The Future is up to You!

"Every child is born an artist. The trick is to remain an artist."

-Picasso

We’ve spent 100 years schooling our children and selves into becoming a “cog in the wheel” for the system. We created compliance by asking students to memorize a formula of history, math and science. Instead of recognizing the interests of the people- the system set the agenda.

It told us what to wear, how to respond and what to think. The bigger picture enforced the rules, fostering everyone to get-in-line, wait your turn and don’t question authority. It amazes me how many people in the workforce have relinquished their minds, hearts and souls in an effort to fit in. Trained by fear to perform a repetitive duty and to keep your thoughts to yourself in the effort to earn a living or possibly retire with some dignity.

Is it any wonder we have so many cases of depression, so many needs for medication and so little regard for our workforce or fellow man?

I really enjoy talking with people and presenting my case for the reason of why we are at a crossroads for the future. I’ve avoided playing the political arguments intentionally. To me, it’s not as relevant as understanding the concept that we are engaged in and responding to the current social environment.

We are experiencing a giant cultural shift in how we do business. The current format of the Industrial Age is undergoing dramatic change. Change- that is quicker than ever before. Technology advances are enabling us to move faster than a speeding train. There will be a new breed of people like Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates. In fact, due to new technology some of the next inventors are already here.

What does that have to do with me?

If you want to be a part of the shift this is your free ticket. Recognizing you have been a pawn in the game is the key to breaking out and enabling yourself to be competitive. Forming an alliance with others who understand this new direction will provide you with a powerful network capable of embracing change and quickly adjusting. Merely staying put is a guarantee to end-up like the great Buffalo hunt; that followed the leader over the cliff.

Which would you rather be?

If you can’t jump ship at least realize you’ve been bamboozled. The current ride isn’t going to improve until you change your own thinking. It’s a long ride to the bottom of the sea. Do we really want to go there?

 I hope not, we’ve wasted enough time, energy and health in subscribing to a life with diminishing outcomes. Even the so-called recession was a result of the early stages of Industrial restructuring. The “big” stores, factories and other organizations are slowly dying. Jobs that exist today will be gone in 15-25 years and the “traditional” education will be replaced.

So perhaps one of my biggest challenges is to attempt to stay ahead of the curve and hope people will open their minds, despite a life-long indoctrination into compliance, fitting in and being average. Forget the gold watch, retirement party and focus on a more likely scenario:

The future is up to you and better yet; it doesn’t require permission because- you’ve been given a free ticket. Now go make something interesting and creative. It’s your art, your destiny and legacy to do something meaningful!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Are You a By-Product of The Industrial Age?

 

If you spent your time at work attempting to work faster and harder you’re a by-product of the Industrial Age.

If your company slogan was work smarter, not harder- you’re a by-product of the Industrial Age.

If the organization you work for splatters the community with billboard and newspaper advertisements’ its marketing believes it’s still lives in the Industrial Age.

If the hierarchy of the organization cuts benefits, bonuses, pay and reduces employees you are witnessing the collapse of the Industrial Age.

The Death of Mass

At one time mass production, care or infrastructure depended solely on vast quantities of paper, pencil, presses and people. Technology slowly changed the process, eliminating some of the previous sources of reliance and input. Computers, software, robotics and automation streamlined the services.

During its heyday- mass marketing was a favorite strategy used by public relations to convince the public to buy, use or choose their product. Mass campaigns were created to extend social awareness and earn trust as a reliable business source.

If we look a little closer, we will notice those businesses have attempted to create the least amount of risk to produce (your company’s category here) for the masses. Some businesses have mastered this concept for decades. Sadly, some are still attempting to emulate and continue to miss the point of change.

The Industrial Age is dying a slow, painful death.

If your organization is run by a board of directors who only observe the accountants bottom line; you are in trouble. Goods and services can only be dumbed down so far, eventually the products or services must be scaled to offset costs. This affects the employees and contrary to the belief of management- the customer.

Our Only Option

We now live in a new Industrial Revolution. An age consisting of small, global and connected ventures with people who share, work together and connect for a common cause. Agile, socially responsible and unique. We earn our customers RESPECT through personal trust, care and remarkable stories that spread.

Our board members are real people who understand our purpose and cause:

To do Something Meaningful that Matters!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Connect the Dots!

 

The Industrial Age was always about control. Control has kept us fighting in every conceivable way to enforce their will over humanity. The MC, Ringmaster, referee and manager were hand-picked to manipulate the desired results for the “Big Kahuna”.

Control allows no compromise, variation or opportunity to pick door #3. No chance to stand-out, raise the bar or do great things. The sooner you comprehend this message; the sooner you’ll stop feeling like the ball inside a pinball machine.

Take risks, challenge the status quo, think outside the box and don’t settle for rhetoric, quick fixes or mediocrity.

Embrace this time knowing we are on the cusp of change. In the post-industrial age you have a responsibility to create something remarkable, significant and inspiring.

Connect the dots.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com 

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

Risk is Now the New Safe!

We see people in the workplace going through the motions, completing task after given task. A few of those folks take the time to add value to their work while most just see the cycle of repetition as a means to receive the next paycheck.  Sometimes it’s due to an overworked environment and less than optimal staffing; other times it’s a case of employees accepting mediocrity.

It amazes me how many employees are habitually lulled to pointless tasks just to appear busy at work. How you can spend years doing the same thing over and over and not somehow feel cheated.

Instead of being productive with your time and life, you allow your boss, company or yourself to trade your mind for a physical quest in exchange for a fee. For compliance and obedience your most valuable asset has been shutdown. This was the way of the Industrial Age.

The message has been sent that you aren’t able to do anything else in life. Accept your role, surrender your dreams and stay in line. It’s all about fitting in and being a team player, don’t make a ruckus, do what you are told, don’t ask questions. Consider yourself, lucky to even have a job!  

This conditioning ensures you will never attempt to break-out of the prison walls. Never thinking of your future, take a risk or recognize opportunity. The parameters become an accepted form of fate. It doesn’t have to be this way.  

We are all capable of doing remarkable feats far more than we ever imagined. If you’re not moving forward you’re running backwards. Don’t waste valuable time trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. We only get one life, don’t waste it on stupid stuff.

Life can be rewarding, fun and prosperous if we step outside the gates. Do what you’ve always dreamed about. Find a way, set goals and make it happen. Don’t wait for permission, do it now. Research your ideas on the internet, seek good advice from entrepreneurs, take a class, but start now.

The Industrial Age is dying. Being a compliant and obedient employee has always been a dime-a-dozen in numbers. That’s not living a meaningful life, nor does it bring success.

Be rare, unique, creative and motivated. That’s what the new frontier is about.

Risk is now the new safe!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Raising the Bar of Leadership!

 

“Do not take the agenda that someone else has mapped out for your life.”
― John C. Maxwell

Hold On

The quest to push “the powers in charge” is simply a call for integrity and accountability. One of the main reasons for the lack of those morals is fear. Management plays the fear card and employees respond. Government practices the same measures. Although those in hallowed offices and chambers view it as a form of strategic marketing management- it's not!

A plan designed to hold people in fear, keeping them from recognizing truth and limiting their resources. In truth, it’s a deployment of walls within a calculated plan to harness your mind and productivity. Business and Government have manipulated the public successfully for years. The plan worked extremely well until it contributed to the fall of the Industrial Age.

Blinded By the Light

Greed, power and corruption led to a blinded future. The outcome few cared about. The end-game played out and the deck was stacked. Those who bought into the cycle of fear lost. Only a few walked away unscathed.

The gatekeepers under those at the helm are actually fueled by a higher degree of fear and caution. The ability to placate both ends of the spectrum, while maintaining position or elective status is a stressful job. Selling out their souls for a title to serve the employees or voters in mass requires the skill to not recognize “the man in the glass.”

Come Together

We need people to become involved in politics and business for honest reasons. The heck with party lines- let’s fix something broke. Recognize the playing field and develop a sound strategic plan based on principals to bring integrity and accountability back to our purpose in life.

Stop the whining and babble. We want honesty, truth and something worth standing up for. We want to feel alive and live a purposeful life.

Last Train to Clarksville

 I believe we have forgotten our strengths and our ability of courage to create change. We’ve become numb from listening too much, believing everyone else’s agenda or just plain given up.

Enough’s- enough, let’s reclaim our spirit, our freedom and our rights.

What can you do to create positive change today?

“We cannot become what we need by remaining what we are.”
― John C. Maxwell

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Alternative to Being Average



Photo used courtesy of: cliff1066â„¢)

The end of the Industrial age has already brought many changes in the way we do business. The problem is most employers and employees haven’t grasped the change in direction.

Many companies are still run as if they are factories and many employees are being treated the same as if they are factory workers. Worse yet, many of the employees have preconceived notions so ingrained into their brain; they don’t know the rules have changed.

The Race to the Bottom

From the first day of school; compliance, fitting in, and being average were drilled into our heads. Everyone used a #2 pencil; sat in a straight row, bells rang to signify the beginning or end of class, and we raised our hand to ask or answer a question. Formulated measures were used to teach compliance to the masses.

In order to produce more factories and sell more products we were taught that purchasing items would buy happiness. Mass television, radio marketing, and peer pressure were some of the ways used to get us to buy into the idea. Corporations became extremely wealthy. Unions prospered and employees earned a comfortable living style. Everyone was happy, waiting for the gold watch and retirement pension.

Then the unthinkable happened. Someone decided they could manufacture stuff cheaper. Factories moved overseas, many closed or were bought out and relocated. It was always about manufacturing something cheaper and faster. It always will be. That is what produced the Industrial age and it is the reason we can’t compete now. It’s a race to the bottom.

End of the Industrial Era

So here we are. The Industrial age has run its course. Suddenly fitting in, being compliant, and following the manual created an entire group of average people that can be replaced at a moment’s notice, with more average employees. No job security. This is the same type of employee sought after for a fast food business job. Where’s the progression?

The Alternatives

1. Be creative, innovative, and unique.
2. Stand out and make yourself a valuable asset to your organization.
3. Stop trying to fit in, stop being average, and unleash the chains.
4. If the business you work for doesn’t allow you to make a difference, change jobs (Chances are the organization will go the way of the factories anyway.)
5. Start your own business, do something you’ve always dreamed of, become that someone you always wanted to be.
6. Be a leader, not a follower!

Take charge of your life today and do something meaningful that matters.

Your future is only as secure as you choose to make it!

 

Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

 

www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

Mr. Seth Godin

Several blogs ago, I mentioned some cool startup projects seeking funding using Kickstarter. I was happy to be able to contribute to Seth Godin’s unique publishing transformation idea, which sought $40,000.00 in donations to publish his upcoming book- "The Icarus Deception: Why Make Art?" The dollar amount was exceeded within 3 hours on Kickstarter. So far, the project has more than 3,900 supporters and earned more than $267,000.00.

The project funding ends on Tuesday, July 17^th.

Seth’s has built an amazing tribe of followers who are very loyal towards his art. If you get an opportunity to catch his blog or purchase any of his books, do so. If you want to hear him speak at a conference- act quickly; Seth Godin’s lectures sell- out in a matter of minutes.

Why? Because what Seth offers is rare and sometimes free. His foresight and advice in marketing and business is cutting edge. His broad marketing research is undeniable.

Mr. Godin initiates trends and proves their success by accomplishing the act himself within the public’s view. No test run, no survey, a decision is made and without fear, he walks the talk.

Seth is willing to take risks because he knows the art he creates are opportunities.  Opportunity’s are the future and the future is now!

Besides, Seth has created a tribe and a tribe of people can make things happen quickly. He is relentless in his ideology and is always pushing the boundaries. Change is constant so his followers are never bored.

Mr. Godin often states the importance to finish, do it, ship it or simply get it done. Fear is not an option. That’s why he has the Midas touch. The Kickstarter project is an excellent example of this concept.

Congrats to Seth Godin and his tribe!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Just like Dad (A late, but better than Never- Father's Day Gift).

Note: The following are excerpts of a few pages from one of my upcoming books. It is the only way to explain my blog at the end of this story. Perhaps this is the first-ever reverse written blog? Enjoy!

When I was in my late teens I would often remind myself I didn't want to become the man my father was. It wasn't that my Dad was a bad person. It wasn't because he didn't provide for his family.

As a hobby he repaired electronic devices such as TV's, stereo systems and radios, even watches. While building houses, he built his own home entirely. He studied how things worked and learned how to repair cars, lawnmowers, toilets, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves and plumbing. There wasn't much he couldn't build, fix or replace. Heck, Dad was doing reverse-engineering before the Government.

He charged little, nothing or just the cost of the parts, so he was always in high demand. Little elderly women would call the house if their toilet or sink was plugged and Dad would be a Good Samaritan and fix their problem.

Dad could have been a very successful repair man. He could have offered a variety of services when no one else did so. For some reason he never took the jump.

After he built a local factory owner's home Dad was hired at the homeowners business. A maintenance worker with an impeccable knack for fixing things and being a hard worker was always in demand in those days. Whether he was an hourly or salary employee, Dad was the guy the company depended on. This motivated his self-esteem.

His effectiveness and work ethic meant he would often work 60 or more hours a week. The drawback was the long hours work left little time for his family. Perhaps even worse, when he was home and not busy with yard work, repairing a car, somebody's TV, or tinkering- he was wore out. No time to take me to a ball game, fishing or doing what other children did with their Dad.

No matter what factory employed him the same scenario persisted.

Excerpt-

My Dad represented a factory worker and I didn't like it. The lunch bucket, thermos and Dickie's uniform all represented boring repetition to me. I knew my Dad could do far better in his choice of occupations.

Dad was extremely innovative. I remember him showing me a new huge plastic molding machine that he uncrated and setup. During the setup process he actually would find flaws in the design of the machine and redesign it himself to reduce the chances of breaking down or to simply speed-up the manufacturing process. I was impressed! The company would take out a patent; increase their wealth and all he got was a pat on the back- if that!

The Inventor

He designed an in-ground moisture sensor device in the late 1970's. At that time water was being rationed in many parts of the western and southwestern United States. The device could actually sense when the ground was dry, activating a sprinkler system. Once the ground was saturated the sensor recognized the level of moisture and the sprinkler system would shut off. The idea was perfect for golf courses on a timer system and would save millions of gallons of water to regular homeowners and businesses.

Dad's only problem was a lack of marketing or business skills. Consequently, he did not approach the right people with his invention and became frustrated quickly. He gave up on his invention.

I sometimes questioned why he never went into business for himself and even offered to help him with sales. He basically depended on the Industrial style of work: a secure job, guaranteed paycheck and insurance. Stepping outside of his comfort zone represented a risk.

Another of my Dad's inventions was a razor blade that never needed replaced. The consumer would only have to purchase one blade and with his invention the blade would remain sharp.

Wilkinson Sword invited him to dinner to Pittsburgh to discuss the invention. When Dad learned Wilkinson wanted to buy the idea from him and bury it, to eliminate the threat of losing the business of selling razor blades. Dad wouldn't agree. He later learned someone had a patent from years before, so he scrapped the idea.

Excerpt:

Once he retired, he had one last invention up his sleeve.

For security reasons I am unable to define his next invention in this blog. But you may read about it in my upcoming book. The invention could have changed the world!

Excerpt:

Then, suddenly he had a major stroke and died from the complications.

My actual Blog:

The other night before bed my wife said to me: "You're just like your Dad. You have all these great ideas but you fail to follow through!"

She was right. The one thing I thought I never wanted to be- I had become.

We allow our ideas and dreams to die. We stop ourselves. It's easy to allow fear to keep us from doing something meaningful.

In my final years, do I want to feel like I wasted my life, when I could have made a positive impact on people's lives or perhaps changed the world? My Dad had the opportunity and failed to act in time.

I barely slept. The next morning I wrote my first business plan.

Dad.... This one's for you!

Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com