courtesy of Aldo Baker

As the mother of four teenagers (ages 19, 17, 16, 14), helping them feel positive about the future can be a big undertaking! Not only are we dealing with hormones, the change in the employment landscape means many differences from when I was their age as well. They have all had paper routes, dog walking gigs, and snow shoveling jobs to build their bank accounts and having your own money at any age is a very good thing!

A good number of jobs nowadays are not long term, many are contract or temporary so there isn’t job security and there are so many job seekers of all age groups and experience levels. According to this article in the Financial Post, “Youth unemployment today is nearly 15%, which is about twice the overall Canadian level.”

Our youth, this is based on ages 18 to 24, are stressing about their future. Many supplement income with credit cards and there is an increasing number moving back in with their parents.

So how do we help them see and experience a bright future?

Talk about it! Help them focus on exactly what it is they want to do.

Where do they want to work? What skills do they want to use? What are their goals in the next 3 to 5 years? (this helps decide some direction now.)

Take opportunities as they arise – Sure the job at Tim Horton’s or seasonal help at Coles book store may not be a long term solution, it does get them out in the work force … meeting people, learning new things, and every thing we do is a lesson which guides us onto the next stage of our life.

Consider working for themselves – This is an area we are looking at with our children. I started my own business 15 years ago, and haven’t looked back! Each of us has skills and abilities that can become a business. For example, our 17 year old is amazing with his hands and any tools, and he is not a people person while his 19 year old brother is a social magnet who could sell you just about anything … so they could partner in a business that includes both of their loves, while they support each other and earn some money.

Share in their journey – Celebrate the interview even if they did not get the job (so much can be learned), the part-time jobs that allowed them to buy the $100 pair of jean, and the money earned by shoveling the neighbour’s driveway. Support them when challenges arise as well, just talking about it gives them the opportunity to find resolution and decide how to proceed.

The future will seem brighter and more in our control if we can each take responsibility for ourselves and the generations to come!

Pam Christie

Future Vision Guide

Today is where your book begins.  The rest is still un-written…..

The ocean is rough here today in Ft. Lauderdale.  Maybe as a result of the many emotions and big ideas uncovered here at Fabienne Fredricksons Mindset retreat.  An event I had the privilege of attending this week which helps transform your mindset to attract abundance and play a much BIGGER GAME in your business.  I met some incredible entrepreneurs; some I am sure I will get to know quite well as they are amazing women and I enjoyed every minute I spent with them.   Many we will do business with and DemGen will help them grow their businesses and play that big game they are destined for.  Some we will learn from and they will help us as our business grows.

Any way you slice it, I feel blessed. Overjoyed. Pumped.

The Mindset Retreat is not your average business seminar.   No classrooms or workshops.  No required learning.  But there were lots of hugs and sharing and some tears too.  It is three days of intense examination of your mindset and how it may be holding you back from achieving all that you are meant to achieve in your life and business.  The premise is brilliant and as a business development strategist I applaud Fabienne for leading the way here and sharing all that she has learned with the many entrepreneurs willing to dig deep inside and un-earth their blocks.

I dug deep.  I cried and hugged.  I did it all friends.  I am a better woman for it.

But I also made connections and networked with other entrepreneurs.  Authentic connections that feel great!  Tina and Dan Forsyth for example.  We work in the same circles and are members of her International Association of Online Business Manager’s, but they are also really great people and helping so many entrepreneurs with the many aspects of running their on-line businesses.

A big ‘Woohoo’ to you both.  😉

 There are many ways to grow your business, and DemGen sure knows a thing or two about that.  But what the 300 people attending learned in sunny Florida this week is that it’s up to each of us to allow it to happen.  Attract it and recognize the signs when they come.

Woooohooooo!!

Kristen Babrociak

Director of Growth Operations

DemGen Inc.