What’s happening friends?  I pray that all is good with you and your loved ones.  So, are you using this “time-off” wisely?  Please don’t squander it.  You’ve been saying if I just had 2 weeks off (in some of your cases, paid time off) so that I can finish this or so I can do that.  Remember?  Welp!  Here it is.  Get to it!

As for me, among other things, I have been using this current week (last week was somewhat of a blur as this pandemic thing was still being processed) to start and finish reading books that I’ve ordered or collected.   “Powershift” written by Daymond John with Daniel Paisner is one of them.  As I read this book and think about the world’s current situation particularly the United States, I am more than convinced that we are experiencing a major “powershift”!  Key points that are made in this book are the importance of mastering influence, negotiation, and relationship.  Now keep in mind that this is a blog and not a dissertation, so I’ll keep it short and super simple.

Influence.  While the United States of America is one of the most influential countries in the world, those who run it have come to realize just how much “influence” they’ve given away over the last few decades.  Yes.  At the expense of the American worker and to “save a dollar” or to put more dollars in the pockets of the greedy, they outsourced the manufacturing of important goods and products to others.  Now, they are scrambling to get those same products and goods made in this country.  The “powershift” here is that we should keep our “influence” and continue to make our own products and goods especially those that we have the resources needed to do so right here in America.  The message and impression will be clear.  We are indeed the most influential country in the world–respect us.

Negotiation.  Listen, the leaders of the United States of America know our true strengths as well as the strengths of the other countries in the world.  They must use that knowledge to negotiate future deals with others in the world that will best serve all the people of the United States of America first and foremost.  Of course there has to be something in the deal for the country in which they’re negotiating with too.  Whether it’s negotiating trade deals for products and goods that we don’t have resources to make in this country or vice versa, the end result should be as close to a “win-win” as possible.  However, this country cannot be in a position where it needs a product or good from them and can’t get it.   So, leaders must be cautious when negotiating with those countries that have a tendency to be adversarial with us.  This country must place high value on and negotiate win-win deals with its own manufacturers, creatives, producers, etc.  Encourage them to continue to be innovative and world leaders in their respective industries.  By doing so, they will ensure that the “powershift” back to America is strong and lasting.  Remember the “Made in America” and “Buy in America” movement?

Relationships.  The United States must first connect with and nurture relationships with American businesses, companies, corporations, suppliers, producers, etc.  You do this by supporting their work and efforts.  Our businesses are our capital!  Our people and workers are our capital.  No matter what, when America suffers a crisis, American businesses, workers, and citizens step up to do “whatever” needs to be done.  It’s because they’re connected to this country.  Despite this country’s flaws and missteps, they value and love this country.  Leaders of the United States, let’s continue to build, strengthen, and respect the businesses and workers in this country.  United States leaders should continue to do the same for the allied countries of the world as well. Build, preserve, protect and respect those relationships.  Work relationships and make them last.  As for the adversarial countries that we must do business with or have relationship with, prayerfully and cautiously establish, build, restore trust so that the “powershift” will be in America’s favor.

Okay you all.  I’m going to get back to the Powershift book.  I’m just about finished and then I’ll dive into the next one.  Meanwhile, remember this. Human beings need other human beings not just for business but to also live and thrive.  We must learn to co-exist on planet earth in a way that will benefit all mankind, period.  And with God, it’s possible.  #Powershift

Tune in Saturday, March 28th, 2020 for another edition of the show on  https://www.youtube.com/MarilynsCafeSociety.  Be sure to “like”, subscribe, SHARE, and follow my social media platforms at marilynscafesoc on Twitter; Marilyn’s Café Society on Facebook, YouTube; and marilynscafesociety.com.  Peace.

Live. Laugh. LOVE.

Marilyn