Megatrends - The late arrivals are finally here.
In 1982, John Naisbitt wrote a classic book entitled "Megatrends: Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives." In it, he predicted massive changes in world development. He got some right, including:
- The shift in the labor market from "blue-collar" to "white-collar" jobs.
- The rise of the global economy.
- The shift from either/or to multiple options, leading to more roles for women, flextime in the workplace, various arts, specialty foods, cable television, and religious variety.
However, some he missed - or shall we say he was 30 years early. Three that he said were underway in 1982 which are just now beginning in earnest include:
- Business management will shift from short-term planning to long-term perspectives, motivated both by concern for the environment and by economic necessity ("for-benefit" corporations).
- Banks will need to rethink their function in a world of electronic transfer of funds (cyrptocurrencies).
- The shift from hierarchies to networks as the pyramid structure collapses. The facilitator and the empowerer of others will be rewarded rather than the autocrat (blockchain).
The megatrends Naisbitt "missed" in 1982 are now clearly in motion, and will impact our world for generations. We've been featuring these trends over the last few months because they will impact your ownership of gold, silver, and so much more. Enjoy the newsletter!
Gold, Silver, Cryptos, and FinTech
Signs of Higher U.S. Inflation Creep Into Regional Fed Surveys
Inflation expectations are a key ingredient to the price of gold making a move to the upside. Indicators are that it may be back.
Backlash Building to Cashless Movement
As financial technology makes a cashless society possible, businesses are tearing out their cash registers and requiring digital payment. However, people are stepping up and voicing concerns over the trend.
IBM Launches Starter Kit For Blockchain Developers
Big names in tech are throwing down in the blockchain space. Ethereum is the "go to" platform for smart contracts - for now, however IBM has not been shy about their plans.
Let's connect on Facebook!
As the world of money continues to rapidly change, it's important that you know more about who we are and what we are doing to help you navigate these changes. We've been on Facebook for some time. There are some exciting things on the horizon, so come on over and connect with us! We are going to use Facebook to share our thoughts as this whole new world of finance and money takes shape. We're starting with a fun little giveaway! (Find out more below!)
Suggested Reading
Consumers Favor Small Businesses Because of Their Customer Focus
US consumers are choosing small businesses because of the personalized experiences they provide compared with larger businesses.
Americans’ Complicated Feelings About Social Media in an Era of Privacy Concerns
Amid public concerns over Cambridge Analytica’s use of Facebook data and a subsequent movement to encourage users to abandon Facebook, there is a renewed focus on how social media companies collect personal information and make it available to marketers.
OWNx Office Closure Dates
September 3, Labor Day
Questions that make you say, "hmmmm...."
Which is more important in the design of something as critical as the world's monetary system - efficiency or diversity?
Is it best to always tie the exchange of value to a tangible item, or can there be exceptions depending on the time the item needs to hold that value?
What happens if blockchain transaction throughput cannot scale to satisfy demand without compromising on the original vision of a fully decentralized trustless network?
Can the Royals avoid losing over 100 games this year? (for us suffering Kansas City fans...) 🙂