An Opportunity for Growth

There was more unpleasant news from the BBC business coverage today. The TUC has warned jobseekers that for each advertised open position, there is an average of 10 hopeful employees.

From the BBC,
“The trade union body said the ratio - which applies to unemployed people who are claiming jobseeker allowance - had more than doubled over the past year.

The TUC said that while 10 unemployed people were chasing every advertised job in January of 2009, a year earlier it was only four per vacancy.”

Because employers must now look over heaps of CVs, it is difficult for even the most outstanding candidates to get much attention. Because every employer emphasises different skills and experiences, there is no guarantee that any one CV will impress when it counts.

Meanwhile, a 10-country Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) study by researchers from Babson College, London School of Business, and the Kauffman Foundation, has found that going into business for oneself is one of the most effective ways to help grow the economy.

From SmallBusinessNotes.com,
"The GEM report provides conclusive evidence that promoting entrepreneurship and enhancing the entrepreneurial dynamic of a country should be an integral element of any government's commitment to boosting economic well being," said Paul Reynolds, GEM project coordinator and a professor at both Babson College and the London Business School. Adds Michael Hay, a GEM project director and professor at the London Business School, "GEM endorses the argument that entrepreneurship makes a difference to economic prosperity and that a country without high business start-up rates is risking economic stagnation. Countries that are able to replenish the stock of businesses and jobs and have the capacity to accommodate volatility and turbulence in the entrepreneurial sector are best placed to compete effectively."

Not only does today’s entrepreneur have the chance to take his or her professional life by the reigns, but also the opportunity to generate new jobs and revenue streams for others who have been hit by hard times. We are truly grateful to today’s business leaders, and encourage you to consider the positive impact you may make by putting your natural skills to good use as an entrepreneur.