Increased market competition has driven companies to undertake stringent measures to improve productivity. With more companies focusing on hiring best talent, job seekers need to constantly upgrade their skills to bag a job. By becoming more competitive, job seekers can find employment opportunities in this volatile industry. For millions of job seekers in the U.S., American business tycoon Robert L. Johnson with his vast business network and innovative entrepreneurial initiatives is an inspiration. He has set an example to stay competitive and leverage existing opportunities.
Here are some ways in which Robert L. Johnson inspires an entire generation of job seekers in the US.
Personal Confidence Holds the Key to Success
What Robert L. Johnson can teach us about being competitive in today’s market is important to achieve professional success. John Malone, the CEO of one of the largest cable companies, invested $500,000 in Robert L. Johnson’s Black Entertainment Television. Johnson’s personal confidence boosted his prospects and attracted investment when he was just starting out. Believing in our abilities is, therefore, essential to gain others’ confidence.
Leveraging Existing Opportunities
Instead of waiting for the next-big-thing to happen, we must make the best of the present opportunities. Robert L. Johnson set an example on how to be at the right place at the right time by leveraging the technological revolution that eventually changed the way programming was distributed. He identified a lucrative opportunity in tapping the African-American programming segment. Consequently, his company became the most popular provider of black entertainment programming.
Business Beyond the Bottom-line
Professional success is not just about making big money. It is also about following a passion, doing something close to one’s heart and thereby, bringing about a positive change around. Fostering economic growth among the African-American community in the U.S. has been one of the biggest motivations for Robert L. Johnson. He has actively explored opportunities to benefit the minorities in the country. His philanthropic initiatives have contributed to the success of his endeavors. We must look up to him to understand how charity and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand.
Multi-Tasking at its Best
As the business head of several entities and organizations, Robert L. Johnson has achieved tremendous success. He founded companies in different sectors to capitalize on market demand. Further, he was a part of a delegation of African-Americans that toured Liberia after the country’s economy faltered following a war. Robert L. Johnson’s ability to don several hats is an inspiration for a generation that constantly complains about its inability to balance work and personal life.
First Mover Advantage
In today’s fiercely competitive market, doing what is expected from a person is not enough to succeed. It is important to identify a problem and come up with a solution before anybody else. Robert L. Johnson launched the first television network targeted at African Americans. It was also the first black owned company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Robert L. Johnson’s journey is an inspiration for us and he has continued to set high standards in innovation and exemplary work in business and other fields. By following in his footsteps, we can achieve success on all fronts.
Photo credited to Melissa Golden
© 2012, Dr. Towanna Freeman. All rights reserved.
As a much sought after speaker and leadership development coach, Towanna Freeman is also the creator of BlackLifeCoaches.net. She is also the co-author of an award winning book, Purposeful Action, 7 Steps to Fulfillment.
