Consumer’s confidence about the U.S. economy fell unexpectedly in October as job prospects remained bleak, a private research group said Tuesday, fueling speculation that an already gloomy holiday shopping forecast could worsen.
I believe we, at least in America, are moving to a 1099 economy — an independent consulting economy. The internet is forcing more and more people and businesses to specialize. It’s not enough that you’re a plumber in your city — what makes you the best plumber, or, perhaps more importantly, the right plumber for the job? Why should I pick you over anyone else, in an age where Google or my iPhone can instantly tell me fifteen more plumbers, whose reputations I can check through Yelp?
You now need to “add value” to just about any job and any business. I think there may be exceptions to this, if you truly are the only game in town. However, you won’t always be. Someone else is coming to take that job from you, and if they’re texting quality legal tips to Tumblr, they’re the right attorney for you.
On the other hand, this culture has not permeated every sector. There are still “old-fashioned” professions that are, I believe, part of the old economy. This is mainly to cater to people in their 50s and older. I’ve noticed in law and medicine, for example, there are still virtually no Yelp-ish tools available. This is a big problem, and I hope it changes quickly.
