One of the biggest people migrations in the history of corporate America is about to begin.
First workers migrated from agricultural fields to big cities to become craftsmen as farming became more efficient and machine based.
Then Henry Ford perfected the assembly line process so skilled craftsmen migrated to those big factory jobs to stay employed when assembly lines replaced the need for craftsmen.
As factory jobs became more efficient, moved overseas or assembly lines became automated, workers moved into cubicles and corporate jobs where their minds were put to work churning out productivity for their company.
We built a National school system to support this infrastructure starting in the industrial revolution. We built systems for workers to follow. Students picked a specialty and prepared to put their mind to work for the brands they would work for.
The next transition is looming…
Rosie the Robot made life easier for the Jetsons, this was one of countless examples in the movies and television of how automation would take over easily defined tasks so we could live better lives.
In some movies it was us against the machines, this may actually be closer to how employees will view these technical advances in the workplace as they come home to roost. Automation sounds great when it makes your job easier, it is less fun when it replaces your job.
The demise of manufacturing jobs has more to do with factory automation than overseas factories do. No, the technology that replaces workers does not look like Rosie the Robot.
The corporate version of that worker replacement will be Artificial Intelligence. There is not some big box with a man made brain… Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is simply a set of algorithms or rules that smart kids designed as a way for computers to do more work than they used to. The goal is to have computers take over simple or relatively repetitive tasks that people have traditionally performed.
Here is an example we see often today. Have you gone to a website and a box pops up with what looks like a customer service agent asking if you need help?
That was not a person… I know, I thought it was too.
Customer service inquires tend to cover the same questions over and over. As a general rule 97% can be handled by a computer programed to serve up the answers and seem to be human. For the other 3% maybe a person is brought in.
This same thing is happening over and over in corporate Americana and it is not slowing down.
Any job with a task or tasks that can be programmed once then repeated are at risk of being replaced by a well programmed computer. Think accounting, finance, research, analytical, customer service and much more.
People will move out and jobs will be handled by cloud computing.
What can you do?
First, be cognizant of the coming changes. Those who act first will have the best opportunities for great outcomes.
Second, Build your plan. There are a number of ways to replace your job with a cash flow you can control. You can start an independent business, buy and rent real estate (or fix up and flip). Alternatively, my favorite, find your perfect franchise.
Franchises can offer proven business models, training, support, marketing, supply chain, technology, branding and other owners doing the same thing you are as a secondary support system.
With thousands of choices and a strategic advantage in finding one that is perfectly fit to you there may be a benefit in having some help finding it. I get to do that with people daily and it can be a very uplifting and confidence building process to have a seasoned guide.
Get into business before the rush. At some point the movement of people out of corporate roles and into ownership will cause crowding, much like the rush hour traffic they will no longer be subject to. You can begin building your plan now, without leaving your job. There are ways to keep your job and begin building a second cash flow that you can build until you are ready to transition out.
Surround yourself with positive support and cheerleaders. The workplace will become much more toxic than it already is when this AI paradigm shift begins. The people you surround yourself with will have a big influence on your outcome.
It is an old rule in business that change opens up opportunity. As AI settles into the workplace there will be people that are proactive and set up great next steps, as well as those that complain and do nothing.
You have the opportunity, a window, to be proactive and create the future you desire.
What will your success story be? Let’s go find it!
George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many of the top franchise ownership groups in the world. With over 25 years of experience in both start-up and mature business franchise operations he is uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of Building their own empires. Whether you have an existing portfolio or searching for your first franchise, he can help you to pursue your dreams. Contact the Franchising USA Expert, George’s Hotline: 703-424-2980.