Trump teaching business lessons of ‘hope’ in downturned economic times

The reality show “The Apprentice” started up again for the Fall, and with a different spin this season. Donald Trump and his cast will wisely tug at the heart strings of all of North America, as he has chosen contestants who have been a little down on their luck. The commonality between them is that they are business professionals who are ALL unemployed due to the economic status of businesses all over the country. These 16 victims have all tasted this bitter economy, and Mr. Trump is going to bless the lucky winner with a big time job within his company. Trump against the recession is what the show is being called.

Zap2IT.com reviewed the premiere last night: “The Donald goes on to assure viewers that, “I hate what I’m seeing and I’m going to do something about it” with a “recession-themed” season. The contestants are definitely familiar with the recession. There’s a former engineer who is now a tow truck driver, a corporate attorney who now sells $2 cupcakes from a truck and a couple of advanced degree holders forced to go back and live at home.”

It’s safe to say that Mr. Trump’s ratings will not suffer as everyone loves a sad story. This is, in fact, a sad story that is all too familiar to most business people these days, even to those of us in Vancouver. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by this economic downturn, in various degrees of course. Work hours or salaries have been slashed, and loss of employment has been a big topic.

Mr. Trump can only hire one “winner” from his grueling 12 week interview process. In the meantime, perhaps we will see an up swing in this downturn? Or at least we can learn a lesson that will give hope to our careers as businesspeople.

Mike Whitney of The Market Oracle writes: The 7.2 million jobs lost since the recession began in December 2007 are the most of any postwar economic slump, Labor Department data shows. The economy is the country’s top concern, with persistently high unemployment the greatest threat the public sees. Eight of 10 Americans rate joblessness a high risk to the economy in the next two years.

This recession is hitting hard in North America. When Reality Shows start focusing on just how realistic these problems are, it may be time to look at different solutions. Businesses experiencing some “bad luck” have alternatives to getting back on their feet again. Fully equipped, professional offices are very useful for downsizing businesses. Places such as Elite Business Centres provide the reception, admin, as well as other capital expenditures, which in turn, can help a struggling bottom line. Even if the office space is not required, a business centre can provide virtual offices and mail handling, customized for your company.