills. If you believe that also, register right now at https://app.webinarjam.net/register/28546/5530aaa9ae.

We also have a special gift waiting for those who pre-register. I can't wait to meet you in class!

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Study Reveals the Surprising Impact of Job Referrals on Promotions for African-Americans

4/14/2016

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Any career coach will tell you that networking is not just about who you know, but it's just as important about who knows you. A soon-to-be published study by Adina Sterling, an assistant professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, and Jennifer Merluzzi, of Tulane, analyzed hiring and employment data of a large, private company over the course of 11 years. Their findings reveal that referrals were responsible for more promotions among African-American employees. According to their research:

Knowing somebody in a company prior to joining — someone coming through, for instance, a referral — helps people develop more robust networks inside firms... Those hired through a referral were more likely to stick with the employer longer. Likewise, those with friends in a company tended to do less shopping around for a better offer because it could reflect badly on the friend already working there.

The more things change, the more things stay the same. It remains true that the further you plan to go in your career, the more you will need referrals and recommendations from influential leaders. Keep those networking skills sharp!

Click here to read the full article at fastcompany.com.

How have referrals helped you progress in your career? Please leave your comments below...

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Podcast Episode 3: Choose to Lose! (Part 2)

3/21/2016

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In order to gain everything that you want in your career, you must first let go of some things. Enjoy part 2 of this powerful teaching that will help you find fulfillment and success in your profession.

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Why American Teens Aren't Working Summer Jobs Anymore

9/10/2015

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The summer is over and most of the kids around the country are back in school now. Of course many of them who were able to get summer jobs used their money on new clothes, school supplies, and other things teenagers typically like to buy. Unfortunately, though, for many teenagers who are back in school, what used to be a common activity over the summer to earn income is becoming less common.

According to this article in Bloomberg Business, "at 41.3 percent, the July labor force participation rate of teens was the lowest for the month in the post-World War II period." The article goes on to say that what they believe are the three primary factors for this precipitous drop:

This generation is lazy (or they have other more interesting non-employment options)
Typical teen jobs are drying up
Teens face competition

While our economic is still recovering, it looks like teenagers are still playing catch up with employment. Why is this important? One reason is the many life lessons teenagers have the potential to receive through work, including integrity, communication, social skills, financial literacy, and much more. With fewer jobs in the marketplace to learn these skills, teenagers will fall further behind as they try to grow into the responsibility of adulthood.

That also means we must be proactive in creating opportunities, such as entrepreneurship training, to equip our youth to learn these necessary skills.

Why do you think teen employment is so low? What if anything can the church do about it?

Read the entire article: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-08-07/why-american-teens-aren-t-working-summer-jobs-anymore

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